Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun twist on the classic dessert! They have a soft, cookie base topped with creamy frosting and colorful fresh fruits. Yum!
These cookies are great for sharing at parties or just enjoying at home. I love how you can use whatever fruits you have on hand—each cookie can be a little different!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve seen great results with almond flour in other recipes, but it may change the texture a bit.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for the sweetness and texture of the dough, if you don’t have powdered sugar, you can easily make your own by blending granulated sugar until finely ground.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness of your cookies. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance flavors.
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the frosting. If you’re looking for a lighter option, mascarpone cheese or even Greek yogurt works well, but adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Fresh Fruits: Use whatever you have on hand! Berries, peaches, or bananas all work beautifully. I often like to mix seasonal fruits for a vibrant touch!
How Do I Make the Perfect Cookie Dough?
Getting the cookie dough just right can be tricky! Here’s how to ensure a great texture:
- Start by mixing the dry ingredients together thoroughly to avoid clumps.
- When adding the butter, make sure it’s softened but not melted; this helps to create a nice crumbly texture.
- Once you add in the egg and vanilla, mix until just combined. Over mixing can lead to tough cookies!
Lastly, let the shaped cookies chill for a few minutes before baking. This helps them maintain their shape and results in a better texture. Enjoy your baking process!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. You’ll also want to allow time for the cookies to cool completely. Overall, plan for about 30 minutes to 1 hour from start to finish, depending on your pace.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important to ensure even baking. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a quick whisk together. Now, add in the softened butter and mix until the mixture looks crumbly. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring everything together until it forms a dough.
3. Form the Cookies:
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into thick circles that are about 2-3 inches in diameter. Place these dough circles onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie for some spreading during baking.
4. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden color. When they’re ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
5. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, whip up the frosting! In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, vanilla yogurt, and honey or maple syrup if you’re using it. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this is going to be the delicious topping for your cookies.
6. Assemble the Cookies:
Once your cookies have cooled down, it’s time to spread some goodness on them! Take your cream cheese mixture and spread a generous layer on top of each cookie, making sure to cover them nicely.
7. Top with Fruit:
Now comes the fun part! Arrange your fresh fruits over the cream cheese layer. Feel free to be creative and use a mix of your favorite fruits for a colorful and tasty topping!
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you want to make your cookies look even prettier, add a mint leaf on top of each one as a garnish. Serve them right away or place them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy. They make for a sweet treat at any gathering!
Enjoy your delightful fruit pizza cookies! They’re perfect for sharing and sure to impress everyone!
Can I Substitute the All-Purpose Flour?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Ensure that it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for best results. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
To store leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the fruit separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the cookies from getting soggy.
Can I Use Other Fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fruit toppings. You can use any fruit you like, such as bananas, apples, or peaches. Just make sure to slice them thinly for easy topping and enjoy experimenting with flavors!
Can I Make the Cookie Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. If you need to freeze it, shape the dough into discs, wrap in parchment paper, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking!
