1-First Step: Preheat and prep. Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Since the dough does not need to chill, you can move right along once your ingredients are ready. This quick prep is one reason Fruit Pizza Cookies are so handy for weeknights or last-minute events.

2-Second Step: Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps them blend evenly into the dough. It also keeps pockets of baking soda or salt from showing up in the finished cookies. If you like baking with kids, this is a great job for little hands.

3-Third Step: Cream the butter and sugar. In a large mixer bowl, beat the granulated sugar and softened butter together until smooth and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough, which helps the cookies bake up light and tender. Once the mixture looks creamy, mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything blends well.

4-Fourth Step: Bring the dough together. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, since that can make the cookies dense. The dough should be soft but easy to scoop. If you want a fun variation, you can also roll and cut the dough into shapes before baking.

5-Fifth Step: Scoop and bake. Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-tablespoon balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F. The best time to pull them out is when the edges are set but the centers still look a little soft. That is the secret to chewy cookies.

6-Sixth Step: Cool completely. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then move them to a wire rack. They need to cool completely before frosting, or the cream cheese topping will melt. This waiting step matters, even if it is tempting to move ahead quickly. A fully cooled cookie gives you a cleaner, prettier finish.

7-Seventh Step: Make the frosting. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. If you want a thicker frosting, add a little more powdered sugar. If it seems too stiff, beat in a tiny splash of milk.

8-Eighth Step: Frost and add fruit. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over each cookie, then top with fresh fruit of various colors. Slice larger fruit into small pieces so the cookies are easy to bite into. Use berries, kiwi, peaches, mandarin oranges, or any colorful fruit you have on hand. For best freshness, add the frosting right before serving.

9-Ninth Step: Serve and enjoy. Arrange the finished cookies on a platter and serve right away, or keep them chilled until it is time to eat. These Fruit Pizza Cookies are perfect for dessert tables, bake sales, and casual gatherings. They look beautiful, taste sweet and tangy, and disappear fast.