Mini Fruit Pizza Cookies

<p>These mini fruit pizza cookies are a delightful summer treat that bring together soft sugar cookies, tangy cream cheese frosting, and fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor. They are perfect for backyard barbecues and festive celebrations, making dessert both fun and visually appealing. Creating them with family or friends adds a special touch, turning baking into quality time.</p> <p>I first made these during a Memorial Day weekend, and now they are a musthave at every summer gettogether with friends and family</p>

Ingredients

<ul><li><strong>Allpurpose flour:</strong> two and three quarter cups foundation for soft, tender cookies choose unbleached for best texture</li><li><strong>Baking soda:</strong> one teaspoon helps cookies rise for perfect softness</li><li><strong>Baking powder:</strong> half teaspoon provides additional lift and lightness</li><li><strong>Unsalted butter:</strong> two sticks, softened ensures rich flavor and tender crumb use good quality for best results</li><li><strong>Granulated sugar:</strong> one and a half cups adds sweetness and aids in cookie structure</li><li><strong>Egg:</strong> one large binds ingredients and adds moisture</li><li><strong>Pure vanilla extract:</strong> one teaspoon enhances flavor depth opt for pure rather than imitation</li><li><strong>Almond extract:</strong> half teaspoon, optional adds subtle nutty aroma, enhances complexity</li><li><strong>Salt:</strong> quarter teaspoon balances sweetness</li><li><strong>Cream cheese:</strong> eight ounces, softened key for tangy, creamy frosting full fat for best texture</li><li><strong>Unsalted butter (for frosting):</strong> quarter cup, softened smooths frosting and adds richness</li><li><strong>Powdered sugar:</strong> two cups sweetens and thickens frosting</li><li><strong>Pure vanilla extract (for frosting):</strong> one teaspoon flavor enhancer in frosting</li><li><strong>Fresh blueberries and raspberries:</strong> deliver freshness, color, and light tartness choose firm, ripe berries for best results</li></ul>

Instructions

<dl><dt><strong>Make the Sugar Cookie Dough:</strong></dt><dd>Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about two to three minutes. This step aerates the butter, creating a tender cookie base. Add the egg along with vanilla extract, optional almond extract, and salt. Beat these together thoroughly for a smooth, homogeneous mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.</dd><dt><strong>Chill and Shape the Dough:</strong></dt><dd>Wrap the dough and chill it for at least one hour. This resting period firms the dough, which helps cookies retain their shape while baking and ensures a soft, thick texture. Use a spoon to scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a parchmentlined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Flatten each dough ball slightly with your palm to create a smooth, round cookie base.</dd><dt><strong>Bake the Sugar Cookies:</strong></dt><dd>Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for eight to ten minutes until the edges start to turn a light golden brown. The centers will be soft but will firm up as they cool. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely before adding frosting to avoid melting.</dd><dt><strong>Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting:</strong></dt><dd>Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor and fully combine all ingredients.</dd><dt><strong>Frost the Cookies:</strong></dt><dd>Once the cookies are completely cool, generously spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting over each one to form an even layer. Take your time to get a neat, smooth finish, either using a butter knife or a piping bag for more decorative results.</dd><dt><strong>Add the Fruit Toppings:</strong></dt><dd>Top each frosted cookie with fresh blueberries and raspberries, arranging them in festive patterns to create a beautiful presentation. For extra shine and to keep the fruit juicy, lightly brush the fruit with warmed apricot jam. This acts as a glaze and helps seal in moisture.</dd></dl>

<p>I love how the cream cheese frosting balances the sweet cookie base with a tangy bite that complements the berries perfectly. One summer, I made these for a neighborhood picnic and watching kids and adults alike enjoy them with bright smiles was one of those moments that makes cooking so rewarding.</p>

Storage Tips

<p>Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for longer keeping. Once frosted and topped with fruit, keep cookies in a single layer in the refrigerator and consume within twentyfour hours to maintain freshness. Bringing cookies back to room temperature before serving enhances flavor and texture.</p>

Ingredient Substitutions

<p>If cream cheese is unavailable or you want a milder frosting, mascarpone cheese works beautifully, lending a silky, rich touch. For berry toppings, strawberries and blackberries can replace or supplement blueberries and raspberries to maintain a colorful, patriotic theme while adding different textures.</p>

Serving Suggestions

<p>Design flag patterns or concentric fruit circles for festive occasions. These mini fruit pizza cookies pair wonderfully with lemonade, sparkling wine, or vanilla ice cream, making for a crowdpleasing summer dessert spread that also involves kids in creative decorating.</p>

<p>These mini fruit pizza cookies are colorful and easy to make, perfect for summer gatherings. They bring a festive pop of flavor that everyone will love.</p>

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ Why are my cookies spreading too much in the oven?

Chill your dough thoroughly before baking to solidify fats, which helps cookies keep their shape. Avoid placing dough on a warm baking sheet to reduce spreading.

→ Can I prepare these cookies ahead of time?

Yes. Bake and cool the cookies fully, store airtight, and frost just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

→ How do I prevent fruit juices from bleeding into the frosting?

Pat fresh berries dry after washing and add them onto frosting immediately before serving. Applying a light apricot glaze helps seal and prevent juices from soaking in.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Keep assembled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, keep cookies and frosting separate, then assemble when ready.

→ Are there substitutions for the cream cheese frosting?

Mascarpone cheese offers a milder, creamier alternative that pairs beautifully with the berries and adds a richer texture.

→ Can I switch up the fruit toppings?

Yes, strawberries and blackberries can replace or accompany blueberries and raspberries to maintain colorful, fresh flavors and varied textures.