Growing up, my grandmother had a signature dessert that was the talk of every family gathering – her famous Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza. I can still remember the mouthwatering aroma of the buttery sugar cookies fresh out of the oven, topped with a rainbow of vibrant fruits and a tangy cream cheese frosting. It was the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and everyone would fight over the last slice.
Grandma always made it look so effortless, but I now know the secret to her incredible Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza – it’s all in the technique. With just a few simple tricks, you can achieve that same bakery-worthy result at home. Trust me, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dessert!
Why This Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
What makes this Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza so special is the perfectly crisp, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie base. The secret is in the chilling and rolling process – it creates an irresistibly buttery texture that won’t get soggy, even with all those juicy fruits on top. And the cream cheese frosting? It’s the ideal complement, adding a tangy richness that balances the sweetness. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never settle for a store-bought fruit pizza again.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Butter: The foundation of any great sugar cookie is high-quality butter. I recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor.
Granulated sugar: This sweetens the dough and gives the cookies their signature crisp edges.
Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the cookie base.
All-purpose flour: The base of the sugar cookie dough.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect texture.
Cream cheese: For the tangy, creamy frosting that ties the whole Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza together.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
Fresh fruit: Use a colorful variety like strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, and blueberries.
Step-by-Step Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Instructions
Preparing Your Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
This Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza is actually quite simple to make, but it does require a bit of hands-on time and some chilling in the fridge. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes of prep and cooking time. You’ll also need a rimmed baking sheet, a stand mixer or hand mixer, and a few mixing bowls.
1- Start by making the sugar cookie dough. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the flour and baking powder until just combined.
2- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
3- Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll out one dough disk on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Transfer the dough to a rimmed baking sheet.
4- Bake the sugar cookie base for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before topping.
5- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie base.
6- Arrange your fresh fruit toppings in a colorful pattern over the frosting. Slice and serve immediately, or chill until ready to enjoy.
Pro Tips for Success
- Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and baking – this is the key to achieving that perfect crisp-yet-tender texture.
- Don’t overbake the sugar cookie base or it will become too hard and crumbly.
- Feel free to get creative with the fruit toppings! Berries, citrus, stone fruits, and tropicals all work well.
- If the frosting seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or cream.
Serving and Storing Your Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
Perfect Pairings for Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
This Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza makes for a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it up at your next backyard BBQ, birthday party, or holiday gathering – it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a steaming cup of coffee.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent the fruit from drying out. You can also make the cookie base and frosting up to 2 days in advance, then assemble and top with fruit just before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
Creative Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Variations
The great thing about this recipe is that you can easily switch up the flavors and toppings to suit your tastes. Try using a different type of cookie base, like gingersnaps or chocolate chip. Or mix up the fruit – swap in seasonal berries, tropical fruits, or even savory veggies like tomatoes and avocado. You can also drizzle the finished pizza with a sweet glaze or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent twist.
Making Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Diet-Friendly
To make this Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza a bit lighter, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative. And to cut down on the sugar, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting or opt for a low-calorie sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a pre-made sugar cookie dough instead of making it from scratch?
A: While you could use a store-bought dough in a pinch, I really recommend taking the time to make the sugar cookie base from scratch. The homemade dough has a far superior texture and flavor that’s worth the extra effort.
Q: How long do I need to chill the dough before rolling and baking?
A: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the butter firm up so the cookies hold their shape and achieve that perfect crisp-tender texture.
Q: Can I make the Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the cookie base and frosting up to 2 days in advance. Just assemble the full pizza and top with fruit right before serving. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: How many people does this Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza serve?
A: This recipe makes one large 12-inch pizza that can easily serve 8-10 people as a dessert. You can scale it up or down as needed to feed a smaller or larger crowd.
Q: What if my fruit starts to get juicy and soggy on top of the pizza?
A: If you notice the fruit releasing a lot of liquid, simply dab it gently with a paper towel to absorb the excess moisture. This will help prevent the cookie base from getting soggy.
Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza combines a buttery sugar cookie crust with a colorful array of fresh, juicy seasonal fruits for a delightful no-bake dessert. Top it off with a sweet fruit glaze for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups mixed fresh fruit (such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, mandarin oranges)
– 1/2 cup fruit preserves or jelly
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-inch round pizza pan or rimmed baking sheet.
2. 2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
3. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, going about 1 inch up the sides.
5. 5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
6. 6. Arrange the fresh fruit over the cooled crust in a decorative pattern.
7. 7. In a small saucepan, heat the fruit preserves over low heat until melted and smooth. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the fruit.
8. 8. Refrigerate the pizza for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the glaze to set.
Notes
– For best results, use a variety of fresh, in-season fruits.
– Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
– Store any leftover pizza covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so special about the combination of a buttery sugar cookie base, tangy cream cheese frosting, and sweet, juicy fruit. Once you try this Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza recipe, it’s bound to become a new family favorite. The vibrant colors and flavors make it perfect for any occasion, from casual backyard barbecues to fancy holiday gatherings. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get baking – this crowd-pleasing dessert is about to become your new signature dish!