Fruit pizza cookies are sweet, fun treats that combine cookie dough with a creamy frosting and colorful fruits on top. They look like little pizzas, and they taste amazing!
These cookies are perfect for any gathering. You can get creative with the fruit toppings—think berries, bananas, or even kiwi! 🍓🍌 I love sharing them at parties; they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your cookie dough. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control of salt in your recipe. You can substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter if you’re dairy-free.
Brown sugar: It adds moisture and a deeper flavor. If you’re out, you can replace it with more granulated sugar and a splash of molasses to mimic its taste.
Cream cheese: This gives your frosting its creamy texture. Neufchâtel or vegan cream cheese are great alternatives if you’re looking for something lighter or dairy-free.
Fresh fruits: Use whatever is in season or your favorites! Berries, bananas, or even peaches can work well. Just keep in mind their moisture content may vary.
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Bake Perfectly?
Baking cookies just right can be tricky. Here are some crucial steps to keep in mind:
- Preheat the oven: Always preheat to ensure even baking.
- Space them out: Leave about 2 inches between each scoop on the baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Flatten the dough: Gently flattening each scoop before baking helps them cook evenly.
- Check for doneness: Look for lightly golden edges; they might look soft in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
With these tips, your cookies should come out perfectly soft and chewy every time!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the cream cheese frosting)
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to bake. After that’s done, you’ll want to allow some time for cooling the cookies before adding the frosting and fruit. Overall, you can expect the entire process to take about 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Ingredients:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to make sure your cookies don’t stick.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This helps to ensure your cookies bake evenly. Once mixed, set this bowl aside.
3. Creaming the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together 3/4 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Adding Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This will add some sweetness and richness to your cookies.
5. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until everything is just combined. Don’t over-mix here, as we want the cookies to be nice and soft!
6. Scooping and Flattening the Dough:
Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart. Then, gently flatten each scoop into a round shape, aiming for about 1/2 inch thick.
7. Baking Time:
Bake your cookies in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly golden. Once they are done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While your cookies are cooling, make the delicious cream cheese frosting! In a bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
9. Frosting the Cookies:
Once your cookies are cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Be as creative as you like with the amount of frosting!
10. Adding the Fresh Fruits:
Now comes the fun part! Arrange your assorted fresh fruits artfully on top of the frosting. Use whatever fruits you love to create a colorful and eye-catching presentation.
11. Enjoying the Cookies:
These delightful Fruit Pizza Cookies can be served immediately, or you can refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy. They make for a refreshing treat!
Enjoy your delicious Fruit Pizza Cookies! 🍪🍓
Can I Substitute the Fruits with Others?
Absolutely! You can use any fresh fruits you like or have on hand. Just make sure they’re not too watery, as that can affect the frosting. Fruits like bananas, apples, or peaches work well, but be mindful of their textural and moisture differences!
How to Store Leftover Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefrosted the cookies, placing a piece of parchment paper between layers can help prevent sticking!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Just scoop it onto the baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, mascarpone or Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for the frosting. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly, so adjust sweetness accordingly if using Greek yogurt!
