Description
Delight in these Fruit Pizza Cookies featuring a soft sugar cookie base topped with creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting and a vibrant array of fresh fruits in every bite. Perfectly balanced sweetness with a tender texture, these cookies combine the fun of fruit pizza with the convenience of handheld treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup salted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups all purpose flour (whisked before measuring)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup salted butter, at room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- Fresh fruit such as berries, kiwi, banana, mandarin oranges, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a half sheet pan or line it with parchment paper and set aside to ensure cookies do not stick.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the cubed butter and granulated sugar until well mixed. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract and stir to combine. Gradually incorporate the flour and baking powder until a dough forms. It’s normal if the dough looks a bit crumbly; when squeezed, it should hold together well.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 3-tablespoon portions using a large cookie scoop. Roll each portion into a ball and press lightly with a glass to flatten. Refrigerate the shaped dough balls for 5 minutes to help them maintain their shape during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until edges are set. Remove the cookies and allow them to cool for 5 minutes on the hot baking sheet, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat until the mixture is thick, smooth, and fully combined. Scrape down the sides and mix briefly again to ensure uniform texture.
- Assemble Cookies: Generously frost each cooled cookie with the cream cheese frosting. Top with your choice of fresh fruit such as berries, kiwi, banana slices, or mandarin oranges. For best results, store assembled cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets covered gently with plastic wrap in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- Measure flour carefully by whisking it well, then spooning into the measuring cup and leveling off to prevent dense cookies.
- Store assembled cookies in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.
- For best texture, keep cookies and frosting separate and assemble just before serving.
- You can freeze baked, unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting and adding fresh fruit.
