Fruit Pizza Cookies are a colorful and fun dessert that combines a sugar cookie base with a creamy, sweet frosting and a vibrant assortment of fresh fruit on top. The sugar cookie dough is baked into individual cookie-sized rounds, then spread with a smooth cream cheese or whipped topping. The cookies are then adorned with an array of sliced fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and oranges, creating a delightful, fruity pizza-like treat.
I first made Fruit Pizza Cookies as a lighter, portable alternative to a traditional fruit pizza, and they were a hit! The sweet, buttery cookies pair so wonderfully with the creamy frosting and fresh fruit, making each bite a burst of flavor. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can use whatever fruits are in season or even add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of mint for an extra pop of flavor. They’re a perfect treat for parties, picnics, or special occasions like birthdays or holidays!
Perfect for:
- Summer parties
- Birthdays
- Potlucks
- Family gatherings
- Fruit lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Fruit Pizza Cookies will become your go-to treat:
- Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The combination of fresh fruits and sweet cream cheese frosting creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Vibrant Colors: The colorful fruit toppings make these cookies visually striking, perfect for a fun, festive occasion.
- Chewy Cookie Base: The cookies are soft and chewy, providing a perfect foundation for the creamy frosting and fresh fruit.
- Customizable Toppings: You can easily swap out fruits based on what’s in season or your favorites.
- No-Bake Option: You can skip the baking if you use a no-bake cookie dough.
- Perfect for Sharing: These individual-sized cookies are easy to serve and share at parties or gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: The cookies and frosting can be prepared ahead of time, making them convenient for last-minute events.
- Fun to Decorate: Kids will love helping to top the cookies with their favorite fruits.
- Healthier Option: Using fresh fruits as toppings makes these cookies a slightly healthier indulgence.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cookie dough for a delicious treat everyone can enjoy.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
The Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Fruit Toppings:
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup pineapple, chopped
- 1 banana, sliced
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Crushed nuts (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Fruit: Adds a burst of natural sweetness and color to the cookies.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Provides a rich, tangy base that complements the fruits perfectly.
- Sour Cream in Dough: Keeps the cookie base soft and tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Cookie Base:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients: Add the sour cream and gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Stir until smooth.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your fingers. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Mix Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add heavy cream to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Cookies:
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
- Top with Fruit: Arrange the fresh fruit slices and pieces on top of the frosted cookies in a colorful pattern.
- Chill: Refrigerate the decorated cookies for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and chill the fruit.
Serve:
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh mint leaves or crushed nuts if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Fruit Pizza Cookies:
- At a Party: Serve these cookies as a fun and colorful dessert at your next gathering.
- As a Snack: These make for a delightful afternoon snack with a refreshing fruity twist.
- For a Kid’s Party: Perfect for children to enjoy, and easy for them to decorate with their favorite fruits.
- With Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for an extra indulgence.
- For Breakfast: Top with yogurt and granola for a fun, healthy breakfast option.
- With Lemon Drizzle: Add a tangy lemon glaze over the fruit for extra flavor.
- On a Dessert Table: These cookies are a perfect addition to a dessert buffet at a wedding or celebration.
- For a Picnic: Pack these cookies in a container for a sweet and portable picnic treat.
- As a Gift: Package the cookies in a box and give them as a homemade gift.
- With a Fresh Fruit Salad: Serve these cookies alongside a refreshing fruit salad for a light dessert.
Additional Tips
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the cookies helps set the frosting and prevents the fruit from wilting.
- Use Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit is key for both flavor and presentation. Avoid canned or frozen fruits, as they can release too much moisture.
- Adjust the Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add more cream to make it easier to spread.
- Don’t Overbake: Be sure to bake the cookies just until the edges are golden to keep them soft and chewy.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Base: Swap out the traditional dough for a chocolate chip cookie base for a richer flavor.
- Vegan Fruit Pizza Cookies: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese, and opt for a vegan cookie dough recipe.
- Tropical Fruit Pizza: Top with tropical fruits like mango, coconut, and papaya for a fun twist.
- Lemon Frosting: Replace the vanilla frosting with a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: Add crushed nuts or dried fruit to the topping for extra texture and flavor.
Special Equipment
- Electric Mixer: For whipping the frosting and creaming the butter and sugar.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the cookies evenly.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Cookie Scoop: For consistent, even-sized cookies.
- Offset Spatula: For spreading the frosting smoothly.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a store-bought cookie dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works well if you want to save time. - How long do these cookies last in the fridge?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, freeze the unfrosted cookies and fruit separately, and assemble when ready to serve. - Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fruit choices, such as grapes, peaches, or raspberries. - How do I keep the fruit from getting soggy?
Make sure the cookies are completely cooled and the frosting is set before adding the fruit. Refrigerating them also helps keep the fruit fresh. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe to make more cookies. Just use two baking sheets and adjust the baking time if necessary. - Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour to make these cookies gluten-free. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cookies and prepare the frosting in advance, but assemble the fruit toppings just before serving. - Can I skip the frosting?
The frosting is a key part of the recipe, but you can opt for a different topping, like yogurt, if you prefer. - What fruit should I avoid using?
Avoid using fruits with high water content, like watermelon, as they can make the cookies soggy.
Conclusion
Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun and colorful twist on the classic fruit pizza, made in the form of individual cookies. These soft, sugar cookie bases are topped with a creamy layer of cream cheese frosting, then adorned with a variety of fresh, vibrant fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and oranges. The combination of the sweet cookie, tangy frosting, and juicy fruits creates a refreshing and delicious treat that’s perfect for parties, summer gatherings, or as a fun dessert for any occasion.
You can get creative with the fruit toppings, adding whatever seasonal fruits you love, or even sprinkle a little coconut or chopped nuts for extra texture. These cookies are easy to make and can be customized to suit any event, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a fun dessert to enjoy with loved ones.
I can’t wait to see how your Fruit Pizza Cookies turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your colorful, fruity creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made these cookies your own!