These fun Fruit Pizza Cookies are like mini dessert pizzas! With a soft, sugar cookie base topped with creamy frosting and colorful fruit, they’re sure to bring a smile!
I love how easy they are to make! Just bake the cookies, add frosting, and let your kids pick their favorite fruits. It’s a tasty way to get creative in the kitchen! 🍕🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives the cookies a rich flavor. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use margarine or any plant-based butter substitute. Keep in mind that salted butter will alter the taste a bit, so reduce the added salt in the recipe if you go this route.
Granulated Sugar & Powdered Sugar: Together, they create a nice balance of texture and sweetness. If you’re looking to cut sugar, you can substitute some granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener, but this might slightly change the cookie’s texture.
Fruits: Fresh fruits are the star here! While strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi are fantastic choices, feel free to use seasonal fruits or whatever is on hand—bananas, mangoes, or even peaches work beautifully.
Whipped Topping: If you prefer a homemade approach, you can whip your own cream instead. Alternatively, try using Greek yogurt for a tangy twist that will pair nicely with the fruit.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Turn Out Soft and Chewy?
To achieve that perfect soft and chewy cookie texture, pay close attention to these tips:
- Keep an eye on your baking time; cookies can overbake quickly. They’re done when edges are golden but the centers still look soft.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined helps keep them tender.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before spreading the cream cheese mixture. This prevents the topping from melting into the cookies.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For The Cream Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
For The Fresh Fruit Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the cookie dough, around 10-12 minutes to bake the cookies, and some extra time for cooling (about 20 minutes). Plus, don’t forget to add a little time for decorating. So in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour before these delightful cookies are ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and cream it together with both the granulated sugar and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is a tasty base for your cookies! Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t worry if there are a few small lumps, overmixing can make your cookies tough!
4. Shape the Cookies:
Using a scoop (or just your hands), form the cookie dough into rounded balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each ball into a cookie shape.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are a lovely light golden color. Once they are done, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
While the cookies are cooling, mix the softened cream cheese and whipped topping in a medium bowl until smooth. If you’d like a bit of sweetness, feel free to stir in honey. This will make a delicious topping!
7. Assemble Your Cookies:
After your cookies have cooled, grab your cream cheese mixture and spread a generous layer on top of each one. Now comes the fun part!
8. Decorate with Fresh Fruits:
Arrange your assorted fresh fruits artfully on top of the cream cheese layer. You can go wild here—mix colors and shapes for a gorgeous finish!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your fruit pizza cookies immediately, or refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy. They are best fresh, and trust me, everyone will love them!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute margarine for the unsalted butter in equal amounts. Just make sure the margarine is softened, similar to how you would prepare the butter, for the best texture.
What Other Fruits Can I Use for Topping?
Feel free to get creative with your fruit toppings! Other great options include bananas, peaches, or even pineapple. Just remember to slice the fruits thinly for easy placement on the cookies!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
If you have leftovers, store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the fruit may release moisture, so it’s best to add it right before serving if possible!
Can I Make the Cookie Dough Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just roll into balls and flatten when you’re ready to bake. If you’re making it further ahead, freeze the formed cookie dough on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
