Step 1: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar – In a large mixing bowl, stir together the butter and sugar until well combined. The butter should be soft enough to mix easily but not melted.
3. Add Egg and Flavorings – Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients – Slowly add the baking powder and flour. The dough may look a bit crumbly at first, but if you squeeze a handful together, it should form a solid shape.
5. Shape the Cookies – Scoop out 3 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll them into balls. Press each one down slightly with a flat-bottomed glass to spread them out evenly.
6. Chill the Dough – Refrigerate the shaped cookie dough for about 5 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while baking.
7. Bake – Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Do not overbake; they should still be soft in the center.
8. Cool Completely – Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Combine Ingredients – In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add Sugar and Vanilla – Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is thick and creamy.
3. Adjust Consistency – If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to thin it out slightly. If it is too soft, place it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before using.

Step 3: Assemble the Fruit Pizza Cookies

1. Frost the Cookies – Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each cooled cookie.
2. Add the Fruit – Arrange fresh fruit on top of each cookie. You can create patterns, mix colors, or keep it simple with a single fruit per cookie.
3. Chill Before Serving – For best results, place the decorated cookies in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps the frosting set and keeps the fruit fresh.