Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe

Picture this: A buttery cookie crust kissed with a velvety layer of cream cheese, crowned with a rainbow of fresh fruit. It’s basically a summer day on a plate that will have everyone wondering if Martha Stewart’s long-lost millennial twin is in charge of dessert.

The combo of a sweet, delicate sugar cookie with fresh fruit on top is so delicious, and I love that it is a no-bake treat! The soft, buttery base is made with all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, and plenty of sweet vanilla.

It is topped with a layer of sweetened, creamy (but not too creamy) cream cheese and a colorful array of fresh fruit. Not only does the fresh fruit up the visual appeal (hello, vibrant colors!), but it also makes this dessert a somewhat balanced treat.

The Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza is quick to whip up and is an easy dessert to serve a group.

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the cookie base.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve a crispy cookie texture.
• Egg: Provides structure and moisture to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses aroma and enhances sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the foundation and structure of the cookie.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy texture and tanginess to the topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese topping smoothly.
• Fresh Assorted Fruits: Provides natural sweetness and colorful decoration.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
• Fresh assorted fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, raspberries)

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up, and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

2. In a big dish, whip the soft butter and white sugar together until they are light and fluffy.

3. Mix the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in well. Beat them in.

4. Whisk together in a separate bowl the all-purpose flour, the baking soda, the baking powder, and the salt.

5. Slowly incorporate the dry components into the wet components, and mix until a soft dough is formed.

6. Evenly press the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a large circle that’s roughly 1/4 inch thick.

7. Bake between 10 and 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

8. In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

9. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled cookie crust.

10. The various fresh fruits should be arranged on top so as to form a colorful pattern. They should be sliced and served immediately, or can be refrigerated and served later.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Hand mixer or stand mixer
6. Whisk
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Spatula
9. Knife (for slicing fruits)
10. Cutting board
11. Small mixing bowl

FAQ

• Can I make the cookie base ahead of time?You can indeed make the cookie base a day in advance and have it ready to bake. Once you have the base all prepped, simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you are ready to bake the cookies.
• Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough?Definitely! Dough that you buy can be a convenient substitute. Press it into a circle and bake according to package directions.
• What fruits work best for the topping?An assortment of vibrant fruits is good, like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and raspberries, and you can always adjust based on your taste or what’s currently ripe.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?You can indeed replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. To get the best texture, ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum.
• How far in advance can I assemble the fruit pizza?Assembling it just before serving keeps the fruits fresh and the cookie base from getting soggy; so, that is your best option. Of course, you can prep all the parts a few hours ahead of time for a no-fuss presentation.
• What if I don’t have cream cheese for the topping?Greek yogurt or mascarpone can be used as an alternative, though the flavor and texture will slightly vary.
• Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?Yes, use butter and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to make the recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet.

Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1/2 cup unsalted butter – For a dairy-free alternative, you can use 1/2 cup coconut oil or 1/2 cup vegan butter.
1 large egg – Substitute with any one of several options to make this recipe egg-free: 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, an egg-replacer product, or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Substitute with 1 teaspoon almond extract for a varied flavor profile.
8 oz cream cheese – Substitute with 8 oz of mascarpone cheese, or use a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
1/4 cup powdered sugar – Use a sugar-free substitute, like powdered erythritol or powdered stevia, for a lower-sugar alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Dough Before pressing the cookie dough onto the baking sheet, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent the dough from spreading too much while baking, resulting in a more uniform crust.

2. Use Parchment Paper Ensure that you use parchment paper on the baking sheet. This not only prevents the cookie crust from sticking but also makes it easier to transfer the crust from the sheet to a serving platter.

3. Smooth Cream Cheese Base For an extra smooth cream cheese topping, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. You can also sift the powdered sugar before adding it to prevent lumps.

4. Fresh Fruit Tips When using fruits with high water content, such as strawberries or kiwi, consider drying them slightly with a paper towel after slicing. This prevents excess moisture from seeping into the cream cheese layer and keeps the crust crisp.

5. Flavor Enhancements For added flavor, consider brushing the exposed crust edges with a light honey or apricot glaze after baking. You can also add a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a fresh citrus twist.