If you love the idea of combining a buttery, soft sugar cookie crust with a velvety cream cheese frosting and fresh, colorful fruit, then you are going to adore this Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe. It’s like dessert magic on a pan—bright, beautiful, and bursting with flavors that make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re serving it for a festive gathering, a birthday, or just because you deserve something truly special, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, familiar, and essential for bringing together the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each one plays a key role, from creating the soft cookie base to the tangy-smooth frosting and the vibrant fresh fruit topping.
- Salted Butter (3/4 cup + 1/4 cup): Adds richness and moisture to the cookie dough and frosting, making them irresistibly soft and creamy.
- Cream Cheese (4 ounces + 12 ounces): Brings that luscious, tangy flavor and silky texture to both the dough and frosting.
- Granulated Sugar (1 and 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cookie dough perfectly for that classic sugar cookie taste.
- Powdered Sugar (1 and 1/2 cups): Provides smooth sweetness in the frosting without any graininess.
- Large Egg (1): Helps bind the cookie dough together and contributes to its tender crumb.
- Vanilla Extract (2 and 1/2 teaspoons): Adds a warm floral aroma that enhances both cookie and frosting.
- Almond Extract (1 and 3/4 teaspoons): Gives the dough a subtle, nutty depth that makes the crust special.
- All Purpose Flour (3 cups): The sturdy base that holds everything together without weighing it down.
- Kosher or Sea Salt (1 and 1/4 teaspoons): Balances sweetness and sharpens the flavors beautifully throughout the dish.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Keeps the dough tender and soft by reducing gluten formation.
- Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): Optional but fantastic in the frosting to brighten and lift the creamy sweetness.
- Mandarin Oranges (1 can, drained): Adds juicy bursts of citrus that bring a fresh vibe to the pizza.
- Strawberries (2 cups, sliced): Offers vibrant color and a sweet-tart punch.
- Blueberries (2 cups): Tiny blueberries make for perfect popping sweetness and gorgeous color contrast.
- Raspberries (1 cup): Their delicate tartness adds complexity and a beautiful red hue.
- Kiwis (4, peeled and sliced): Adds an exotic tang and bright green that instantly makes the pizza pop.
- Apricot Jam (2 tablespoons): Used to glaze the fruit, providing a shiny finish and extra sweetness.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by beating 3/4 cup of softened butter on medium speed until it becomes lighter in color and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Then add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and beat again for a minute until well combined. This creamy duo forms the luscious base of your cookie dough and ensures tenderness.
Step 2: Mix in Sugar, Egg, and Extracts
Next, add 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar and beat until fluffy, which creates that delightful sweetness and airy texture. Then add one large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 and 3/4 teaspoons almond extract. Beat everything well, scraping down the bowl so the mixture is perfectly combined and smooth—this step is crucial for flavor depth.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Spoon and level 3 cups of all-purpose flour, then mix in 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Add this dry mix to the wet ingredients and beat just until combined. Remember not to overmix here, or the dough could get tough. The dough will be sticky, which is totally normal and makes for a tender cookie crust.
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough
Line a 12-inch pizza pan with parchment paper. Press the sticky dough evenly into the pan reaching the edges and aiming for about 3/8 inch thickness. If the dough sticks to your hands, dampen them slightly for easier spreading. Then chill the dough in the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes or the freezer for about 20 minutes. This chilling step helps the dough hold its shape during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookie Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) at least 15 minutes before baking. Bake the chilled dough for 20 to 23 minutes, watching closely near the end. The crust should be a very light golden color all over, with just a little more browning on the edges, but definitely avoid overbaking. Let it cool completely before frosting.
Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together 12 ounces softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter until smooth and creamy—no lumps here! Add 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, then gradually beat in 1 and 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. This frosting is rich but lightened with lemon juice for a bright balance that complements the cookie crust perfectly.
Step 7: Frost the Crust and Chill
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie crust with an offset spatula, covering all edges. Do this as soon as the crust has cooled so the frosting can soften the crust edges and prevent it from drying out. Place the frosted crust in the fridge to chill and set until ready for the fruit.
Step 8: Prepare and Arrange the Fruit
Drain the mandarin oranges, slice the strawberries and kiwis, and gather all your vibrant berries. Now comes the fun and creative part: you can go for concentric circles, clusters, or just a joyful, scattered “sprinkle” of fruit. Any way you decorate it will look stunning and taste amazing—this pizza is as much a feast for the eyes as for the taste buds!
Step 9: Glaze the Fruit
Heat 2 tablespoons apricot jam in the microwave for 30 seconds to make it runny. Strain if you’re using preserves to remove lumps. Use a pastry brush to lightly glaze the arranged fruit—this not only adds shine but also helps preserve freshness. Chill the fruit pizza until ready to serve.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice the pizza into wedges or squares. Squares are often easier to handle and share, but there’s something delightfully whimsical about serving dessert “pizza” slices. Keep your pizza covered in the fridge until serving time for the best results.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add an extra touch of color and flavor contrast. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes would be lovely additions to elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This fruit pizza pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. A refreshing glass of sparkling lemonade or iced tea complements the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the pizza into bite-sized squares for a party appetizer or laying the fruit in fun shapes, like hearts or initials, for special occasions. You can also serve it on a colorful platter to highlight the vibrant fruit or bring out different senses with edible flowers as decoration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the fruit pizza loosely with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cookie crust and frosting stay fresh longer, but the fruit is best enjoyed within that timeframe to preserve its texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing the assembled pizza is not recommended due to the delicate fruit topping. However, you can freeze the cookie crust without frosting for up to 1 month, then thaw and frost just before serving.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled dessert with fresh fruit, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Serve cold from the refrigerator for the best texture and taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits besides those listed?
Absolutely! The beauty of this Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe is its flexibility. Try mango, blackberries, peaches, or even pomegranate seeds for a colorful twist tailored to your tastes.
What can I substitute for almond extract if I don’t have any?
You can omit almond extract or replace it with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract. The almond flavor adds a lovely nutty nuance, but it’s not essential.
How do I prevent the fruit from making the cookie soggy?
Applying the cream cheese frosting right after the crust cools helps create a moisture barrier. Also, glazing the fruit with apricot jam seals them and reduces juice seepage, keeping the crust nice and firm.
Can I make this Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, and make sure the cornstarch is gluten-free. The texture might vary slightly, but you’ll still get delicious results.
What’s the best way to store the fruit pizza for a party?
Prepare the crust and frosting ahead of time, store separately, and add the fruit and glaze on the day of the event. This keeps the fruit fresh and the crust perfectly soft yet crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe is truly a delightful crowd-pleaser, blending buttery cookie, smooth frosting, and vibrant fruit in a way that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself and others to something special and beautiful. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever enjoyed fruit pizza any other way!
