Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun twist on dessert! These chewy cookies are topped with a creamy frosting and a colorful mix of fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwis, and blueberries. Yum!
Who knew you could have cookies and pizza together? I love making these for parties—they’re always a hit! Serve them cold, and watch them disappear in no time. 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or almond flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is great for sweetness. For a healthier alternative, you can use coconut sugar. It’ll add a bit of color and a hint of caramel flavor to your cookies.
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter as it lets you control the salt in your recipe. If you’re dairy-free, you can swap this for coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives the frosting that rich flavor. If you want a lighter spread, whipped cream cheese works well. For a dairy-free option, consider using cashew cream or a dairy-free cream cheese.
Fresh Fruits: Choose whatever fruits are in season for the best flavor! If you can’t find certain fruits, you can swap for others like bananas or peaches, but be mindful as they may alter the cookie’s overall look.
How Do I Get My Cookies to Hold Their Shape?
Shaping cookies can be tricky, but here are a few tips to keep them from spreading too much:
- Chill your dough! Before rolling into balls, let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- Make sure your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
- Avoid overmixing your dough. Once the flour is added, mix just until combined to keep the cookies light and fluffy.
Following these tips will help you bake cookies that hold their shape just right! Happy baking!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For The Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
For Toppings:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to bake. Make sure to give the cookies some time to cool completely before frosting them. All in all, it’s a fun and colorful treat that can be ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make sure the cookies won’t stick when you bake them.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer or a wooden spoon. Keep mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. You want it to be soft but not sticky!
4. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into balls that are about 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball to create cookie shapes. This helps them bake evenly.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Once done, take them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the frosting! In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s nice and smooth.
7. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled down, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Make it as thick as you like—more frosting means more yum!
8. Add the Fruit Toppings:
Now comes the fun part! Decorate each frosted cookie with your assorted fresh fruits, arranging them in whatever way looks best to you. Get creative!
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you want, finish off each cookie with a small mint leaf on top for some extra freshness. Serve the cookies right away, or refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy. Happy baking!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese for Another Frosting?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can use whipped cream or a simple buttercream frosting instead. Just whip up 1/2 cup of softened butter with 2 cups of powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth for a buttery frosting. Keep in mind, the flavor will be different but still delicious!
How Should I Store These Cookies?
To keep your Fruit Pizza Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about 3-4 days. Just be aware that if you add fresh fruit, it’s best to consume them within a day or two to maintain crispness and flavor!
Can I Use Different Types of Fruit?
Definitely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits. Just make sure you cut them into small pieces to make it easier to arrange on the cookies. Some great alternatives include banana slices, peach wedges, or even diced apples. Just avoid overly watery fruits like watermelon, which may make the cookies soggy.
What Can I Do If My Dough is Too Sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky to work with, don’t worry! Simply add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. Just be cautious not to add too much flour, as it can make the cookies dense. Keep mixing until you can roll the dough into balls without it sticking to your hands.
