Indulge in Sweet Bliss with Fruit Pizza Cookies: A Festive Dessert Extravaganza
Prepare to elevate your dessert game with these delightful Fruit Pizza Cookies! Bursting with vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, these bite-sized treats are the perfect addition to any gathering or celebration. Combining the irresistible appeal of sugar cookies with the freshness of seasonal fruits, these cookies are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. So let’s embark on a culinary adventure and create these delectable delights that will leave your taste buds singing with joy!
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 Cup Butter, Softened
- 1/2 Cup Shortening
- 1 1/2 Cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 tsp Cream of Tartar
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- Pinch of Kosher Salt
- 2 3/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, Softened
- 1/3 Cup Butter, Softened
- 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 3 1/3 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 2-3 TBSP Milk
For the Fruit Toppings:
- 6-8 Strawberries, Hulled and Diced
- 8 oz Blueberries
- 24 Raspberries
- 8 oz Mandarin Oranges, Drained
- 3 oz Pineapple Tidbits, Drained
- 2 Kiwi, Peeled and Diced
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, shortening, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the cream of tartar, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of kosher salt.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the cookie dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Assemble the Fruit Pizza Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each cookie.
- Arrange the diced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and diced kiwi on top of the frosting in a decorative pattern.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the fruit pizza cookies immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Cookie Dough Variations:
- For a citrus twist, add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough.
- Experiment with different extracts such as almond or coconut for unique flavor profiles.
- Frosting Variations:
- Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract in the frosting for a nutty flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a hint of brightness.
- Fruit Toppings Variations:
- Use seasonal fruits such as peaches, plums, or blackberries for a variation in flavor and color.
- Get creative with fruit shapes and designs to make your fruit pizza cookies even more visually appealing.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For the Cookie Dough:
- Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for all-purpose flour to reduce the carbohydrate content.
- Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of granulated sugar.
For the Frosting:
- Replace powdered sugar with powdered erythritol or a powdered sugar substitute.
- Use heavy cream or almond milk instead of regular milk to keep the frosting low-carb.
For the Fruit Toppings:
- Choose low-carb fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for topping.
In conclusion, these Fruit Pizza Cookies are a delightful combination of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. With their colorful presentation and irresistible taste, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So gather your ingredients and get ready to create a dessert masterpiece that will impress everyone who tries it
Additional Tips for Serving and Presentation:
- Fruit Arrangement: Arrange the fruit toppings on the cookies in a visually appealing pattern, such as concentric circles or a rainbow design, to enhance their presentation and make them even more enticing.
- Cookie Shapes: Use cookie cutters to shape the sugar cookie dough into fun and festive shapes, such as hearts, stars, or flowers, to add a touch of whimsy to your fruit pizza cookies.
- Mini Versions: Make mini fruit pizza cookies by using smaller cookie cutters or cutting the rolled-out dough into smaller rounds. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or gatherings where guests can sample a variety of desserts.
- Drizzle of Honey: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey over the fruit toppings just before serving. The honey adds a subtle flavor that complements the fresh fruit beautifully.
- Edible Flowers: Garnish the fruit pizza cookies with edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, for an elegant and whimsical touch. Not only do the flowers add a pop of color, but they also make the cookies look like a work of art.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information:
- Fruit Nutrition: Fresh fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for overall health. They also provide natural sweetness without the need for added sugars.
- Moderation is Key: While these fruit pizza cookies are a delicious and relatively healthy dessert option, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Customization: You can customize the fruit pizza cookies to suit your dietary preferences and nutritional goals by choosing low-sugar fruits, using sugar-free sweeteners, or opting for whole wheat flour in the cookie dough.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover fruit pizza cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent the cookies from sticking together.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the fruit pizza cookies for longer-term storage. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, these Fruit Pizza Cookies are a delightful combination of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a delicious dessert, these cookies are the perfect choice. With their customizable toppings, fun shapes, and fresh fruit flavors, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a taste of pure bliss!
