Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun and colorful treat! They have a soft cookie base topped with cream cheese frosting and your favorite fruits. It’s like having dessert and a fruit salad all in one!
These cookies are perfect for parties or a sweet family snack. I love that you can use whatever fruits you have on hand. Plus, you get to eat dessert with a bit of a health kick! 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cookie dough. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix would work well as substitutes.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over the cookie’s saltiness. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter instead.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives that rich, tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Fresh Fruits: Feel free to mix and match fruits based on what you love or have on hand. Bananas, grapes, or peaches can also be great alternatives!
Mint Leaves: These are optional but add a fresh touch. You could also use basil or simply skip them if you prefer.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
The trick to soft and chewy cookies is not to over-bake them. Here are some tips:
- Watch closely during the last few minutes of baking. The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers look soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before moving them. This keeps them from breaking and helps them firm up just right.
- For extra softness, consider slightly underbaking them, as they will continue to cook a bit while cooling.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the cream cheese layer)
For Toppings:
- 1 cup assorted fresh fruits (e.g., raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and about 12 minutes to bake. You’ll need a bit of time for the cookies to cool before adding the cream cheese and fruits, so plan for about 45 minutes total, including cooling time. Perfect for a fun and fruity treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Now, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thick disc, about 1/2 inch thick. Place these discs on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them apart. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a slight indentation in the center of each cookie—this will hold the cream cheese topping. Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping:
While the cookies are cooling, let’s make the delicious cream cheese layer! In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble Your Fruit Pizza Cookies:
Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on top of each cookie. Then, take your assorted fresh fruits and arrange them on top of the cream cheese layer. Get creative and make colorful patterns if you’d like!
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you want, add a few mint leaves on top for a pop of color. You can serve these Fruit Pizza Cookies immediately or refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy them. They’re a tasty and refreshing treat! Enjoy!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Alternatively, for a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream cheese or coconut cream. Just ensure the substitute is thick enough to spread easily!
How to Store Leftover Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the fresh fruits may release moisture, so it’s best to add them just before serving to maintain their freshness and vibrant colors!
Can I Use Other Fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fruit toppings. You can use bananas, peaches, or even tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. Just slice them thinly and arrange them on top of the cream cheese layer for a colorful and delicious finish!
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough is sticky and hard to work with, you can sprinkle a little extra flour to help with handling. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can make the cookies tough. If time allows, chilling the dough in the fridge for 15-30 minutes can also make it easier to shape!
