These Easy Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun treat! They’re soft cookies topped with sweet cream cheese and colorful, fresh fruits. Yummy and pretty—what’s not to love?
Making these cookies is a breeze! I like to let my kids pick their favorite fruits for the topping, and it’s a perfect way to sneak some extra colors into our day—so much joy on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the sweetness. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based butter instead. It works just as well!
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar gives the right sweetness, but you can replace it with coconut sugar for a more natural option, though it can slightly alter the texture.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is creamy and delicious, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Just keep in mind it will be less sweet!
Fresh Fruits: The recipe suggests specific fruits, but feel free to mix and match based on what you like or have. Bananas, peaches, or even nuts can make delicious toppings!
How Do You Get the Cookies to Hold Their Shape?
The trick to ensuring your cookies maintain a nice shape is in the baking method. After forming the cookie balls, flatten them gently without overworking the dough. Here’s how:
- Shape the dough into 1 ½ inch balls and space them on the baking sheet.
- Use the bottom of a glass or your hand to lightly press each ball down, creating a slight indentation. This helps them bake evenly and not spread too much.
- Bake until the edges are just golden. Overbaking can lead to hard cookies, so keep an eye on them!
How to Make Easy Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping:
- ½ cup strawberries, hulled and halved
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup raspberries
- 1 kiwi, peeled and diced
- ½ cup mandarin orange segments
Time Estimate:
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 10-12 minutes to bake. After that, let the cookies cool for a bit before decorating them. In total, you’re looking at approximately 30-40 minutes from start to finish, plus cooling time. Perfect for a fun afternoon baking session!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, so your cookies don’t stick and come out nice and clean.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until everything is well combined. It should look smooth and creamy.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—just until you see no dry flour!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1 ½ inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or your hand, gently flatten each ball to create a small “pizza crust” shape.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, make the delicious cream cheese frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is creamy and fluffy.
9. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies are cool, take your creamy frosting and spread a generous layer on each cookie. Feel free to use a spatula or just a butter knife!
10. Add the Toppings:
Finally, it’s time for the fun part! Arrange the mixed fresh fruits on top of the frosting to create a vibrant and colorful fruit pizza. You can get creative with how you arrange them!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Fruit Pizza Cookies are ready to eat! Enjoy them right away, or you can pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. These cookies are sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Fruit Pizza Cookies
Can I Use Different Fruits for Topping?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any of your favorite fruits. Bananas, peaches, or even grapes can be great alternatives. Just ensure the fruits are fresh for the best flavor!
How Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will keep the cookies and frosting fresh. If you plan to refrigerate them, add the fruit just before serving for the best texture!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can chill the cookie dough! Shape it into balls, wrap them well, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. Just roll them out and bake straight from the fridge or thaw before baking.
Can I Use Cream Cheese Substitute?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for the frosting. Just keep in mind that it will be less sweet and slightly tangy, but still delicious!
