Delicious Fruit Pizza Cookie Recipe

Looking for a delightful treat that’s both a feast for the eyes and the taste buds? Look no further than Fruit Pizza Cookies! These little delights are a perfect balance of buttery sugar cookies, creamy frosting, and an array of fresh fruits. I discovered this gem of a recipe while searching for something special for my daughter’s birthday, and it has since become a staple for all my gatherings. Essentially, they are like individual fruit pizzas – easy to serve, easy to eat, and absolutely delicious.

I can’t help but smile when I recall the time I made these Fruit Pizza Cookies for my sister’s baby shower. The vibrant blue and pink fruits atop the white frosting made for a stunning display on the dessert table. Even my brother-in-law, who claims not to have a sweet tooth, couldn’t resist sneaking multiple cookies when he thought no one was looking. These cookies have a way of charming even the most reluctant dessert lovers!

While the classic version of these Fruit Pizza Cookies is a crowd-pleaser, the possibilities for customization are endless. From adding citrus zest to the frosting to experimenting with different cookie bases, there are so many ways to put your own twist on this recipe. Whether you serve them at a summer picnic or a holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to spread joy and delight to all who indulge in them.

Quick Benefits

• Impressive yet easy dessert option for special occasions
• Perfect balance of buttery sugar cookies, tangy cream cheese frosting, and fresh fruit
• Customizable with different flavors such as citrus zest or drizzled chocolate
• Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Fruit Pizza Cookie Recipe Recipe

• Impressive Yet Simple: Perfect for special occasions or gatherings when you want to wow your guests with minimal effort.
• Balanced Flavors: The buttery sugar cookies, tangy cream cheese frosting, and fresh fruit create a harmonious blend of flavors that everyone will love.
• Customizable: Endless ways to personalize these cookies with different fruit combinations, frosting variations, and drizzles for a unique twist each time.
• Versatile Occasions: From baby showers to Fourth of July picnics, these cookies are a hit for any celebration or event.
• Family Favorite: Loved by all ages – from kids requesting them for birthdays to sneaky breakfast treats for the adults.
• Make-Ahead Option: Can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making them convenient for busy schedules or planned events.
• Freezer-Friendly: Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to have a quick dessert option on hand when needed.
• Happy Memories: These cookies have a way of creating joy and happiness with every bite, becoming a beloved part of family traditions.

Ingredients for Delicious Fruit Pizza Cookie Recipe

Sugar Cookies

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, properly measured (whisked, spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup salted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 whole egg
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 pound powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature

Toppings

• Fresh fruit: strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, banana slices, mandarin oranges, raspberries, etc.

How to Make Delicious Fruit Pizza Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prep your oven

Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a half sheet pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix wet ingredients

Combine cubed butter and sugar in a large bowl. Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.

Step 3: Add dry ingredients

Add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture gradually, stirring until a dough forms. It is okay if the dough appears slightly crumbly; when squeezed in your hand, it should hold its shape well.

Step 4: Shape and chill cookies

Use a large cookie scoop to portion out dough into balls (about 3 tablespoons each). Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass. Chill in the refrigerator for 5 minutes before baking.

Step 5: Bake the cookies

Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but not browned. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.

Step 6: Make the frosting

In a large bowl, cream together room temperature butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until thick and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix briefly to ensure ingredients are well blended.

Step 7: Decorate cookies

Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on each cooled cookie, then add your favorite fresh fruit in a creative pattern of your choice.

Step 8: Store properly

Transfer the cookies to parchment-lined baking sheets, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until serving.

Storage Tips

To store the finished fruit pizza cookies, it’s important to refrigerate them due to the cream cheese frosting. Place the cookies in a single layer if possible, or separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but keep in mind that the fruit may start to release juice after the first day. For longer storage, the unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them, frost, and add fresh fruit when you’re ready to serve.

When making these cookies for various gatherings, remember to keep them chilled until serving time to maintain their freshness and appearance. Customizing the cookies with different flavors like citrus zest or toppings such as melted chocolate, caramel, or honey can add a unique twist to the classic recipe. Experiment with variations like using chocolate sugar cookies as a base or incorporating Greek yogurt into the frosting for a lighter option. These versatile fruit pizza cookies are sure to be a hit at any occasion and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make ingredient substitutions for the fruit pizza cookies, there are a few options you can consider. For a healthier twist, you can swap out some of the butter with a plant-based alternative like margarine or coconut oil. This can reduce the saturated fat content while still providing a rich flavor to the cookies. Additionally, if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make the cookies gluten-free.

For the cream cheese frosting, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace some or all of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. This will give the frosting a tangy flavor while cutting down on the overall calorie and fat content. You can also experiment with different extracts such as lemon or orange instead of almond extract to customize the flavor profile of the frosting. These small changes can help tailor the recipe to suit your dietary needs or personal taste preferences while still maintaining the delicious essence of the fruit pizza cookies.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative serving suggestion, try making mini fruit pizza cookie sandwiches! Simply spread a dollop of the cream cheese frosting between two fruit pizza cookies to create a delicious handheld treat. You can even roll the edges in colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch. These mini sandwiches are perfect for parties or gatherings where guests can easily grab and enjoy them on the go.

Another serving idea is to create a build-your-own fruit pizza cookie bar. Set out a variety of fresh fruit toppings, extra frosting flavors like lemon or orange zest, and drizzles like melted chocolate or caramel. Let guests customize their own fruit pizza cookies by choosing their favorite toppings, creating a fun and interactive dessert experience. This DIY station is a great way to get everyone involved and ensures that each cookie is perfectly tailored to individual tastes.

FAQs for Delicious Fruit Pizza Cookie Recipe

Can I make these fruit pizza cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. The unfrosted cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Just thaw them, frost, and add the fresh fruit when you’re ready to serve.

How should I store the fruit pizza cookies?

Because of the cream cheese frosting, these cookies need to be refrigerated. Store them in a single layer if possible or place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will keep nicely for about 2 days in the refrigerator.

Can I customize these fruit pizza cookies?

Absolutely! There are many ways to customize these cookies. You can add lemon or orange zest to the frosting, drizzle them with melted chocolate, caramel, or honey, or use chocolate sugar cookies as the base for a different flavor profile. For a lighter version, you can mix Greek yogurt with the cream cheese for the frosting.

What happens if the fruit pizza cookies are left out at room temperature for too long?

If left out at room temperature for too long, the cream cheese frosting can soften and the fresh fruit may start to release juice, affecting the texture and appearance of the cookies. It’s best to keep them chilled until serving time to maintain their freshness.

Conclusion

As you embark on making these delightful Fruit Pizza Cookies, remember that the joy of baking lies not just in the final product, but in the memories and moments shared while creating something special. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive gathering or simply looking to treat your loved ones to a sweet surprise, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

So go ahead, get creative with your fruit toppings, experiment with different flavor variations, and most importantly, savor the process of making these Fruit Pizza Cookies. May they become a cherished recipe in your collection, bringing a touch of sweetness to every occasion they grace. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of these delightful Fruit Pizza Cookies!