Are you craving a delightful dessert that's both visually stunning and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than these Fruit Pizza Cookies! They're the perfect blend of sweet, chewy cookie crust topped with a creamy frosting "sauce" and a vibrant array of fresh fruits. This recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight treat, a fun weekend baking project, or even a delightful addition to your next gathering. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy and healthy-ish dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping:
- Your favorite assortment of fresh fruits, sliced (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, bananas, etc.)
Instructions:
Making the Cookie Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembling the Fruit Pizza Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting onto each cookie.
- Arrange your favorite sliced fruits on top of the frosting, creating a beautiful and colorful design. Get creative!
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious fruit pizza cookies!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use brown butter instead of regular butter in the cookie dough.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts or sprinkles on top of the frosting before adding the fruit.
- Make it festive: Use seasonal fruits for a holiday twist. Think cranberries and pomegranate for the winter or peaches and raspberries for summer.
- Customize your frosting: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese frosting for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Prep ahead: Make the cookie dough and frosting ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the fruit pizza cookies just before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie - approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350 (depending on the fruits and frosting amount)
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Sugar: Around 25-35g
- Protein: Around 3-5g
This information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
These Fruit Pizza Cookies are a simple yet impressive dessert that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of the chewy cookie, creamy frosting, and juicy fruit is simply irresistible. Enjoy creating your own delicious masterpiece!