Fruit Pizza Cookies Recipe

Remember those magical summer afternoons when the biggest decision was which color popsicle to choose? That’s the kind of effortless joy these Fruit Pizza Cookies bring to the table. They’re like a ray of sunshine on a plate, combining a soft sugar cookie base, a luscious cream cheese frosting, and a vibrant rainbow of fresh fruit. This recipe has been my secret weapon for playdates, potlucks, and satisfying my own sweet tooth without turning on the oven for hours. It’s the dessert that looks like you fussed, but secretly comes together with a wink and a smile.

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’ve found it. These little cookies are the perfect project to tackle with little helpers in the kitchen. They’re customizable, refreshing, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Fruit Pizza Cookies

Seriously, what’s not to love? But if I had to narrow it down, here are a few reasons this recipe is a keeper:

• No-Chill Dough: Who has time to wait? This cookie dough comes together in minutes and goes straight onto the baking sheet.
• Endlessly Customizable: Use whatever fruit is in season or hiding in your fridge. It’s a fantastic way to get creative.
• Always a Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, these cute little pizzas disappear fast. They’re the star of any party or casual get-together.
• Surprisingly Simple: If you can slice fruit and spread frosting, you can absolutely master this recipe. It’s beginner-friendly and stress-free.

Gather Your Ingredients

This is where the magic starts! You’ll need a few simple components to build your mini masterpieces.

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For the Sugar Cookie Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Fruit Topping:

• A colorful assortment of your favorite fruits! We love:
  • Strawberries, sliced
  • Kiwi, peeled and sliced
  • Blueberries
  • Mandarin orange segments
  • Red grapes, halved

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! Don’t be intimidated—this process is a breeze.

1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to distribute the leavening agent evenly.
4. Bring the Dough Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! The dough will be soft and a bit sticky.
5. Form the Cookies: Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, roll it into a ball, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass until it’s about ½-inch thick.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a very light golden brown. The centers should still look soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part—waiting!
7. Make the Frosting: While the cookies cool, make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and lump-free.
8. Assemble Your Masterpieces: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each one. Then, let your inner artist shine! Arrange your sliced fruit in beautiful patterns on top of the frosting. Get the kids involved—they love this part!

My Go-To Equipment

You don’t need anything fancy, but a few tools make the job easier:

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Tips, Tricks, and Fun Variations

A little insider knowledge never hurt anybody! Here are some ways to make these cookies your own.

• Fruit Prep: Pat your sliced fruit dry with a paper towel before placing it on the frosting. This helps prevent the juices from making the frosting runny.
• Glaze it Up: For extra shine and to keep the fruit looking fresh, you can brush a light layer of warmed apricot jam or honey over the assembled fruit.
• Make it a Bar: Set up a “fruit pizza cookie bar” for your next party! Bake and frost the cookies, then put out bowls of different fruits and let everyone decorate their own. It’s a huge hit!
• Flavor Twists: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough or the frosting for a citrusy kick.

I first made a version of these for my daughter’s birthday party, and they were such a hit that they’ve become our signature “celebration cookie.” They’re so much easier than baking and decorating a whole cake, and every kid gets their own personalized treat.

The Perfect Way to Serve Them

These cookies are a showstopper all on their own! Arrange them on a festive platter for maximum visual impact. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee for a morning treat (don’t judge me!) or a glass of cold milk for an after-school snack. They’re also the perfect sweet ending to a summer barbecue, alongside other easy-to-eat treats.

Nutrition Information*

*This is an estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie, assuming the recipe makes 24 cookies. Values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: 245 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 39mg
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g

So there you have it! A dessert that’s bursting with color, flavor, and fun. These Fruit Pizza Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a little edible craft project that creates happy memories. I hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough, form it into balls, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just arrange the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet, flatten them slightly, and add a minute or two to the baking time. So handy for last-minute treats!

How should I store leftover Fruit Pizza Cookies?

Because of the fresh fruit and cream cheese frosting, these cookies need to be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 2-3 days. The cookie base may soften a bit from the frosting, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I use whipped topping instead of cream cheese frosting?

You can, but keep in mind that whipped topping (like Cool Whip) is much softer and won’t hold the fruit as sturdily. If you use it, I recommend assembling the cookies right before serving to prevent the topping from deflating and making the cookie soggy.

What other fruits work well on these cookies?

Almost any fruit you love! Raspberries, blackberries, thinly sliced peaches, pineapple chunks, or even pomegranate arils are all fantastic choices. The key is to use fruits that aren’t overly juicy, so maybe skip the watermelon.