Fruit Pizza Cookies

About Fruit Pizza Cookies

Fruit Pizza Cookies are a delightful fusion of sweet cookie crust and vibrant, fresh fruit topped with a luscious cream cheese icing. Boasting a delightful balance of flavors, they are sweet yet tangy, with the creamy texture contrasting beautifully with the crispiness of the cookie base. These cookies are not only visually appealing but also offer a refreshing treat that is perfect for various occasions.

this recipe

What You’ll Need for Fruit Pizza Cookies

Creating Fruit Pizza Cookies is a joyful and rewarding endeavor — perfect for bakers of all levels. Below is a comprehensive list of what you will need to bring this fruity delight to life.

Complete Ingredients List

• For the Cookie Base:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
  • Optional: Mint leaves for garnish

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

• Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

  • Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, such as almond flour or a store-bought gluten-free flour mix.
  • Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for the cookie base, and almond or cashew cream cheese for the frosting.
  • Egg-Free: Replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and left to sit until it thickens).

• Flavor Variations:

  • Adjust the cookie base by adding citrus zest (like lemon or orange) for a zesty twist.
  • Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or coconut, to enhance the flavor of the frosting.

How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies

Creating Fruit Pizza Cookies involves a few simple steps that ensure your dessert comes out perfectly every time. Here, we break down the process into easy-to-follow instructions.

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

In a separate mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can yield dense cookies.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded cookies onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your hands for a more traditional pizza shape.

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy, making adjustments by adding a touch more powdered sugar if you prefer a thicker frosting.

Step 4: Assemble Your Fruit Pizza Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to assemble! Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Decorate with fresh fruit of your choice, arranging them artfully across the frosting for an aesthetic appeal and a burst of color.

For an added touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves for presentation and an extra hint of flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Fruit Pizza Cookies

Once your Fruit Pizza Cookies are fully assembled, it’s time to serve them to your eager guests.

How to Serve Fruit Pizza Cookies

These delightful cookies can be served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If serving on a hot day, consider chilling them in the refrigerator for a refreshing treat. For presentation, arrange them on a decorative platter, or stack them high on a cake stand for an eye-catching display.

When cutting the cookies, use a sharp knife to ensure clean slices, especially if you’ve made larger cookie “pizzas” instead of individual cookies.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

Fruit Pizza Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Consider serving them alongside a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade, iced tea, or even a sweet sparkling wine for a more sophisticated touch.

You can also drizzle additional toppings like chocolate sauce or raspberry coulis over the cookies before serving. For an extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or granola on top as a finishing touch.

Storing & Preserving Fruit Pizza Cookies

If you happen to have any leftovers, here’s how to store them properly to maintain their freshness.

Best Storage Methods

To store Fruit Pizza Cookies, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to five days. If you prefer, you can also leave them at room temperature but keep them covered to prevent drying out.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

If you want to freeze your cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and serve them chilled or bring them to room temperature before serving.

If you wish to reheat, pop them in a microwave for 5-10 seconds until slightly warm, but be careful not to overdo it as you could risk melting the cream cheese frosting and making it runny.

Tips for Perfect Fruit Pizza Cookies Every Time

To ensure your Fruit Pizza Cookies turn out as delightful as you envision, keep the following tips in mind.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

1. Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
2. Skipping the Cooling Step: Adding frosting to warm cookies can melt it, making for a slushy mess rather than a creamy layer.
3. Using Softened, Not Melted Butter: Make sure your butter is just softened to room temperature, not melted, as this can drastically change the texture of your cookies.

Helpful Tricks for Success

• Chill the Cookie Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the texture and help prevent spreading while they bake.
• Use Fresh Fruit: For the best flavor, opt for seasonal, ripe fruit. Not only will they taste better, but they will also look much prettier on your cookies.
• Get Creative with Shapes: Instead of traditional rounds, use cookie cutters for fun shapes that fit the occasion (hearts for Valentine’s Day, stars for Christmas, etc.).

Fun Variations of Fruit Pizza Cookies

Shake things up with these fun variations of the classic Fruit Pizza Cookies.

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

1. Chocolate Chip Fruit Pizza Cookies: Incorporate semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a sweet surprise in every bite.
2. Tropical Fruit Pizza Cookies: Use tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and passionfruit for a vibrant, sunny twist.
3. Nutty Addition: Fold in crushed walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for an added crunch.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

• Vegan Version: Use flaxseed meal instead of eggs, coconut oil for butter, and vegan cream cheese to create a completely plant-based version.
• Keto-Friendly: Substitute conventional flour with almond flour and use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in the frosting.

FAQs

What If My Fruit Pizza Cookies Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your cookies are too dry, it may be due to overbaking or too much flour. To avoid this, make sure to measure accurately and keep an eye on them while baking. If they aren’t setting properly, they might need more time in the oven, or they were taken out too soon. It’s essential to let them cool completely before applying frosting.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough or the fully assembled cookies in advance. If making the cookie base ahead of time, allow the dough to chill in the fridge, wrapped securely, for up to three days. Cookie bases can also be baked and stored in an airtight container ahead of time: just frost right before serving.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

If you’re missing cream cheese, consider using mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a similar flavor and texture. For the sugar, you could use agave syrup or honey if you are not strictly vegan, or opt for an artificial sweetener for a low-sugar option.

By following the above steps, tips, and variations, you can guarantee delicious and impressive Fruit Pizza Cookies that everyone will love! Whether you whip them up for a family gathering or indulge in them as a delightful treat, these cookies are sure to become a beloved recipe in your repertoire!

Print