Indulge in the vibrant and flavorful delight of Vegan Rainbow Fruit Pizza Cookies—a chewy sugar cookie base topped with zesty cream cheese frosting and an assortment of fresh fruit. Perfect for Pride month and summer celebrations.
About Vegan Rainbow Fruit Pizza Cookies
It’s that time of the year when vibrant colors, joy, and love are celebrated all around. Happy Pride! As we embrace the summer solstice and Pride month fills the air with excitement, I find myself seeking out all things rainbow. It’s my way of embracing and honoring the most colorful people in my life, who I love so dearly. And what better way to do that than with a treat that bursts with all the colors of the rainbow? Get excited about these Vegan Rainbow Fruit Pizza Cookies!
These cookies taste just like those giant fruit pizzas you see at summer BBQs, but in miniature form! Picture this: each chewy sugar cookie is a tiny canvas, topped with zesty cream cheese frosting and meticulously decorated with a kaleidoscope of juicy fruits like fresh berries, mango, pineapple, and kiwi.
So, whether you’re planning a colorful Pride party or simply want to indulge in a delightful summer treat, these Vegan Rainbow Fruit Pizza Cookies are a must-try.
If you are looking for other amazing vegan cookies recipes try: The BEST Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Jump to:
- About Vegan Rainbow Fruit Pizza Cookies
- Why You’ll LOVE Vegan Fruit Pizza Cookies
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- Special Equipment to Make These Fruit Pizza Cookies
- Gluten-Free Vegan Rainbow Fruit Pizza Cookies
- How to Make Vegan Fruit Pizza Cookies – Step by Step
- Tips and Variations
- Common Questions about Vegan Fruit Pizza Cookies
- Want to save these cookies for later? Here’s how!
- Vegan Rainbow Fruit Pizza Cookies
Why You’ll LOVE Vegan Fruit Pizza Cookies
Bursting with Freshness: With the arrival of summer, these Vegan Fruit Pizza Cookies are a delightful way to incorporate seasonal fruits into dessert. From the luscious red of strawberries to the sunny yellow of pineapples and the deep purple of juicy blackberries, the combination of the soft, chewy sugar cookie base and the juicy fruits on top is a symphony of sweet, tart, and refreshing notes.
Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy and creamy lemon-infused cream cheese frosting takes these cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness. It adds a refreshing burst of flavor that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the fruits. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes that will leave you wanting another cookie (or two).
A Festive Treat for Pride Month: Show your support and celebrate Pride month in the most delicious way possible. These cookies embrace the spirit of inclusivity and love with their vibrant rainbow colors. They are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a visual delight that spreads positivity and cheer. Share these cookies with your loved ones during Pride celebrations or gift them to someone special to express your support. They’re also perfect for gatherings, picnics, and backyard barbecues.
Customizable and Fun: Get creative and let your imagination run wild with these cookies! The rainbow fruit toppings allow you to customize each cookie to your heart’s content. Mix and match your favorite fruits or arrange them in unique patterns to create edible works of art. Involve your family and friends in the decorating process for a fun (and messy) time!
Vegan and Plant-Based: These Vegan Fruit Pizza Cookies are a great option for those following a vegan or plant-based lifestyle. By using plant-based ingredients, we can enjoy an indulgent dessert while making a compassionate choice for animals and the planet. You won’t even taste the difference!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- All-purpose flour: This versatile flour provides structure and texture to the cookies. For a healthier twist, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise during baking.
- Baking powder: Another leavening agent that contributes to the cookies’ light and fluffy texture.
- Non-dairy milk powder: This optional ingredient adds a touch of richness to the cookies. If you don’t have non-dairy milk powder, you can simply omit it. I like to use this Oat Milk Powder.
- Sea salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness. Adjust according to your preference.
- Vegan butter: Provides a buttery taste and tender texture. It also adds richness and creaminess to the frosting. I’ve been loving this Country Crock Plant Butter. Make sure it is room temperature before starting. You can substitute it with coconut oil or a vegan margarine of your choice.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cookies.
- Powdered sugar: Contributes to the cookies’ texture and sweetness. Using powdered sugar makes them extra EXTRA chewy. We will also be using powdered sugar in our cream cheese frosting.
A note about sugar:
Unfortunately, most sugars in the United States are processed using animal-derived bone char. If you want to guarantee the sugar you are baking with is vegan-friendly, make sure it is raw cane sugar, certified-organic cane sugar, or sugar made exclusively from beets.
- Aquafaba (chickpea liquid/brine): Acts as an excellent egg substitute, binding the ingredients together. You can use 3 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana as a vegan-friendly alternative.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a delightful aroma and flavor.
- Almond extract: The secret ingredient! Adding almond extract gives these cookies an amazing, deep flavor. If you’re not a fan of almond extract, you can omit it or replace it with additional vanilla extract.
