Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza

Growing up, there was nothing quite like the joy of baking with my family during the summer months. One of my all-time favorite treats was my mom’s Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza. It was a vibrant masterpiece that was as delicious as it was beautiful, adorned with colorful slices of fruit that seemed to dance atop a luscious frosting. Every bite was a burst of flavor, and it always brought smiles to our faces at family gatherings. Whenever I make this dessert, I’m instantly transported back to those warm summer days filled with laughter and sweet smells wafting from the kitchen. The Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of summer, a reason to gather friends and family, and a delightful way to enjoy fresh fruit.

Ingredient List for Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza

The ingredients for the Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza are simple yet effective. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the delicious base and delightful toppings. The butter, sugar, and cream cheese work together to create a rich and creamy texture, while the fresh fruit adds a burst of freshness that balances the sweetness perfectly.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The main structure of the cookie base, giving it the right texture and firmness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the cookies rise slightly and achieve a soft texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – A little salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – This is the primary sweetener for the cookie base.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Adds a refreshing citrus note to brighten the flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature – Provides richness and moisture to the cookies.
• 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt) – This keeps the cookies moist and adds a slight tang that complements the sweetness.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• 1 large egg yolk – Helps to create a richer texture in the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Voids sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – Adds a delightful hint of almond flavor.
• 8 ounces brick cream cheese, at room temperature – The star ingredient for the creamy frosting.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature – Helps to create a smooth frosting.
• 2 cups confectioner’s sugar – Sweetens the frosting and adds the perfect texture.
• Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
• Fresh fruit, sliced strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, kiwi, etc. – These toppings not only add flavor but also make the pizza look stunning.
• Fresh mint, for garnish, optional – Adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.

Step by Step Guide for Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza

Making a Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza is a delightful experience that combines the joy of baking with a colorful presentation. You’ll find that the steps are straightforward and fun. Let’s dive into the process and create this sweet treat together!

1. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. As the oven warms up, prepare your baking pan. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step is crucial to ensure your cookies come out perfectly.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This mixture will serve as the dry ingredients. Set it aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
3. Take a small bowl and combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub them together with your fingers until fragrant. This step helps release the oils from the zest, enhancing the flavor of your sugar cookies.
4. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter and the sugar mixture until creamy and well combined. This step should take around 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing.
5. Next, add the sour cream, egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the bowl. Mix until everything is combined smoothly.
6. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be just combined and slightly sticky.
7. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. You might find it helpful to grease your hands or dampen them slightly to prevent the dough from sticking.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to turn a light golden brown without overbaking.
9. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here; letting them cool will ensure the perfect texture for your Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza.
10. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, confectioner’s sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until it’s light and fluffy.
11. Once the cookie base is cool, spread a generous layer of frosting evenly over the top. This creates a wonderful foundation for your fresh toppings.
12. Finally, top the frosting with your choice of fresh fruit. Arrange them beautifully for that vibrant look. If desired, garnish with fresh mint for an extra splash of color.
13. Cut into bars and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy the joy of your homemade Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza!

Helpful Hints

To make the most out of your Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Storage: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days for maximum freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie bars without the fruit for up to one month. Thaw before serving and add fresh fruit toppings before enjoying.
• Pairing: Consider serving your Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza with a light summer drink, like lemonade or iced tea, to complement its sweetness.
• Variations: Experiment with different fruits or even toppings like chocolate shavings or nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to gluten sensitivities.

Serving This Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza

Serving your Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza can be as fun as making it. Here are some ideas:

• Cut into bars: This dessert is perfect for slicing. Cut it into bars for easy serving, making it ideal for gatherings.
• Use seasonal fruits: Pair your pizza with fruits that are in season for the best flavor—think strawberries in spring or peaches in summer.
• Garnish with mint: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a lovely aroma and a pop of color, enhancing the overall presentation.
• Ideal for picnics: This dessert travels well, making it a great choice for summer picnics or potlucks. Just keep it chilled until serving.
• Serve with ice cream: For an indulgent treat, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination is heavenly!
• Great for special occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party or holiday gathering, this dessert is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and delicious flavors.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza is truly a delightful dessert that brings together the sweetness of sugar cookies with the freshness of fruits. It’s not just a treat; it’s a way to celebrate life’s moments with loved ones. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make your own memories with it.

Don’t hesitate to whip it up for your next gathering or just a fun family night! Enjoy every slice!

Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza

The ultimate summer treat! This Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza features a soft and sweet cookie base topped with creamy frosting and a variety of fresh fruits. It's the perfect dessert for gatherings or just a fun way to enjoy summer flavors. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 24 bars

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 8 ounces brick cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
• Pinch salt
• Fresh fruit, sliced strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, kiwi, etc.
• Fresh mint, for garnish, optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper; set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub together with your fingers until fragrant.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter and the sugar mixture together until creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and add the sour cream. Mix until combined.
• Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until combined.
• Add the dry ingredients and mix on low until just combined. Don’t over mix. The dough will be sticky.
• Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. You can grease your hands or get them slightly damp to make it easier.
• Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges barely start to brown. Don’t over bake or the bars will be dry. Let the bars cool completely.
• To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the vanilla and almond extract and mix until combined.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Add the confectioner’s sugar and salt; mix until smooth. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
• Top with fresh fruit and mint, if desired. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

• Storage: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Make-ahead: Bake and frost the bars a day ahead, then add fruit the day of.
• Freezing: The cookie bars can be baked and frozen (with frosting, but not fruit topping) for up to 1 month. Thaw and decorate with fruit or desired toppings before serving.

Keyword Easy Fruit Dessert, Fruit Pizza, Sugar Cookie Recipe, Summer Dessert

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.