Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly balanced flavors: The creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese layer pairs beautifully with the sweet, fresh strawberries and the soft cookie crust.
- Easy and fun: Made with store-bought cookie dough, it’s simple to prepare yet looks impressive enough for any gathering.
- Customizable: You can easily swap the strawberries for other fruits, or adjust the glaze for different flavor combinations.
- Crowd-pleaser: This dessert is guaranteed to be a hit at parties, BBQs, or any occasion where you want something refreshing and sweet.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 (16 oz) tubes store-bought sugar cookie dough
- 2 lbs strawberries (sliced)
For the strawberry glaze/jelly topping
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 (3 oz) packet strawberry jello mix
For the cream cheese layer
- 2 (8 oz) blocks softened cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cookie dough: Slice the store-bought cookie dough into 1-inch rounds. Place the slices onto an 8×15-inch baking sheet and press them down to form a crust. If the dough is sticky, use a rubber spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Bake the crust: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely.
- Make the strawberry glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and cornstarch. Whisk to combine, then pour in the cold water. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the jello mix: Once the mixture has thickened, add the strawberry jello mix and whisk until smooth. Set aside to cool. The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Prepare the cream cheese layer: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Assemble the pizza: Once the cookie crust and glaze have cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie base. Then, pour the strawberry glaze over the cream cheese layer (reserve ¼ cup of the glaze for later).
- Add the strawberries: Top the glaze with sliced strawberries, and brush the remaining glaze over the strawberries using a pastry brush.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate until ready to serve. Once chilled, slice into squares and enjoy!
Servings and timing
- Serves: 12
- Prep time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour
- Chill time: Refrigerate until ready to serve (about 1-2 hours).
Variations
- Berry mix: Swap out the strawberries for a mixture of raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a colorful twist.
- Creamy variations: Add a touch of lemon zest or a few tablespoons of whipped cream to the cream cheese layer for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie dough or make your own gluten-free crust.
- Toppings: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra texture.
- Low-sugar version: Use a sugar substitute or sugar-free jello mix to reduce the sugar content.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Store the strawberry pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freezing this dessert is not recommended as the crust and toppings may lose their texture once thawed.
- Serve chilled: Best served chilled and fresh for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Yes, you can use homemade sugar cookie dough if you prefer, just make sure it’s enough to cover the baking sheet.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza the night before, but wait to add the glaze and strawberries until just before serving to ensure they stay fresh.
3. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
4. Can I make this without the glaze?
Yes, you can skip the glaze for a simpler version and just layer the cream cheese and fresh strawberries.
5. How can I make the cream cheese layer lighter?
Substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or whipped cream to create a lighter filling.
6. Can I use a different fruit for the topping?
Absolutely! You can use any fruit that pairs well with the cream cheese base, such as peaches, blueberries, or kiwi.
7. How do I make sure the crust doesn’t spread too much?
Press the cookie dough down evenly on the baking sheet and avoid overworking the dough. If the dough spreads too much, you can always form it back into shape once baked.
8. Can I use sugar-free jello for the glaze?
Yes, sugar-free jello can be substituted in the glaze for a lower-sugar version of the topping.
9. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free sugar cookie dough or a gluten-free cookie base to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
10. How can I make the pizza crust crispier?
For a crispier crust, bake it a little longer, watching closely to avoid over-baking. You can also try pressing the dough thinner before baking.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Pizza is a sweet and refreshing dessert that combines the deliciousness of a sugar cookie crust with a creamy, tangy filling and fresh strawberries. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a fun treat, this dessert will surely be a hit!
Strawberry Pizza: A Sweet, Fruity Dessert Delight
Strawberry pizza is the perfect dessert combination of a chewy sugar cookie crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, and a sweet, tangy strawberry glaze, topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. A fun, colorful treat that’s sure to please a crowd!
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 (16 oz) tubes store-bought sugar cookie dough
2 lbs strawberries (sliced)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup cold water
1 (3 oz) packet strawberry jello mix
2 (8 oz) blocks softened cream cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the store-bought cookie dough into 1-inch rounds. Place the slices onto an 8×15-inch baking sheet and press them down to form a crust. If the dough is sticky, use a rubber spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and cornstarch. Whisk to combine, then pour in the cold water. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Once the mixture has thickened, add the strawberry jello mix and whisk until smooth. Set aside to cool. The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Once the cookie crust and glaze have cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie base. Then, pour the strawberry glaze over the cream cheese layer (reserve ¼ cup of the glaze for later).
- Top the glaze with sliced strawberries, and brush the remaining glaze over the strawberries using a pastry brush.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Once chilled, slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
For a lighter version of the cream cheese layer, substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or whipped cream.
If using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
This dessert is best served chilled and fresh for the best flavor and texture.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free sugar cookie dough or a gluten-free cookie base.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg