Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of a sugar cookie with the freshness of colorful fruit, this Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a crisp but tender cookie base, spread with luscious, creamy frosting, and topped with an array of vibrant, juicy fruits that make every bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re bringing it to a summer gathering or simply craving a fun, eye-catching treat, this recipe never fails to wow both the eyes and the palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this dessert both refreshing and irresistible.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Softened butter gives the sugar cookie crust a tender, rich base without overpowering sweetness.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cookie dough, giving it that classic sugar cookie flavor and slight crunch.
• Large egg (1): Helps bind the dough while adding moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, fragrant note to the dough that complements the fruit topping.
• Almond extract (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch gives the cookie a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese frosting.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The structure of the cookie pizza; balancing tenderness and sturdiness.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookie rise just enough for a soft texture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Cream cheese (8 oz): Softened cream cheese forms the delicious base of the frosting, adding tangy creaminess.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Softened butter makes the frosting rich and silky.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the frosting for a smooth, light finish.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds additional warmth and depth to the frosting.
• Fresh fruit: Choose a combination like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, and raspberries for a burst of color and fresh, juicy flavor.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial to ensure your cookie base bakes evenly without sticking, setting the stage for an easy release after baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is what creates a tender cookie with just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the fruit.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Beat in the egg, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. These add layers of flavor and aroma, turning a simple cookie dough into something special and personal, which is key for this Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid toughening the dough.

Step 5: Form the Cookie Crust

Press the dough evenly onto the prepared pan into a round shape about 1/4 inch thick. This base needs to be even so it bakes uniformly, creating the perfect crisp yet chewy foundation for our fruit pizza.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown. Once baked, transfer the cookie crust to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely. Cooling is essential because spreading frosting on a warm crust will cause it to melt and become messy.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Then, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and light. This frosting is the perfect creamy contrast to the crisp cookie and fresh fruit.

Step 8: Assemble the Fruit Pizza

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie base. Then, arrange your fresh fruit atop in a decorative pattern—think concentric circles or a colorful mosaic. This step is where your creativity shines and what makes the Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe so visually stunning.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the fruit pizza like you would a regular pizza and serve immediately for the freshest taste. Alternatively, refrigerate it until you’re ready to impress your guests with a dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey over the fruit adds an elegant finishing touch. Fresh mint leaves scattered on top can also add a pop of green and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

This vibrant dessert pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp white wine or a sparkling lemonade for a kid-friendly option. For brunch, serve it alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory combo that’s sure to delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the fruit pizza into individual mini slices and serving them on pretty plates with a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. You can also use cookie cutters to make festive shapes or individual mini fruit pizzas for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cookie crust firm and the fruit fresh for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Freezing

Because of the fresh fruit and cream cheese frosting, freezing is not recommended for the assembled fruit pizza. However, you can freeze the sugar cookie crust alone for up to one month. Just thaw completely, then add the frosting and fruit fresh before serving.

Reheating

Since this dessert is best served chilled, reheating is usually not needed. If you want to bring the crust’s flavor back just before assembling, you can warm the baked cookie base briefly in the oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes, but allow it to cool before frosting.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fruit?

Absolutely! The Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to use seasonal fruits or what you have on hand. Peaches, blackberries, mangoes, or grapes all make fantastic toppings.

What can I substitute for almond extract?

If almond extract isn’t your thing or you don’t have it on hand, you can simply leave it out or replace it with an equal amount of extra vanilla extract. The flavor will still be delightful.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, you can adapt this recipe to suit gluten sensitivities. Just be sure your baking powder is also gluten-free to keep the texture just right.

How far ahead can I prepare this dessert?

You can bake the sugar cookie crust and prepare the cream cheese frosting a day ahead, storing both separately. Assemble with fresh fruit right before serving to maintain fruit freshness and presentation.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

This Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe yields about 8 to 8 servings, making it perfect for small groups. For larger crowds, you can easily double or triple the recipe and bake in multiple pans.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the combination of a soft sugar cookie, creamy frosting, and a colorful array of fresh fruits all in one dessert. This Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes and a joy to share with loved ones. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert to brighten any occasion.

Print