Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun treat that mixes sweet cookies with colorful fruit and creamy frosting. They look like a mini pizza but are packed with fruity goodness!
Every bite is a treat, and they’re perfect for parties or a sunny day snack. I love to let the kids pick their favorite fruits to decorate—it’s like art you can eat! 🍓🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the cookies structure. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend can work, just adjust the amount since they can behave differently!
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content. You can swap in coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative, but keep in mind it might change the texture slightly.
Cream Cheese: The creaminess is key for the frosting. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Fruits: Use whatever fresh fruits you love! If you can’t find kiwi or berries, feel free to substitute with bananas or melons. It’s all about personal preference!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting the texture just right is crucial for these cookies. One key step is to cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy—this helps incorporate air for a tender cookie.
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best results.
- Don’t overmix after adding the dry ingredients; just mix until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Let the cookies cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting into the warm cookie.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, orange segments)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let the cookies cool completely after baking, which will take another 15-20 minutes. So, in total, set aside about an hour to make and enjoy your fruit pizza cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier later on.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well mixed. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, add your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. It should look nice and creamy!
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the egg and the first teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is well mixed together.
5. Mix in Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined; don’t over-mix, or your cookies might be tough!
6. Shape and Bake Cookies:
Using a scoop or spoon, drop round shapes of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each round slightly to create a nice cookie shape. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once done, take them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and the second teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be your frosting for the cookies.
8. Decorate Your Cookies:
Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Get creative and arrange your assorted fresh fruits on the frosting in a colorful, eye-catching pattern.
9. Add Finishing Touches:
If you’d like, you can place a mint leaf on top of each cookie as a lovely garnish. It not only looks great but adds a nice fresh flavor too!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, you can serve these delightful fruit pizza cookies immediately, or store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy them. Happy baking!
Can I Substitute the All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead! Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute so you can maintain the texture of the cookies. If you’re experimenting with almond flour, you might need to adjust the quantity slightly, adding more for consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover fruit pizza cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to keep the frosting and fruit separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid sogginess. You can freeze unbaked cookie dough too; just scoop it onto the baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months!
Can I Use Different Fruits for Topping?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any fresh fruits you like or have on hand. Just keep in mind that some fruits, like bananas and apples, might brown quickly, so they’re best added just before serving. Berries, citrus, and other stone fruits work beautifully!
What if My Cream Cheese is Lumpy?
If your cream cheese feels lumpy, it might be too cold! Make sure to let it soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing. If it’s still lumpy, you can use a hand mixer for a few more minutes to achieve that smooth texture you’re after. A little patience goes a long way!
