Strawberry Pizza is a delightful dessert that combines a sweet, soft sugar cookie crust with creamy cream cheese frosting, topped with fresh strawberries and a luscious strawberry glaze. This fun twist on fruit pizza and strawberry pie makes for a refreshing treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings, parties, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something both beautiful and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Pizza is an irresistible dessert that brings together the best of both worlds—fruit and cookies! The sugar cookie crust provides a rich, buttery base, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy, smooth layer that perfectly balances the sweetness of the strawberries. The strawberry glaze ties it all together with a burst of fruity flavor. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and most importantly, delicious! Whether you’re serving it for a party or enjoying a special treat at home, this dessert pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Strawberry Pizza

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For The Sugar Cookie Crust

16 ounces sugar cookie dough, softened (store-bought dough)

For The Cream Cheese Frosting

8 ounces cream cheese, softened (one block)
½ cup butter, softened (salted)
2 cups powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
1 teaspoon vanilla

For The Strawberry Layer

1 pound fresh strawberries, divided
1 cup water
½ cup sugar
3 ounces strawberry gelatin powdered mix (like JELLO)
¼ cup cornstarch

Directions

Making The Sugar Cookie Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10 x 15 inch baking sheet with parchment paper or spray lightly with cooking oil.
Rub a teaspoon of oil onto your hands and spread the cookie dough evenly across the pan. Bake for 17-18 minutes or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown.
Let the cookie cool for about 15 minutes.

Making The Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter. Use an electric mixer to cream until smooth.
Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
Add the second cup of powdered sugar and mix again until fully combined.

Making The Strawberry Layer:

Dice 4 medium strawberries and smash them with a spoon. Set aside.
Slice the remaining strawberries into ¼-inch thick slices.
In a medium saucepan, combine the gelatin, water, sugar, cornstarch, and smashed strawberries. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously for about 5 minutes until the glaze thickens.
Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.

Assembling The Pizza:

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
Gently spread a thin layer of the strawberry glaze over the frosting.
Add the sliced strawberries in rows on top of the glaze, and then spoon any remaining glaze over the strawberries.
Chill the pan in the fridge for about 20 minutes, until the glaze sets. Slice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 16 pieces
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Add other fruits: In addition to strawberries, you can add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or kiwi for extra color and flavor.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free sugar cookie dough and ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Drizzle chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the strawberries before chilling.
Flavored cream cheese frosting: Try adding a bit of lemon zest or a splash of almond extract to the frosting for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover strawberry pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to prevent the crust from becoming too soft.
Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled, so it doesn’t require reheating. Enjoy it cold for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?

Yes, you can use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought. Just ensure it’s soft enough to spread evenly across the pan.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

While fresh strawberries yield the best results, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before using them.

How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

If your glaze is too thin, you can cook it a little longer to reduce it further. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water to reach the desired consistency.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dessert up to a day ahead of time. Just be sure to store it in the fridge to keep the crust from getting soggy and to keep the glaze firm.

Can I use a different frosting instead of cream cheese frosting?

If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can use whipped cream or even a flavored buttercream frosting for a different taste.

Can I make a smaller version of this pizza?

Yes, you can easily halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller pan, such as an 8×8 inch or 9-inch round pan.

Can I use other types of fruit for the topping?

Absolutely! While strawberries are the classic choice, you can experiment with other fruits like peaches, pineapple, or cherries to create a tropical or mixed berry version.

How long should I let the cookie crust cool before assembling?

Let the cookie crust cool for at least 15 minutes to ensure the cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt when spread over it.

Can I freeze this dessert pizza?

While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze individual slices of the pizza. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I skip the glaze and just use fresh strawberries?

While the glaze adds a lovely shine and extra flavor, you can definitely skip it and just top the pizza with fresh strawberries for a lighter, simpler version.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Pizza is a fun and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress. The combination of a sweet, buttery cookie crust, creamy frosting, and fresh, juicy strawberries makes for a delightful treat. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this dessert pizza is easy to make and perfect for any gathering. Enjoy the fresh, fruity flavors of summer with every bite!

Strawberry Pizza

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients