Name: Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, slightly softened but still cool; ⅔ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract; 1 large egg; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, lightly spooned and leveled; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, for flattening; 3 ounces cream cheese, softened; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar, sifted (if lumpy); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅛ teaspoon almond extract; 1-2 teaspoons milk (if needed); 2-3 cups fresh fruit, chopped or sliced if necessary (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, etc.)

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These Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts are the ultimate treat, combining the classic flavor of sugar cookies with the bright, fresh appeal of a fruity topping. The soft, buttery cookie crust is perfectly complemented by a creamy frosting and topped with a colorful assortment of fresh fruits. The combination of the slightly almond-scented sugar cookie base and the smooth, sweet cream cheese frosting creates a decadent, yet light dessert that’s both eye-catching and delicious. Perfect for a party, picnic, or just as a fun, seasonal treat, these sugar cookie fruit tarts are sure to steal the show.

What makes these tarts even more special is how customizable they are. You can choose your favorite fruits, from berries to tropical options, and even play with the frosting by adding a touch of lemon zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just because, these fruit tarts are as beautiful as they are tasty. The crisp yet tender cookie base and the creamy frosting balance the fresh fruit in every bite, making these tarts the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Buttery Sugar Cookie Base

The soft and buttery sugar cookie crust is the perfect base for the tangy frosting and sweet fruit, offering a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

2. Customizable with Your Favorite Fruits

The fruit topping is completely customizable, meaning you can use your favorite seasonal fruits to make each batch unique and colorful.

3. Cream Cheese Frosting

The smooth and creamy frosting made from cream cheese and butter adds a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with both the cookie and the fresh fruit.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or summer barbecue, these tarts are perfect for any celebration and are sure to impress guests with their beauty and flavor.

5. Fun to Assemble

This recipe offers an enjoyable experience in the kitchen. Rolling out the cookie dough, preparing the frosting, and assembling the tarts is a fun process that results in a gorgeous final product.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Pure vanilla extract
Pure almond extract
Large egg
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Extra granulated sugar (for flattening)
Cream cheese
Unsalted butter (for frosting)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract (for frosting)
Almond extract (for frosting)
Milk (if needed)
Fresh fruit (chopped or sliced, as necessary)

Variations

Fruit Mix: Swap in different fruit combinations like kiwi, mango, or peaches for a tropical twist.
Flavor Variations in Frosting: Add a little lemon zest or cinnamon to the frosting for extra flavor depth.
Mini Tarts: Instead of making full-sized cookies, create mini versions for bite-sized treats, perfect for parties or snacks.
Vegan Version: Substitute plant-based butter, vegan cream cheese, and a flax egg for a vegan-friendly dessert.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use a glass or your fingers to gently flatten the dough balls. Sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Assemble the Tarts

Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of each cookie. Arrange the fresh fruit on top of the frosting, making sure each tart is beautifully decorated.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the sugar cookie fruit tarts immediately, or refrigerate them for up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to set.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before baking to make it easier to handle.
Use Fresh, Firm Fruit: For the best results, use fresh, firm fruit that won’t release too much juice and make the cookies soggy.
Make Ahead: You can bake the cookies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble them.
Customize the Frosting: Feel free to adjust the frosting flavor by adding a teaspoon of citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to give it a refreshing twist.

How to Serve

These fruit tarts are best served chilled, allowing the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together. They’re perfect for dessert at a dinner party, picnic, or potluck. You can also serve them as a light treat with afternoon tea or coffee. For extra flair, drizzle a little honey or apricot jam over the fruit for a glossy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep the fruit separate if possible to prevent the cookies from becoming soggy.

Freezing

While the cookies can be frozen before frosting, it’s best to freeze the cookies without the frosting and fruit. Once baked, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Frost and top with fruit when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

If you’ve frozen the cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature and assemble the tarts with fresh fruit and frosting when ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought cookie dough for this recipe?

While homemade dough will give the best results, you can use store-bought sugar cookie dough as a shortcut if you’re short on time.

2. How do I prevent the fruit from making the cookies soggy?

It’s important to use fresh, firm fruit and avoid overloading the cookies with juice. Keep the fruit topping on just before serving for the best results.

3. Can I make these tarts gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and the recipe will work just as well.

4. Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?

Fresh fruit is ideal, but if you must use frozen fruit, be sure to thaw and pat the fruit dry to reduce excess moisture.

5. How far in advance can I make these tarts?

You can prepare the cookies and frosting ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the tarts on the day you plan to serve them to keep the fruit fresh.

6. What other fruits can I use besides berries?

Try using peaches, kiwi, or even grapes. You can mix and match based on what’s in season.

7. Can I use a different frosting?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other frostings, such as whipped cream or a simple glaze, if you prefer.

8. How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure that the dough is properly chilled before baking to keep the cookies from spreading too thin.

9. How do I make the frosting smoother?

Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing, as this will help create a smooth, lump-free frosting.

10. Can I prepare the fruit topping in advance?

You can prep the fruit by slicing it ahead of time, but for best results, it’s recommended to assemble the tarts just before serving to keep the fruit fresh.

Conclusion

These Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts are the perfect combination of sweet, buttery cookies, creamy frosting, and fresh, vibrant fruit. They’re a delightful and versatile dessert that can be customized for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something delicious, these tarts will be a hit. Enjoy the process of creating these beautiful, mouthwatering treats—and, of course, enjoy every delicious bite!