Our Fruit Pizza Cookies are going to take your dessert game to the next level. We top sweet, chewy sugar cookies with a decadent, creamy spread and colorful, juicy fruit to create an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for summer parties or simply to indulge in as a satisfying, sweet snack!
What are Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Our fruit pizza cookies are like little bites of heaven! They start with a soft, chewy sugar cookie base that’s so buttery and delicious it practically melts in your mouth. Then we slather on a generous layer of creamy cheesecake ricotta topping and top them off with fresh, juicy fruits like plump strawberries, bursting blueberries, and tangy raspberries. It’s like a fruity handheld cheesecake that no one can get enough of!
Ingredients You Need
For the Cheesecake Ricotta Topping:
- Cream Cheese – This makes the topping super smooth and creamy and gives it that tanginess we all love in cheesecake. Make sure that it’s at room temperature so that it mixes easily.
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese – Using ricotta makes the topping super creamy and dreamy.
- Cold Heavy Cream – Be sure to use full-fat cream — it whips up light and fluffy, giving the topping the luxe texture that makes it absolutely irresistible!
- Powdered Sugar – We use confectioner’s sugar so that the topping turns out silky smooth without any graininess.
- Lemon Zest – Zest adds a concentrated citrusy flavor that brightens up the other rich flavors.
- Vanilla Extract – The extract infuses the topping with warm flavor.
- Honey – This addition is optional, but we love to drizzle honey on top for a touch of extra sweetness!
For the Toppings:
- Strawberries – Juicy and sweet, they add a burst of fresh flavor and a vibrant red color.
- Blueberries – These little pops of sweetness add a lovely blue hue to your cookies.
- Raspberries – Slightly tart and oh-so-delicious, they add another beautiful splash of bright red color.
For the Cookies:
- Sugar Cookie Dough Package – This is our key to making it a breeze to put these cookies together. It’s the perfect sweet and buttery base that’s quick to prepare!
How to Make Easy Fruit Pizza Cookies
- Bake the cookies. Prepare the dough by shaping it into a dozen round cookies and bake them until golden brown on the edges, per the instructions on the package.
- Make the topping. Add the cream cheese and powdered sugar to a medium bowl and beat before adding the cream, ricotta, zest, and extract and beating again until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble. Once the cookies have cooled, spoon the sweetened cheese mixture over the top of each cookie and top with the berries. Garnish the cookies with honey and serve or store immediately.
Note: You can easily make the elements of fruit pizza cookies ahead of time and store them until you’re ready to assemble them. Bake the cookies and store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Or prepare the frosting ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
Variations
- Shape – These cookies can also be transformed into one large “pizza.” Spread the sugar cookie on a sheet tray and bake until golden brown. Once it’s cooled, add the cheesecake topping and the fruit.
- Mascarpone Cheese – Swap out the cream cheese for a rich and slightly sweet alternative.
- Greek Yogurt – Trade out the ricotta for a tangy, creamy twist that also adds a punch of protein.
- Orange Zest – Swap out the lemon for orange zest to give your topping a different citrusy flavor.
- Almond Extract – Add a nutty, sweet flavor to the topping with almond extract.
- Agave Syrup – Instead of honey, use a drizzle of agave syrup as garnish.
- Fruits – Use any fruits that you like! Try sliced kiwi, diced mango or pineapples, sliced peaches, or even blackberries.
- Cookies – Instead of just a sugar cookie base, use another variety like oatmeal peanut butter, chocolate chip, or snickerdoodle cookies. Or, brighten it up by using lemon-flavored cookies!
Can I Store Leftover Fruit Pizza Cookies?
While you can store leftovers, keep in mind that the cream cheese and fruit may soften the cookies so you probably want to eat them up within a day or two. We doubt anyone will have a problem doing that, though!
To refrigerate, place cookies in an airtight container in a single layer, or separate them with layers of
We don’t recommend freezing fruit pizza cookies since their texture will change once they are thawed.
More Crave-Worthy Cookies
We can never have too many cookie recipes! If you’re like us, check out more of our decadent and delicious cookies:
Soft and Chewy Fluffernutter Cookies
Date Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Fruit Pizza Cookies
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 16 oz package sugar cookie dough
For the Cheesecake Ricotta Topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cold heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup strawberries sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- Honey for garnish
Instructions
Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven according to the package instructions for the sugar cookie dough.
- Shape the dough into 12 cookie rounds.1 16 oz package sugar cookie dough
- Bake as per the package instructions and set aside to cool completely.
Prepare the Cheesecake Ricotta Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until fluffy.8 oz cream cheese, 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- Add the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat slowly until combined, then increase the speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is fluffy. Be careful not to overbeat.1/2 cup cold heavy cream, 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assemble the Dessert Pizza Cookies:
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake ricotta topping on each cooled cookie.
- Top with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.1 cup strawberries, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup raspberries
- Drizzle with honey, if desired.Honey
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Prepare the cookies, and store them in an airtight container.
- Prepare the frosting, beat, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
- Assemble just before serving.