Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun and colorful treat! They start with a soft cookie base topped with creamy frosting and fresh fruits. What’s not to love?
Making these cookies is a breeze; I just bake the cookies, spread on the frosting, and add my favorite fruits. Perfect for sunny days or parties! 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for controlling the saltiness. If you’re out of butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil, though it might change the taste slightly.
Sugars: Using both granulated and brown sugar gives your cookies a nice texture and flavor. If you need a healthier alternative, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia in equal measurements.
Cream Cheese: It adds a rich and creamy layer but can be swapped for Greek yogurt or whipped ricotta if you’re looking for a lighter option. I like to use low-fat cream cheese for a less rich frosting.
Fruits: The beauty of this recipe is the variety of fruits you can use. If you can’t find fresh fruit, consider using canned fruit or dried fruits like apricots and figs. Just remember to adjust the sweetness of the frosting if using canned options.
How Do I Make the Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting?
The frosting is a key part of these cookies, and making it perfectly smooth is simple! Start with softened cream cheese; this helps it blend well without lumps. Here’s how I do it:
- Beat cream cheese alone first until smooth before adding powdered sugar.
- Add powdered sugar gradually. This helps avoid a sugar cloud and ensures a smooth texture.
- Include a splash of vanilla for flavor—don’t skip this step!
Mix until creamy, and you’ll have a delicious frosting for your cookies! If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of milk to loosen it up.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the cream cheese mixture)
For the Toppings:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 20 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, plus some time for the cookies to cool. In total, you can expect to spend about 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish, but the delicious results will be worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon to mix until the mixture is fluffy and light in color.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid over-mixing!
5. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into small rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Gently flatten each round with the palm of your hand to create a thicker cookie base.
6. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. When done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
8. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. This is where they start to look like little pizzas!
9. Add Fresh Fruits:
Top each frosted cookie with a beautiful assortment of fresh fruits. Get creative and arrange them in a colorful and decorative manner. You want them to look as good as they taste!
10. Serve or Store:
Enjoy your delicious fruit pizza cookies right away, or refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but will keep well in the refrigerator for a few hours. Happy baking!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter in this recipe, but keep in mind that it might slightly alter the texture and flavor. Make sure to use a stick-type margarine for the best results, as spreads can contain too much water.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese or looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract. This will give you a similar creamy texture with a tangy flavor. You can also try mascarpone cheese for a richer taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
To store leftover Fruit Pizza Cookies, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3 days. Be sure to separate layers with wax paper to prevent the fresh fruit from sticking to the frosting.
Can I Use Different Fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fruit toppings. Bananas, peaches, or even tropical fruits like mango can be great alternatives. Just remember to cut them into small pieces for easy serving and a nice balance on each cookie!