- Vegan cream cheese: Provides a creamy and tangy base for the frosting. Choose your favorite brand or make your own homemade vegan cream cheese.
- Lemon juice: Adds a zingy freshness to the frosting. If you prefer a different citrus flavor, you can use lime juice or orange juice instead.
- Assortment of fresh fruit: Get creative with your fruit toppings! Select a variety of colorful fruits such as strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, oranges, or any other seasonal favorites. Chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy decoration.
Special Equipment to Make These Fruit Pizza Cookies
Don’t worry, my baking buddy, you won’t need any fancy gadgets or obscure tools to whip up these delectable Vegan Fruit Pizza Cookies. Just gather these essential items, and you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your colorful baking adventure:
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is a must-have for perfectly baked cookies. Choose a standard-sized sheet that fits comfortably in your oven and provides even heat distribution.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and make cleanup a breeze, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. These handy liners also help ensure even baking and maintain the cookies’ shape.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few mixing bowls of various sizes to prepare and combine the cookie dough, frosting, and toppings. Opt for heat-resistant glass or stainless steel bowls that are easy to clean.
- Whisk: A whisk is an essential tool for combining dry ingredients thoroughly and eliminating any lumps. Choose a sturdy whisk with thin wires for efficient mixing.
- Electric Mixer: While you can certainly mix the dough by hand, an electric mixer makes the process quicker and easier. Whether you have a stand mixer or a hand mixer, it will help cream the butter and sugar together, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Cookie Scoop or Measuring Cup: To ensure evenly sized cookies, a cookie scoop or measuring cup with a ¼ cup capacity is ideal. This ensures consistent portions and helps the cookies bake uniformly.
- Wire Rack: Once the cookies are baked, a wire rack is essential for allowing them to cool properly. It promotes air circulation, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy and maintaining their chewy texture.
- Spatula: A spatula is useful for transferring the cookies from the baking sheet to the wire rack without damaging their delicate texture. Opt for a thin, heat-resistant spatula for easy handling.
- Offset Spatula: An offset spatula will come in handy when it’s time to spread the creamy vegan cream cheese frosting onto the cookies. Its angled blade allows for smooth and even application, giving your cookies a professional touch.
Gluten-Free Vegan Rainbow Fruit Pizza Cookies
If you follow a gluten-free diet or have gluten sensitivities, you can still indulge these Vegan Fruit Pizza Cookies by making a few simple substitutions. Here’s how to modify the recipe to create a gluten-free version of these colorful treats:
- Flour Swap: Replace the all-purpose flour in the original recipe with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for a blend that is specifically formulated as a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour. This ensures that the texture and consistency of the cookies will remain intact.
- Adjust Leavening Agents: When using gluten-free flour, it’s essential to check if the blend already contains leavening agents such as baking soda and baking powder. If not, make sure to include the appropriate amount of these ingredients to ensure proper rise and texture.
- Follow the Remaining Steps: Proceed with the rest of the recipe as outlined in the original version, following the instructions for creaming the wet ingredients, combining the dry and wet ingredients, chilling the dough, baking the cookies, and preparing the vegan cream cheese frosting.
Remember to handle the gluten-free cookie dough with care as it may have a slightly different texture and be more delicate than traditional dough. Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting and decorating them with your favorite assortment of fresh fruits.
How to Make Vegan Fruit Pizza Cookies – Step by Step
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Start by preparing the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, non-dairy milk powder (if using), and sea salt. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly combined and helps prevent any lumps.
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In a separate large bowl or in the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the vegan butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar on medium speed. Creaming the butter and sugars together creates a light and fluffy texture for the cookies. This process may take around 5-8 minutes, so be patient to achieve the desired consistency.
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Add the aquafaba, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture. These ingredients add moisture and flavor to the cookies. Continue beating on medium speed until the mixture is well combined and the extracts are evenly distributed.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. This helps prevent overmixing and ensures that the dry ingredients are fully incorporated without overdeveloping the gluten in the flour. Mix until the dough just comes together, being careful not to overmix.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using a ¼ cup cookie scoop or measuring cup, portion the dough into balls and place them evenly on the prepared sheet. This ensures uniform cookie sizes and even baking. Cover the dough balls and freeze them for 30 minutes or overnight. Chilled dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. It’s important to keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. The cookies should still be soft and slightly underdone in the center to achieve a chewy texture.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set and firm up slightly before transferring them, preventing them from breaking apart.
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While the cookies are baking and cooling, it’s time to prepare the cream cheese frosting. Ensure that your vegan butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before you begin. If they’re too cold, the frosting might not mix well. Softened ingredients ensure a smooth and creamy frosting.
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In a large bowl, beat together the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter using an electric mixer. Start at a low speed and gradually increase to medium-high speed. Beat until the cream cheese and butter are fully combined and have a creamy consistency.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese and butter mixture, continuing to beat at a low speed. Adding the sugar gradually helps prevent a grainy frosting and ensures a smooth texture.
