Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts

Name: Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 3 ounces cream cheese; 2-3 cups fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, kiwi)

Published: June 4, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting, and fresh fruit creates a mouthwatering treat that everyone will enjoy.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these tarts in no time.
Versatile Options: Customize your tarts with different fruits based on what’s in season or your personal favorites.
Perfect for Events: Whether it’s a birthday party or a summer barbecue, these tarts are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Beautiful Presentation: Their colorful appearance makes them an attractive addition to any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your sugar cookie fruit tarts, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Drinking glass (for flattening cookies)
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make creaming butter and sugar easy and efficient, ensuring a light texture for your cookies.
Baking sheets: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking for your sugar cookies without burning.
Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

These beautiful sugar cookie fruit tarts are made with sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting, and fresh fruit. This is the perfect summer cookie.

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/sliced, if necessary)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the very start.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheets

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking during baking.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for 1-2 minutes until light and creamy.
2. Add in the pure vanilla extract, almond extract, and large egg. Beat until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients in batches until just combined.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Scoop dough by heaping tablespoons using a 1½ tablespoon scoop:
1. Place dough balls on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
2. Sprinkle each dough ball lightly with granulated sugar.
3. Use the bottom of a drinking glass to flatten each cookie slightly.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes:
1. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through if needed.
2. Remove when centers are slightly underdone; they will continue to cook on the rack.

Step 7: Cool Cookies

Allow baked cookies to cool completely on wire racks before frosting them.

Step 8: Make Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla extract and almond extract.
3. If necessary, add milk one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 9: Assemble Tarts

Spread cream cheese frosting generously over each cooled cookie:
1. Top with your choice of fresh chopped or sliced fruit for decoration.

Enjoy your delightful Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts!

Sugar cookie fruit tarts are not only a delightful dessert but also a versatile treat perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or celebrating a birthday, these tarts can be personalized to suit your event.

Individual Dessert Plates

Arrange each sugar cookie fruit tart on a dessert plate for an elegant presentation. This adds a touch of sophistication to any gathering.

Party Platters

Create a vibrant platter by displaying multiple sugar cookie fruit tarts together. Mix and match different fruits to create a colorful and inviting display.

Mini Versions

For smaller gatherings, consider making mini sugar cookie fruit tarts using bite-sized cookies. These are perfect for guests who want to sample multiple treats.

With Ice Cream

Serve your sugar cookie fruit tarts alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture complements the tart’s sweetness beautifully.

Drizzled with Chocolate

Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top of the fruit for an extra indulgent touch. This adds richness and creates an appealing visual contrast.

To make your sugar cookie fruit tarts the best they can be, follow these helpful tips for achieving the perfect flavor and texture every time.

Use cool butter: Starting with slightly cool butter ensures that your cookies don’t spread too much during baking.
Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined helps keep the cookies light and fluffy, preventing them from becoming tough.
Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough before baking. This helps enhance the flavors and improves the texture of the cookies.
Choose fresh fruits: Use seasonal fruits for better flavor and presentation. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi work particularly well.
Adjust frosting consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add milk gradually until you reach the desired spreadable consistency without making it runny.
Store properly: Keep assembled sugar cookie fruit tarts in the refrigerator if not serving immediately to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

Sugar cookie fruit tarts pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet and fruity flavors. Here are some suggestions to enhance your dessert spread:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the sweetness of the tarts while adding more color to your table.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, offers a savory contrast that enhances the overall tasting experience.
Yogurt Parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and fresh berries create a refreshing side that echoes the flavors in your tarts.
Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like homemade lemonade or iced tea can provide a cooling effect on warm days while pairing nicely with desserts.
Nut Mix: A bowl of lightly salted nuts adds crunch and balances out sweetness with its salty flavor profile.
Chocolate Covered Pretzels: These sweet-and-salty snacks offer an exciting textural contrast alongside your fruity treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts, some common pitfalls can affect your results. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

Using warm butter: Warm butter can lead to overly greasy cookies. Always use slightly softened but cool unsalted butter for the perfect texture.
Skipping the chilling time: Not allowing the cookie dough to rest can result in spreading during baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better shape and texture.
Overbaking the cookies: Baking cookies too long will make them dry. Remove them from the oven while they are still slightly underdone in the center; they will continue to cook as they cool.
Ignoring ingredient measurements: Accurate measuring is essential for balanced flavors. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure precision in your ingredients.
Not using fresh fruit: Using old or mushy fruit can ruin the tarts. Always select fresh fruit for topping your Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts to enhance flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

You can freeze the unassembled cookie bases without frosting or fruit.
Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. This is best if you prefer a soft texture.
Stovetop: Place cookies on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! You can personalize your Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts by using different fruits or adding toppings like chocolate or nuts.

These tarts can be adapted for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?

To prevent spreading, ensure that your dough is chilled before baking and avoid using warm butter.

Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and peaches work wonderfully on these tarts due to their sweet and vibrant flavors.

Final Thoughts

Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for summer gatherings or celebrations. Their versatility allows you to customize toppings according to your preference, ensuring everyone enjoys their unique tart. Try making these delightful treats; they’re sure to impress!

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