These fun Fruit Pizza Cookies are like mini pizzas made of sweet cookies topped with colorful fruit! The base is soft and chewy, perfect for holding all that fruity goodness.
Honestly, who can resist a cookie that looks like a rainbow? I love serving these at parties—they’re always a hit! Just make the cookies, slather on some frosting, and let the kids stack their favorite fruits.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is essential for creating the cookie base. You can replace it with gluten-free flour if needed, but make sure it’s a 1:1 blend for best results.
Powdered sugar: It gives sweetness and a smooth texture to the cookie base. If you want to reduce sugar, try coconut sugar or a sugar-free alternative, but it might change the texture a bit.
Unsalted butter: I love using unsalted butter for more control over the salt level in the dough. You can substitute it with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Cream cheese: This adds creaminess to the topping. You can replace it with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist or dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version.
Whipped topping: This lightens up the cream cheese mixture. If you prefer, you can use homemade whipped cream or even a vegan whipped cream to keep it dairy-free.
Mixed fresh fruits: I like the colorful mix of strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi, but feel free to use whatever is in season or your favorite fruits—bananas, mango, or pineapple are great options too!
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Don’t Spread Too Much?
To ensure your fruit pizza cookies hold their shape and don’t spread overly while baking, there are a couple of steps to follow:
- Chill the dough: After mixing, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This firms up the butter and helps prevent spreading.
- Don’t flatten too much: When you place the dough balls on the baking sheet, flatten them just slightly. The cookies will spread during baking, so a small amount of flattening is enough.
- Watch your bake time: Take them out when the edges are lightly golden and the centers look a bit soft; they’ll firm up as they cool.
By following these tips, you’ll get perfectly shaped cookies ready to be topped with fruity goodness!
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 vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup whipped topping (or Cool Whip)
- 1 cup mixed fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, oranges, etc.)
- Additional mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, plus some time to cool. In total, you can have these fruity delights ready in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a fun treat or dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare to Bake:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix them together until it becomes creamy and smooth. Then, add the vanilla extract and stir until it’s all combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Slowly add this dry mixture to the creamy butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape the Cookies:
Take about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a small ball. Place these balls on the prepared baking sheet, giving them some space to spread out. Flatten each ball slightly so they look like small cookies.
4. Bake the Cookies:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Topping:
While the cookies are cooling, mix the softened cream cheese with the whipped topping in a separate bowl until everything is nice and smooth. This will be the delicious topping for your cookies!
6. Assemble the Fruit Pizza Cookies:
When the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on top of each cookie. Then, arrange your choice of fresh fruits on top—make it colorful and beautiful! If you like, you can add some mint leaves on top for a fresh garnish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your fruit pizza cookies right away, or pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them. They’re sure to be a hit with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour for These Cookies?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that the texture might slightly differ. If using an all-purpose gluten-free blend, ensure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for better consistency.
What If I Don’t Have Whipped Topping?
No problem! You can replace whipped topping with an equal amount of heavy cream. Simply whip the cream until stiff peaks form before folding it into the cream cheese. This will give you a similar light and fluffy texture.
How Do I Store the Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to add the fruit toppings just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent the cookies from becoming soggy.
Can I Add Different Fruits or Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fruit selections. You can also add nuts, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of chocolate for extra flavor. Just make sure the toppings are fresh and add them right before serving for the best presentation.
