Fruit Pizza Cookies: A Delicious & Easy Dessert Recipe

Fruit Pizza Cookies: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine the delightful crunch of a sugar cookie, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, and adorned with a vibrant mosaic of fresh, juicy fruit. These aren’t just cookies; they’re miniature edible works of art that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

While the exact origins of Fruit Pizza Cookies are a bit hazy, they likely evolved from the larger fruit pizza concept, which gained popularity in the latter half of the 20th century. Think of them as a playful, individualized twist on a classic dessert, perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply brightening up a weekday afternoon. They bring a burst of color and freshness to any occasion!

What’s not to love? The combination of the sweet, buttery cookie base, the tangy cream cheese frosting, and the refreshing sweetness of the fruit creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! You can customize the fruit toppings to your liking, making them a perfect way to showcase seasonal produce. And let’s be honest, who can resist a cookie that’s practically begging to be Instagrammed? Get ready to bake up a batch of these delightful treats and watch them disappear in minutes!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Sugar Cookie Base:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for desired consistency)
• For the Fruit Toppings:
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup kiwi, peeled and diced
• ½ cup mandarin orange segments (canned, drained well)
• ¼ cup apricot jam or apple jelly, warmed (for glaze)

Preparing the Sugar Cookie Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for a tender cookie.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which we want to avoid.
5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, and wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and makes the dough easier to handle. You can even chill it overnight!

Baking the Sugar Cookie Bases

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. If the dough is sticking, add a little more flour to your rolling pin and the surface.
3. Cut Out the Cookies: Use a round cookie cutter (about 3-4 inches in diameter) to cut out cookies. You can also use other fun shapes if you prefer! Reroll the scraps and cut out more cookies until all the dough is used.
4. Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1-2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily.
5. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure the cookies are completely cool before frosting.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the best results.
2. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
3. Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be spreadable but not too runny.

Assembling the Fruit Pizza Cookies

1. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each cookie.
2. Arrange the Fruit: Arrange the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, and mandarin orange segments on top of the frosting in a decorative pattern. Get creative and have fun with it! You can arrange the fruit in concentric circles, stripes, or any design you like.
3. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, warm the apricot jam or apple jelly until melted and smooth. You can add a teaspoon of water if it’s too thick.
4. Glaze the Fruit: Brush the melted jam or jelly over the fruit to give it a shiny glaze and help keep it fresh. This step is optional, but it really enhances the appearance and flavor of the fruit pizza cookies.
5. Chill (Optional): Refrigerate the fruit pizza cookies for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the frosting set and the fruit stay fresh. However, they are delicious served immediately as well!

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use Softened Butter and Cream Cheese: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for the smoothest frosting.
• Get Creative with the Fruit: Feel free to use any of your favorite fruits! Other great options include grapes, pineapple, and blackberries.
• Make Ahead: You can bake the sugar cookie bases and prepare the frosting ahead of time. Store them separately until you’re ready to assemble the fruit pizza cookies.

Variations:

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Base: Use your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe instead of the sugar cookie recipe.
• Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Add lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese frosting for a bright and citrusy flavor.
• Mini Fruit Pizzas: Use smaller cookie cutters to make mini fruit pizzas. These are perfect for parties and gatherings.
• Different Glaze: Instead of apricot jam or apple jelly, try using a clear piping gel for a shiny glaze.

Storage Instructions:

Store the fruit pizza cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cookies are best enjoyed within the first 24 hours, as the fruit may start to soften over time.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious fruit pizza cookies! They’re a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Fruit Pizza Cookies are truly a must-try. The combination of the soft, chewy cookie base, the creamy, tangy frosting, and the burst of fresh fruit is simply irresistible. They’re not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations. I promise, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic about them.

But the best part? They’re incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of fruit. Strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, raspberries, and grapes are all fantastic choices. You can even create a rainbow effect by arranging the fruit in colorful arcs. For a more tropical twist, try adding pineapple, mango, and papaya.

Serving Suggestions:

These cookies are wonderful on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

* Serve them chilled for a refreshing treat, especially on a hot day.
* Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
* Arrange them on a tiered platter for an elegant presentation.
* Make mini versions for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties.
* Drizzle with a light honey glaze for added sweetness and shine.

Variations to Explore:

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some variations to personalize your Fruit Pizza Cookies:

* Chocolate Chip Cookie Base: Substitute the sugar cookie dough with your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe for a richer flavor.
* Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest and a teaspoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese frosting for a zesty twist.
* Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting: Mix in shredded coconut to the cream cheese frosting for a tropical flavor.
* Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, around the edge of the cookie for added texture.
* Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cookie mix or recipe to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
* Vegan Option: Use a vegan cookie recipe and vegan cream cheese frosting to create a delicious vegan version.

I truly believe that these Fruit Pizza Cookies will become a new favorite in your household. They’re fun to make, beautiful to look at, and absolutely delicious to eat. The recipe is straightforward, and the results are always impressive.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen! I’m confident that you’ll love these cookies as much as I do.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please share your photos and comments. Let me know what variations you tried, what fruits you used, and how much everyone enjoyed them. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to improve and share delicious recipes with all of you. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see your creations!