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Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, add the lemon juice and increase the mixer speed to high. Beat the frosting for about 2 minutes until it becomes fluffy and smooth. This additional beating time helps incorporate air and creates a lighter texture.
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Once the cookies have completely cooled, it’s time to assemble your mini fruit pizzas. Using a spoon or an offset spatula, spread a generous layer of the vegan cream cheese frosting on each cookie. Top with a rainbow assortment of fruit pieces.
Tips and Variations
- Allow the Cookies to Cool Completely: Frosting applied to warm cookies is more likely to melt and slide off due to the heat, leading to a messy and uneven appearance. When the cookies are cooled, the frosting has a better chance of staying in place and adhering firmly to the surface. It will also be easier to assemble the fruit on top.
- Customize the Fruit Toppings: While the classic rainbow assortment of fruits is undeniably beautiful, feel free to get creative and personalize the toppings to suit your taste or the occasion. Consider using seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds, papaya, or passion fruit for a refreshing tropical-themed variation. The key is to use fresh, vibrant fruits that complement the flavors and add visual appeal to your pizza cookies. For a touch of decadence, drizzle melted vegan chocolate over the fruit-topped cookies. The combination of chocolate and fresh fruit creates a delightful balance of flavors.
- Personalized Cookie Shapes: Get creative with cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Use rainbow-shaped cutters, hearts, or any other designs that resonate with your theme or occasion. You can also transform the cookies into cookie cups by pressing the dough into the bottom and sides of a muffin tin. Once baked and cooled, fill the cups with the vegan cream cheese frosting and top with an assortment of fresh fruits.
- Bonus Tip: For an extra pop of color, consider dusting the finished cookies with a sprinkle of edible glitter or powdered sugar. It adds a touch of magic and makes them look even more appealing.
Common Questions about Vegan Fruit Pizza Cookies
Determining the perfect baking time for your fruit pizza cookies is crucial to achieve the desired texture. The edges of the cookies should be a light golden color while the centers remain slightly soft. This indicates that the cookies are baked to perfection, with a chewy texture. Lightly touch the center of a cookie. If it feels set and springs back slightly, it’s a good indication that they are ready to be taken out of the oven. Remember: Cookies continue to set as they cool, so even if they appear slightly undercooked when you first remove them from the oven, they will firm up during the cooling process.
Absolutely! If you’d like to save time or prepare in advance, you can make the vegan cream cheese frosting ahead of time. After preparing the frosting, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before using, allow the frosting to come to room temperature and give it a quick stir to restore its creamy consistency. This way, you can easily frost the cookies when you’re ready without any hassle.
Certainly! If you don’t have aquafaba (chickpea liquid/brine) or prefer not to use it, you can try other egg substitutes like unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Use the same quantity as the aquafaba in the recipe. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it will still contribute to the overall moistness of the cookies.
Want to save these cookies for later? Here’s how!
If you plan to enjoy the cookies within a few hours, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container or cookie jar. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air and moisture from affecting the cookies’ texture.
If you need to store the cookies for a longer duration, or if the temperature in your home is particularly warm, you can opt to store them in the refrigerator. Place the cookies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerated cookies can stay fresh for up to 1 week. However, note that the texture may become slightly firmer due to the cold temperature.
To extend the shelf life of your Vegan Fruit Pizza Cookies, you can freeze them. Ensure the cookies have completely cooled to room temperature, then place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer-friendly bag, separating the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For added protection against freezer burn, you can wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container or bag. Frozen cookies can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and transfer them to a plate or countertop. Allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours, or until they reach your desired level of softness.
Thank you so much for reading, friend! If you make this recipe in your very own kitchen, please come back and leave a star rating and review. I would absolutely LOVE to hear what you thought!
Happy Baking!
xoxo, Audra
Vegan Rainbow Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon non-dairy milk powder optional
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup vegan butter room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup aquafaba chickpea liquid/brine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
For the frosting and topping
- ½ cup vegan cream cheese
- ¼ cup vegan butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Assortment of fresh fruit chopped
Instructions
- 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, non-dairy milk powder, and sea salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate large bowl or the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the vegan butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 5-8 minutes.
3. Add the aquafaba, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue beating on medium speed until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using a ¼ cup cookie scoop or measuring cup, portion dough into balls and place them evenly on the prepared sheet. Cover and freeze the dough for 30 minutes or overnight.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the vegan cream cheese and butter until fully combined and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while beating at low speed. Add the lemon juice and continue beating for 2 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
8. Once the cookies have cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on each cookie and top with an assortment of fresh chopped fruit.
Notes
- Customize the fruit toppings and get creative with different flavors and shapes to make these cookies your own.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.Refrigerated cookies can stay fresh for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
