Name: Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 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/sliced, if necessary)

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If you have a sweet tooth and love fresh, colorful desserts, you are going to adore this Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts Recipe. Imagine buttery sugar cookies as the perfect base, topped with a creamy, dreamy frosting and crowned with vibrant fresh fruit that bursts with flavor in every bite. This delightful treat brings together a tender cookie, smooth cream cheese frosting, and the juicy freshness of seasonal fruit to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something special, these fruit tarts are guaranteed to brighten your table and your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three white dishes on a white marbled surface. One square white plate holds six soft, round, light beige cookies stacked slightly overlapping. Next to it, a round white bowl with creamy white frosting inside has a silver knife dipped in it. Below, another round white bowl is filled with a colorful mix of fresh berries, including red strawberries cut into pieces, whole blackberries, blueberries, and halved red cherries. A red and white striped cloth is partially visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential—they each play a crucial role in the final taste and texture. From the rich butter that creates a tender cookie to the fresh fruit that adds a pop of color and freshness, you’ll see how every component comes together to make magic.

Unsalted butter (½ cup): Slightly softened but still cool, it provides that melt-in-your-mouth richness without being greasy.
Granulated sugar (⅔ cup + 3 tbsp for flattening): The main sweetener for the cookies and a bit extra to give a sparkling crunch on top.
Pure vanilla extract (½ tsp + ½ tsp for frosting): Adds warmth and depth to both cookie and frosting.
Pure almond extract (¼ tsp + ⅛ tsp for frosting): Gives just the right hint of nutty fragrance that complements the fruit beautifully.
Large egg (1): Binds everything while adding moisture and lift to the cookies.
All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The foundation of the cookie providing structure and the perfect crumb.
Baking powder (½ tsp): Ensures a light and slightly puffy texture to the cookies.
Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Cream cheese (3 ounces): Softened to creamy perfection, it creates the smooth frosting that melts alongside the fresh fruit.
Unsalted butter for frosting (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and silky texture to the frosting.
Powdered sugar (1 ¾ cups): Sifted to ensure the frosting is silky smooth and perfectly sweet.
Milk (1-2 teaspoons): Optional, added as needed to adjust frosting consistency.
Fresh fruit (2-3 cups): Chopped or sliced, depending on the type—think strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, or any favorites for vibrant, juicy topping.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Using a mixer, cream the slightly softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This step is key because it traps air, giving your cookies that delightful tender texture.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Eggs

Next, blend in the vanilla and almond extracts along with the egg. These extracts will infuse the dough with aromatic notes that pair wonderfully with fruit. Be sure to scrape down the bowl sides to incorporate every bit evenly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture and mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage to keep your cookies tender rather than tough.

Step 4: Shape and Flatten Cookies

Scoop the dough into heaping tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the baking sheets, spaced about two inches apart. Sprinkle each dough ball lightly with a little granulated sugar—this adds a fun sparkle and subtle crunch. Press down gently with the bottom of a glass to flatten the cookies evenly, helping them bake uniformly and create a nice surface for the frosting and fruit.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pop the trays into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through for even cooking. You want the centers to remain just slightly underdone for that perfect soft-chewy texture. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat softened cream cheese with butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until everything is well combined. If your frosting feels too thick, stir in milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency. This luscious frosting is what ties the cookie and fruit together in delicious harmony.

Step 7: Assemble the Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts Recipe

Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting onto each cooled cookie. Then pile on your fresh fruit, arranging it attractively so every tart bursts with color and freshness. These tarts are not just desserts; they’re little works of art ready to brighten up your dessert table.

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts Recipe

The image shows a two-layer round cookie that is light golden in color, with a bite taken out of the front. On top of the cookie is a thick layer of white creamy frosting, smooth in texture. The frosting is topped with fresh fruits: sliced red strawberries, dark purple blueberries, blackberries, and red grapes, arranged closely together. In the background, there is a blurred view of another similar cookie with the same topping, all set on a white marbled surface. The image is close-up and sharp on the nearest cookie, with soft lighting highlighting the freshness of the fruit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these fruit tarts even further, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey. Fresh mint leaves add a lovely pop of green and a refreshing note that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these tarts with a simple cup of herbal tea or a cold glass of lemonade to balance their sweetness. For brunch, a side of lightly whipped cream or even some tangy Greek yogurt can be a delightful accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, serve these Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts Recipe on a tiered dessert stand or platter decorated with edible flowers. You can also create mini tart versions using smaller cookie bases for charming bite-sized treats at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover fruit tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This will keep the frosting fresh and the fruit juicy. Let the tarts come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the plain cookies (without frosting or fruit) in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw completely, and then add the frosting and fruit fresh to maintain that perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since these tarts are best served fresh, reheating is generally not recommended as it can affect their texture. Instead, allow cookies to warm briefly at room temperature if needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit for the Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts Recipe?

It’s best to use fresh fruit because frozen fruit tends to release extra moisture that can make the cookies soggy. If you only have frozen fruit, make sure to thaw and pat it dry thoroughly before adding it on top.

What type of fruit works best on Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts Recipe?

Any fresh, firm fruit is ideal. Berries, kiwi, mango, and peaches all work beautifully. Choose ripe but not overly soft fruit to maintain a nice texture.

Can I make these tarts gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. You may need to adjust baking times slightly, but the results are delicious.

How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too runny?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are well chilled but soft. Add milk carefully, one teaspoon at a time, only if needed to loosen the frosting slightly. Too much liquid can make it runny.

Can these tarts be made dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, such as coconut cream-based products. The texture and flavor might vary a bit, but they will still be tasty.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this wonderful Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts Recipe at your fingertips, I hope you’ll dive right in and enjoy every step of making these charming and delicious treats. They bring such joy with their blend of buttery cookies, creamy frosting, and fresh fruit—perfect for sharing with friends, family, or savoring on your own. Happy baking and even happier tasting!