Description
Fresh Fruit Pizza Cookies are delightful bite-sized treats featuring a soft sugar cookie base topped with a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer and an assortment of vibrant fresh fruits. Finished with an optional apricot glaze for a glossy look, these colorful cookies are perfect for summer gatherings, dessert tables, or anytime you want a fresh fruit dessert with a fun twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Base
- 1 package (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Fruit Toppings
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments
- 1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved
Apricot Glaze (Optional)
- 1 tbsp apricot preserves
- 1 tsp water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sugar cookie bases.
- Prepare and Bake Cookies: Slice the refrigerated sugar cookie dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place them about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to allow room for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven after baking and let them cool completely on a wire rack to prevent the cream cheese topping from melting.
- Make Cream Cheese Spread: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Assemble Fruit Pizza Cookies: Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each cooled cookie. Arrange an assortment of fresh fruit slices and segments on top, gently pressing to adhere the fruit to the cream cheese.
- Optional Apricot Glaze: For a shiny glaze, microwave the apricot preserves and water together for 20 seconds until warm and slightly melted. Brush this glaze lightly over the assembled fruit toppings.
- Serve or Store: Serve the fresh fruit pizza cookies immediately, or refrigerate them until ready to serve to keep the cream cheese topping chilled and fresh.
Notes
- You can customize the fruit toppings with any seasonal fruits you prefer or have on hand.
- Avoid using overly juicy fruits as they can make the cookies soggy.
- For a dairy-free alternative, replace the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese substitute.
- Cookies are best enjoyed the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
