Description
Delight in the perfect summer treat with these Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Bars! Featuring a soft and buttery sugar cookie base topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting and fresh berries, this dessert is easy to prepare and sure to impress everyone at your next gathering. The bars offer a wonderful balance of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors, making them the ultimate no-fuss fruit pizza for warm weather indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 & 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp butter, salted or unsalted, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Topping
- Fresh berries and fruit of choice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and set aside for easy removal of the bars later.
- Cream Sugars and Butter: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will create a light base for the cookie dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring the dough is smooth and cohesive.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt just until the flour mixture barely disappears. Be careful not to overmix to keep the dough soft.
- Spread the Dough: Using an offset spatula, evenly spread the sticky cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. The dough will be soft and sticky, which is perfect for tender cookie bars.
- Bake the Cookie Base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. The center might look slightly undercooked, but it will firm up as it cools.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a clean large bowl, whip together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then mix until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Frost and Chill: Once the cookie base has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Chill the frosted cookie bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the frosting to set properly.
- Add Fresh Fruit and Serve: After chilling, top the bars with your favorite fresh berries and fruit. Slice into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing summer dessert.
Notes
- The cookie dough will be very soft and sticky, which is why an offset spatula is recommended for spreading it evenly.
- The softness of the dough results in the softest, chewiest cookie bars.
- Allowing the bars to cool completely before frosting helps prevent melting and ensures a smooth frosting layer.
- Use a variety of fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, or peaches to add vibrant flavor and color.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
