These bright and tasty Fruit Pizza Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion! With a sweet cookie base and a creamy frosting, they’re topped with colorful fruits.
What’s not to love? I like to have fun picking my favorite fruits for the toppings—pineapple, strawberries, and blueberries are always a hit! 🍓🍍
Making these cookies is super easy; just mix, bake, frost, and decorate. They look amazing on any dessert table and disappear quickly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is a must for the cookie base, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend. Just note that the texture may change a bit.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’re trying to lower the dairy, feel free to swap in coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based version.
Cream Cheese: This gives a creamy frosting texture. For a lighter option or vegan alternative, you’re welcome to use a dairy-free cream cheese or a thick cashew cream. The taste will vary slightly, but it works well!
Fresh Fruits: Get creative! While classic choices like strawberries and blueberries are loved, you can also use sliced bananas, peaches, or any seasonal fruits you have on hand. Just be cautious with fruits that may release juice!
How Do I Get Soft and Fluffy Cookies?
The key to soft cookies is in how you prepare the dough! Start by fully creaming the butter and sugars together. This incorporates air, which helps make the cookies light. Here’s my step-by-step:
- Use softened butter so it blends easily—leave it out for about an hour before mixing.
- Beat until fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients! Mix just until everything is combined.
- Make sure your oven temperature is accurate; use an oven thermometer if needed.
Following these tips will help your cookies come out perfectly soft and delicious every time!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
For the Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to bake. Plan for about 30 minutes total to make, plus some extra time for cooling the cookies before adding the frosting and fruit.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. You’re off to a great start!
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is nicely combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. It’s a little workout for those arms!
4. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and shape them into round disks, about 1/2-inch thick. Place the dough disks on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
5. Bake:
Pop your cookies into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a clean mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, yogurt, and honey (if you’re using it). Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy—this is going to be yummy!
7. Assemble the Fruit Pizza Cookies:
Now the fun part! Once your cookies are completely cool, spread a nice layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Then, arrange your assorted fresh fruits on top in a fun and decorative way.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your delightful Fruit Pizza Cookies right away, or keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy some fruity goodness!
Enjoy your delicious Fruit Pizza Cookies!
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture will be a bit denser. Start with a 1:1 ratio, but consider adding an extra tablespoon of liquid (like milk or water) to accommodate the higher absorption rate of whole wheat flour.
How Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free Fruit Pizza Cookies, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Follow the package instructions for the appropriate ratio, and ensure that all other ingredients, particularly the baking powder, are gluten-free.
What Fruits Work Best for Toppings?
Assorted fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges are perfect for these cookies. Feel free to mix and match based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Just make sure the fruits are ripe and sweet for the best flavor!
How Should I Store the Cookies?
Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to make them in advance, consider storing the cookies and frosting separately to prevent the cookies from becoming soggy. Frost them just before serving for the best texture!
