Fruit Pizza Cookies
If you are in the mood for a sweet treat that combines the freshness of fruit with the delightful flavor of cookies, look no further! These Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun twist on traditional fruit pizza, transforming it into individual cookie delights that are perfect for parties, picnics, or simply indulging at home. With a buttery cookie base, a creamy frosting, and a colorful array of fruits, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why It Works Every Time
The beauty of Fruit Pizza Cookies lies in their simplicity. The buttery cookie base provides a sturdy yet tender foundation that perfectly complements the rich cream cheese frosting. The frosting, flavored with vanilla and sweetened with powdered sugar, creates a luscious layer that binds the fruits to the cookie. Using fresh fruits not only adds vibrant colors but also a burst of natural sweetness that makes each bite refreshing. The balance of flavors and textures creates a cookie experience that is both satisfying and visually stunning.
What You’ll Gather
- 1 cup unsalted butter – for a rich and creamy cookie base.
- 1 cup sugar – sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 2 large eggs – to bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla – enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- 3 cups flour – provides the structure for the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness.
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened – for a creamy frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – to sweeten the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla – adds flavor to the frosting.
- 2 cups fresh fruits – such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mandarins, kiwi, or blackberries, cut into smaller pieces as needed but leaving smaller berries whole.
Appliances & Accessories
- Mixer – a stand or hand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar easy.
- Baking sheets – for placing the cookie dough while baking.
- Parchment paper – to line the baking sheets for easy cleanup.
- Cooling rack – to allow cookies to cool evenly.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing fruits.
Directions: Fruit Pizza Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and mix until combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a fork or your fingers.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together the 6 ounces of softened cream cheese, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and an additional 1 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each cookie using a spatula or a knife.
Step 9: Top with Fresh Fruit
Decorate each frosted cookie with your choice of 2 cups of fresh fruits. Arrange the fruits artfully for a beautiful presentation.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Fruit Pizza Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them fresh or refrigerate for later.
Season-by-Season Upgrades
- Spring: Use fresh strawberries and kiwis for a vibrant look.
- Summer: Include a mix of berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful medley.
- Fall: Add sliced apples and pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy twist.
- Winter: Use citrus fruits like mandarins and grapefruit for a refreshing contrast against the cold.
Missteps & Fixes
If your cookies spread too much during baking, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before scooping. This helps maintain their shape. If the frosting is too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up. If your cookies are too dry, ensure you don’t overmix the dough and measure your flour accurately.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as instructed. The frosting can also be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge; just give it a good stir before spreading it on the cookies.
Fruit Pizza Cookies FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit for these cookies?
While fresh fruit yields the best results in terms of flavor and texture, you can use frozen fruit if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before topping the cookies.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, add fruit just before serving to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies without frosting for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving and frost them just before enjoying.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you prefer a different frosting, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a similar texture and taste.
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Final Thoughts
Fruit Pizza Cookies are not only a delicious dessert but also a canvas for creativity. Their customizable nature allows you to play with various fruits and toppings, making them suitable for any season. With their buttery cookie base, creamy frosting, and vibrant fruits, these cookies are sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a quiet afternoon snack, Fruit Pizza Cookies are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth. So grab your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!
Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
- Drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, frost each cookie with the cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate each frosted cookie with your choice of fresh fruits.
- Serve and enjoy your Fruit Pizza Cookies!
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if cookies spread too much during baking.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked cookies without frosting for up to 3 months.
