Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Fruit Topping
- 1 cup strawberries (diced)
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup raspberries
- 2 kiwi (peeled and diced)
- ½ cup mandarin orange segments (well drained)
- ¼ cup blackberries (halved) (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes, which helps to incorporate air for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until combined, ensuring a consistent base for the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until a soft dough forms to keep the cookies tender without overworking the dough.
- Scoop and Flatten Dough: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies approximately 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each dough mound slightly with the bottom of a glass for even baking and cookie shape.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents frosting from melting upon application.
- Make Frosting: Beat together cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy for easy spreading.
- Frost Cookies: Using an offset spatula, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over each cooled cookie, creating a smooth base for the fruit topping.
- Add Fruit Toppings: Arrange the fresh diced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin orange segments, and optional blackberries artistically over the frosting. Serve immediately or chill for about 30 minutes to firm the frosting for cleaner bites.
Notes
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor and appearance.
- Chilling the frosted cookies for 30 minutes enhances the firmness of the frosting.
- Can be customized with any favorite fresh fruits or berries.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
