Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun twist on dessert! These tasty treats have a soft cookie base topped with a creamy frosting and colorful, fresh fruits. Yum!
They’re perfect for parties or just a sunny afternoon snack. I love letting the kids add their favorite fruits—it’s like making art you can eat! 🍓🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Softened butter is essential for creamy cookies. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half with unsweetened applesauce to cut down on fat, but this may change the cookie’s texture.
Granulated Sugar & Powdered Sugar: Both types of sugar play a role in sweetness and texture. If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, try coconut sugar for granulated and powdered erythritol for the powdered sugar, though the taste might slightly differ.
Cream Cheese: This gives the frosting its rich flavor. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt with a bit of powdered sugar to sweeten. It won’t be as thick, but it’s a tasty substitute!
Fruit Selection: The fruits add color and flavor to your cookies. Feel free to mix it up! Bananas, peaches, or even chopped apples work great, depending on your preferences and what’s in season.
What’s the Best Way to Cream Butter and Sugar Together?
Creaming butter and sugar properly makes a big difference in your cookies’ texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature; it should be soft but not melted.
- Using an electric mixer on medium speed, mix the butter until it’s light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar first, mixing until combined, then gradually add the powdered sugar. This method helps to incorporate air, making your cookies rise nicely.
Remember, the more air you whip in at this stage, the lighter your cookies will be. So take your time and enjoy the mixing!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For the Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges)
- Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 10-12 minutes for baking. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely, then add the frosting and toppings. Overall, plan for about 30-40 minutes to get everything ready and enjoy your delicious fruit pizza cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make clean-up a breeze.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Once fluffy, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to ensure everything is combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
4. Mix Everything Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. It’s important not to overmix, so stop when there are no dry flour pockets left.
5. Shape the Cookies:
Using your hands, roll the dough into balls about the size of a golf ball. Flatten each ball into a disk about ¼ inch thick and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they may spread while baking.
6. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, make the creamy frosting. In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This delicious frosting will tie all the flavors together.
8. Assemble Your Fruit Pizza Cookies:
Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting over each cookie. Now it’s time to get creative! Top each cookie with an assortment of fresh fruits, arranging them in a beautiful and colorful way.
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, add a few mint leaves on top for a fresh touch. Serve your fruit pizza cookies immediately, or refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy. Happy baking!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Margarine?
Yes, you can use margarine in place of butter! Just make sure to use a stick version for optimal results, as tub margarine can have a higher water content which might affect the cookie’s texture.
How Do I Store the Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve added frosting and fruit, it’s best to refrigerate them, but consume within 1-2 days to maintain freshness.
Can I Use Different Fruits for Topping?
Absolutely! You can use any fruits you prefer, like bananas, peaches, or even pineapple. Just be mindful of the moisture content; fruits with a lot of water may need to be patted dry before using to prevent sogginess.
What Should I Do If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up, making it easier to roll into balls and flatten into disks without sticking to your hands or the surface.
