These cheerful Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun treat! With a soft sugar cookie base, they’re topped with creamy frosting and colorful, fresh fruit—perfect for any gathering!
Who can resist a cookie that looks like a pizza? I love making these with my kids. Plus, you can use whatever fruits you have on hand. Get creative and pile it on! 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of your cookie dough. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour as a substitute.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar sweetens the cookies. For less sweetness, use coconut sugar or try a sugar substitute like erythritol, if you need a lower-calorie option.
Butter: Softened unsalted butter is perfect for a tender cookie. If you want a dairy-free version, consider coconut oil or vegan butter, which work well too!
Cream Cheese: It gives a rich, creamy frosting. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese to achieve a similar texture with less fat.
Fresh Fruits: Feel free to swap out the fruits for your favorites! Bananas, grapes, or peaches can all work wonderfully, depending on what’s in season.
How Do I Get My Cookies to Bake Evenly?
Getting cookies to bake evenly is crucial for the best texture! Here are some helpful tips:
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them combine thoroughly.
- Roll out the dough to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Space the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Use an oven thermometer to check that your oven is at the correct temperature–some ovens can be off.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This helps them bake evenly and reduces the risk of burning!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or whipped cream
For Topping:
- 1 cup assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, oranges, kiwi, etc.)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and around 10-12 minutes to bake, plus a little time for cooling. So, in total, expect about 30-35 minutes to enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step makes cleanup easier and ensures your cookies bake nicely!
2. Mix the Cookie Dough:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to mix until fluffy and light in color. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the all-purpose flour, salt, vanilla, and almond extracts (if using). Stir until a nice dough forms.
3. Shape the Cookies:
Dust your work surface with some flour and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a round glass to cut out your cookies and place them gently onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they have some space between them!
4. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to turn a light golden color. When they’re ready, take them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Frosting:
While your cookies are cooling, make the frosting. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and Greek yogurt (or whipped cream). Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious topping for your cookies!
6. Assemble Your Fruit Pizza Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled down, spread a nice thick layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. It’s time to make them pretty! Arrange a colorful assortment of fresh fruits on top of the frosting, placing them however you like for a fun and artistic look.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, add a couple of mint leaves on top of the fruit for an extra pop of color and freshness. You can serve the cookies right away or chill them briefly in the fridge before enjoying. They’ll be a hit at any gathering!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Just keep in mind that using whole wheat flour may give the cookies a denser texture, while gluten-free flour might require added moisture, so you may need to adjust the yogurt or butter slightly for the desired consistency.
What Can I Use Instead of Granulated Sugar?
If you’d like to cut down on refined sugars, coconut sugar or brown sugar are great alternatives. Keep in mind that brown sugar will add a slight molasses flavor and can make the cookies a bit chewier, while coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and offers a more caramel-like taste.
How Long Can I Store These Cookies?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to prepare them ahead of time, consider storing the cookies and frosting separately until just before serving to maintain the cookie’s texture and freshness.
Can I Use Canned Fruit Instead of Fresh?
While fresh fruit is best for flavor and presentation, you can use canned fruit, but be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture. For the best results, try to use fruit that is packed in juice or water rather than syrup to maintain a fresher taste in your cookies.
