Description
Delight in these Fresh Fruit Pizza Cookies, a fun and colorful dessert featuring a buttery sugar cookie base topped with creamy vanilla-scented cream cheese and an assortment of vibrant fresh fruits. Finished with a glossy apricot glaze, these bite-sized treats offer the perfect balance of sweetness and freshness, ideal for summer gatherings or anytime a fruity, festive dessert is desired.
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 and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice and bake cookie dough: Slice the refrigerated sugar cookie dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place each round about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow space for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the baked cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before decorating to prevent melting the cream cheese topping.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest until smooth and creamy to create a luscious spread.
- Spread cream cheese on cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly on the top of each cookie.
- Arrange fresh fruit toppings: Top the cream cheese layer with an assortment of fresh fruit slices and segments. Gently press the fruits into the cream cheese to help them adhere without crushing.
- Apply apricot glaze (optional): For a shiny finish, microwave the apricot preserves with water for 20 seconds or until melted and smooth. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the glaze over the fruit toppings on each cookie.
- Serve or refrigerate: These cookies are best enjoyed immediately but can be refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can use any combination of seasonal fruits according to availability and preference.
- Avoid overly juicy fruits, as they may cause the cookies to become soggy.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative.
- Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before spreading the cream cheese to avoid melting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness.
