Fruit Pizza Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the sunshiney joy of a fruit pizza in a single, adorable bite, these Fruit Pizza Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine a soft, buttery sugar cookie, topped with a dreamy cloud of cream cheese frosting, all crowned with a colorful, juicy mosaic of fresh fruit. These cookies are every bit as fun to make as they are to eat, and they’re guaranteed to be the star of any party, picnic, or afternoon treat. Plus, they’re the perfect excuse to get creative with seasonal fruits and vibrant colors—no two will ever look quite the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Fruit Pizza Cookies is how a handful of familiar ingredients can create such a show-stopping treat. Each component plays a special role, from the tender base to the luscious topping and the burst of fruit on top.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies achieve that perfect soft texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and gives the cookies a touch of richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, plus 1 teaspoon for frosting): Doubles up to infuse both the cookie and the frosting with irresistible aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides structure without making the cookies too dense or dry.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies just the right amount of lift.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the frosting—smooth, tangy, and rich.
- Powdered sugar (1/3 cup): Makes the frosting silky and sweet without any grittiness.
- Assorted fresh fruit (2 cups, sliced): Think strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, grapes, mandarin oranges—pat them dry for the brightest, freshest topping.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also ensures the cookies bake up with golden edges and soft centers. Having your baking sheets ready to go makes the rest of the process a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for that soft, pillowy cookie texture. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, making sure everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms—don’t overmix!
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each. Gently flatten each ball with your palm—this helps create a perfect canvas for the frosting and fruit. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack; the frosting and fruit will only go on once they’re cool.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies cool, prepare the dreamy frosting. In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This frosting is rich, tangy, and just sweet enough—absolutely irresistible spread over those buttery cookies.
Step 5: Decorate with Fresh Fruit
Once your cookies are fully cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each one. Now comes the fun part: arranging the fruit! Mix and match your favorite fruits, creating colorful patterns or simple clusters. If you want your Fruit Pizza Cookies to look extra sharp, pat your fruit slices dry with a paper towel before topping the cookies to prevent any excess moisture.
How to Serve Fruit Pizza Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, you can sprinkle your Fruit Pizza Cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or even a few fresh mint leaves. These little touches add flair and make each cookie feel extra special, especially if you’re serving them at a celebration or holiday gathering.
Side Dishes
Fruit Pizza Cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a refreshing fruit salad, or even a glass of cold lemonade. If you’re serving these as part of a dessert spread, try adding a platter of chocolate-dipped strawberries or mini tarts for a colorful, crowd-pleasing table.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Fruit Pizza Cookies on a large platter in a rainbow pattern, or serve them individually on cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats. For parties, consider setting up a DIY fruit bar so guests can decorate their own cookies—this is always a hit with kids and adults alike!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Fruit Pizza Cookies left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cookies will stay soft, and the fruit will remain fresh and juicy. Just be sure to pat any extra fruit dry before storing to keep things from getting soggy.
Freezing
For best results, freeze the cookies and frosting separately. Baked, unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months—simply thaw and frost when ready to serve. The cream cheese frosting holds up well in the freezer, too; just give it a good stir once thawed. Wait to add fresh fruit until right before serving for the brightest flavor and appearance.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If you’ve stored the cookies in the fridge, just let them sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving to take off the chill and bring out their flavors.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cookie dough for Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Yes, you can use a good-quality refrigerated sugar cookie dough if you’re short on time. While homemade dough gives you the softest, richest base, store-bought dough is a handy shortcut and still delicious once topped with frosting and fruit.
What fruits work best for these cookies?
Any fruit that’s firm and not too juicy is ideal. Strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, grapes, and mandarin oranges are classic choices, but raspberries, blackberries, or even thinly sliced peaches work beautifully. Just make sure to pat the fruit dry to prevent sogginess.
How far in advance can I assemble Fruit Pizza Cookies?
For best results, assemble the cookies within a few hours of serving. The cookies and frosting can be made ahead, but wait to add the fruit until the last minute to keep everything looking fresh and colorful.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Keep an eye on baking time—gluten-free cookies may spread a bit less, but they’ll still taste fantastic.
Is there a way to make these dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free butter and a vegan cream cheese alternative for both the cookies and the frosting. These swaps work well, so everyone can enjoy Fruit Pizza Cookies, no matter their dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making them for a summer party, a birthday, or just because you need a burst of color in your day, Fruit Pizza Cookies are pure joy in every bite. They’re fun to bake, endlessly customizable, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them on repeat all season long!
Print
Fruit Pizza Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully sweet and colorful, Fruit Pizza Cookies are soft sugar cookie bases topped with creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting and an assortment of fresh, vibrant fruits. These mini fruit pizzas combine the classic comfort of sugar cookies with the refreshing burst of fresh fruit, making them a perfect summer dessert or a fun treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 2 cups assorted fresh fruit, sliced (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, grapes, mandarin oranges)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cookie texture. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand to form cookie bases suited for topping.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating that the cookies are cooked through but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks. Cooling is essential before adding the frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Fruit Pizzas: Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting generously over each cooled cookie. Arrange the sliced fresh fruits attractively on top, creating a colorful and appealing presentation.
- Serve or Store: Serve the fruit pizza cookies immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate them until ready to serve. They are best enjoyed within two days when refrigerated.
Notes
- Use a variety of colorful fruits for a visually appealing presentation.
- Pat the fruit slices dry with paper towels before placing on cookies to reduce excess moisture, which can cause sogginess.
- Cookies are best eaten the same day they are made but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
