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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter keeps the cookies tender. If you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil. I occasionally swap in coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor!
Granulated Sugar & Powdered Sugar: The combo of both sugars helps achieve a great texture. If you need a healthier option, try coconut sugar for granulated and use a powdered blend made from coconut or date sugar.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your go-to base, but for a gluten-free version, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just remember that the texture may slightly change.
Cream Cheese: The frosting relies on cream cheese for that creaminess. If you’re lactose intolerant or want a lighter option, you can swap it with silken tofu blended until smooth or use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
Fruits: Feel free to mix up the fruits based on what’s in season. Bananas, peaches, or even pineapple work wonderfully as alternatives. Just ensure they’re ripe and juicy!
How Do I Achieve the Right Cookie Texture?
Getting the texture just right is super important to the success of these cookies. You want them to be soft and chewy, not dry or hard. Here’s how to master that:
- Cream your butter and sugars until it’s light and fluffy. This adds air to your dough.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies!
- Make sure to flatten the cookie scoops slightly before baking. This helps them spread evenly.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Pull them out when the edges start turning golden, even if the centers look a little underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup kiwi, diced
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained (canned or fresh)
- Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and another 10-12 minutes for baking. You’ll need some extra time for the cookies to cool before frosting them, so plan for about 1 hour total before serving. These delicious treats are worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure everything is evenly mixed.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until you have a smooth cookie dough. It’s okay if it looks a little thick—that’s what we want!
5. Shape the Cookies:
Using about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each scoop slightly with your hand, making them look like mini pizzas.
6. Bake the Cookies:
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once done, take them out and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies cool, it’s time to make the frosting! In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s deliciously creamy and well combined.
8. Frost and Decorate the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Now comes the fun part—decorating! Top each cookie with slices of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, diced kiwi, and mandarin oranges. Feel free to arrange the fruit in a colorful and appealing way!
9. Finish and Serve:
If you’d like, garnish with fresh mint leaves for a lovely touch. Serve your Fruit Pizza Cookies immediately, or store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy them. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Fruits for the Topping?
Absolutely! You can customize your Fruit Pizza Cookies with any of your favorite fruits. Just make sure to cut them into small, manageable pieces for easy decoration on the cookies. Other great options include bananas, peaches, or grapes.
How Should I Store the Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their freshness, it’s best to keep the fruit separated from the frosted cookies until you’re ready to serve them. This will prevent the cookies from getting soggy.
Can I Make the Cookie Base Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready, scoop and bake as directed—no need to thaw!
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
If you’d like to make gluten-free Fruit Pizza Cookies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all the other ingredients are also gluten-free. Enjoy your delicious cookies without the gluten!
