These Easy Fruit Pizza Cookies are like a friendly dessert party on a cookie! With a soft sugar cookie base and a creamy topping, they’re perfect for summer fun.
Load them up with your favorite fruits like strawberries and blueberries. I can’t resist sneaking a few pieces before serving—don’t worry, I won’t tell! 🍓
Making these cookies is a breeze! Just bake, spread on the cream, and add colorful fruits. They are sure to brighten any sunny day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt in the cookies. If you don’t have unsalted, you can use salted butter, just skip the added salt in the recipe.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard for the cookies, but brown sugar gives a deeper flavor. You might consider using half of each for a slight caramel flavor!
Fruit Toppings: Use whatever fresh fruit you love! If strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to swap them out for bananas or peaches. You can also use canned fruit in syrup but be sure to drain and pat them dry.
Cream Cheese: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese mixed with a bit of vanilla and sugar. It’s a tasty alternative!
What’s the Best Way to Make Soft and Chewy Cookies?
The key to achieving soft and chewy cookies is all about the mixing method and baking time. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined. Also, underbaking just a tad keeps them nice and soft.
- Preheat your oven so that the cookies bake evenly.
- Check them at the lower end of the baking time. They should look slightly underdone; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Easy Fruit Pizza Cookies Recipe for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sugar Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping (choose fresh, washed, and chopped as needed):
- Strawberries (halved or quartered)
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Kiwi (peeled and diced)
- Mandarin orange segments or fresh orange slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll need a little time to let the cookies cool completely before frosting them. So, plan for about 30-40 minutes total before you can enjoy your cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies don’t stick.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this should take a few minutes. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined and creamy!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the butter mixture while beating on low speed until you have a soft dough.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to form cookie bases.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Pop them in the oven and bake 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.
6. Make the Frosting:
While the cookies cool, prepare your cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy.
7. Frost and Top:
Once your cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each one. Now comes the fun part—arranging your colorful fresh fruit on top!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve them right away for a fresh taste, or refrigerate them for a little while before serving if you prefer them chilled. Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Fruit Pizza Cookies!
These cookies are not only tasty but also look beautiful, making them the perfect treat for summer gatherings or just a fun dessert at home!
FAQ About Easy Fruit Pizza Cookies
Can I Use Different Fruits for Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits. Bananas, peaches, and even blueberries or sliced apples would work wonderfully. Just make sure the fruits are fresh and preferably in season for the best flavor!
Can I Make the Cookie Base Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling into balls.
How Should I Store Leftover Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may want to add the fruit topping just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent the cookies from getting soggy.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
You can freeze the cookie bases without the frosting and fruit topping! Once baked and cooled, place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and then add the frosting and fruits before serving.
