Fruit Pizza Christmas Wreath: A Festive Holiday Dessert
Brighten your holiday table with this stunning Fruit Pizza Christmas Wreath! This show-stopping dessert combines a buttery sugar cookie crust, creamy frosting, and vibrant fresh fruit arranged in a beautiful wreath shape. It's surprisingly easy to make, completely customizable, and always steals the show at holiday gatherings. Whether you're hosting Christmas brunch, attending a cookie exchange, or need a healthier dessert option for your celebration, this fruit pizza wreath is guaranteed to impress.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Why You'll Love This Christmas Fruit Pizza Wreath
As a nurse and busy mom who loves creating both beautiful and practical recipes, I'm always looking for desserts that look impressive but don't require hours in the kitchen. This Fruit Pizza Christmas Wreath checks all the boxes:
Easy Enough for Busy Holiday Schedules
With just five main ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into even the most jam-packed December calendar. I've made this between hockey tournaments and Nutcracker rehearsals, and it never fails to come together beautifully.
Kid-Friendly and Interactive
This is one of my favorite recipes to make with children. They love arranging the colorful fruit into patterns, and it's a great way to get them excited about eating fresh fruit during a season filled with cookies and candy.
Lighter Holiday Dessert Option
While I'm all about indulging during the holidays, it's nice to have a dessert option that incorporates fresh fruit. The cream cheese frosting is still decadent, but the fresh berries and kiwi add nutritional value and help balance out the richness.
Visually Stunning
The vibrant colors of fresh fruit against the white cream cheese frosting create a stunning wreath that looks like it took hours to make. Your guests will be impressed, and you don't have to tell them how simple it actually was!
Completely Customizable
Use whatever fruits are in season or on sale, arrange them in any pattern you like, and even adapt the shape for different occasions throughout the year.
Essential Ingredients for Fruit Pizza Christmas Wreath
Sugar Cookie Dough: I typically use refrigerated sugar cookie dough for convenience, but you can absolutely make homemade cookie dough if you prefer. Look for a 16.5 to 17.5-ounce package. The pre-made dough saves significant time and always produces consistent results.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. Make sure it's at room temperature before mixing - this is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free frosting. I usually set mine out about an hour before I plan to make the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Also called confectioners' sugar, this sweetens the frosting and gives it that characteristic smooth texture. Don't substitute granulated sugar - it won't dissolve properly and will create a grainy frosting.
Pure Vanilla Extract: While you can use imitation vanilla, pure vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in flavor. I consider it worth the extra investment, especially for special holiday recipes like this.
Fresh Fruit Selection
This is where you can really get creative! Here are my favorite fruits for decorating:
Strawberries: Hull them and slice them into thin rounds or fan shapes. Their bright red color is perfect for Christmas.
Blueberries: These are ideal for filling in gaps and adding pops of deep blue color. No prep required!
Kiwi: Peel and slice into rounds for beautiful green accents. The distinctive pattern inside adds visual interest.
Raspberries: These delicate berries add texture and a gorgeous red-pink color. Handle them gently as they're fragile.
Blackberries: Cut larger ones in half to show the interior. They provide deep purple-black contrast.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet or pizza pan (12-14 inches works perfectly) with parchment paper. Don't skip the parchment paper - it prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.
Step 2: Shape the Wreath
Remove the cookie dough from the package and place it on your prepared pan. Here's my technique for creating the perfect wreath shape:
- Using lightly floured hands, press and shape the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter and about ½ inch thick
- Use a small bowl (about 3-4 inches in diameter) or a round cookie cutter to create the center hole
- Press the dough removed from the center into the outer ring to create an even thickness throughout
- Smooth the edges with your fingers, creating both rounded inner and outer edges
Pro Tips for Shaping:
- Keep a small bowl of flour nearby to dust your hands as needed
- Work on parchment paper so you can easily transfer the shaped dough to your baking sheet
- Don't worry if it's not perfectly round - homemade charm is part of the appeal!
- Make sure the wreath is an even thickness throughout so it bakes evenly
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 15-20 minutes, checking at the 15-minute mark. You're looking for:
- Golden brown edges
- A firm center that doesn't jiggle when gently shaken
- Slight puffing throughout
Important Baking Notes:
- Every oven is different, so watch your cookie carefully, especially toward the end
- Don't overbake - the cookie will continue cooking slightly as it cools
- If the edges are browning too quickly, tent with foil for the last few minutes
- The cookie should be firm enough to hold toppings but not hard or crispy
Step 4: Cool Completely
This is crucial! Remove the cookie from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer (using the parchment paper) to a wire rack to cool completely. This usually takes 30-45 minutes. Decorating a warm cookie will cause the frosting to melt and the fruit to slide off. I've learned this lesson the hard way!
While your cookie cools, prepare the frosting. This gives the frosting time to chill slightly, which makes it easier to spread.
Step 5: Beat the Cream Cheese
In a medium bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute until it's fluffy and smooth. This incorporates air and makes the frosting lighter.
Step 6: Add Sugar and Vanilla
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed first to prevent a sugar cloud, then increase to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.
Frosting Consistency Tips:
- The frosting should be spreadable but hold its shape
- If it's too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time
- If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time
- For a tangier frosting, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Decorating Your Fruit Pizza Wreath
This is the fun part! Here's how I approach the decorating process:
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Step 1: Apply the Frosting
Using an offset spatula or butter knife, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie wreath. Spread it all the way to the edges and make sure it's an even layer (about ¼ inch thick). The frosting acts as 'glue' for your fruit.
Step 2: Prepare Your Fruit
Before you start arranging, have all your fruit washed, dried completely (this is important!), and cut as needed. I like to arrange my prepared fruit in small bowls so I can see my color palette.
Fruit Preparation Guide:
- Strawberries: Hull and slice into ¼-inch rounds
- Kiwi: Peel completely, then slice into ⅛-inch rounds
- Large berries: Keep whole if small, cut larger ones in half
- All fruit: Pat dry with paper towels - excess moisture can make the frosting watery
Step 3: Create Your Design
There's no right or wrong way to decorate, but here are some approaches that work beautifully:
Classic Wreath Pattern:
- Start with a ring of overlapping strawberry slices around the outer edge
- Create a second ring of kiwi slices inside the strawberries
- Fill in with clusters of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries
- Create a 'bow' at the bottom using strawberry fan shapes
Rainbow Pattern:
- Divide the wreath into sections
- Assign each section a different fruit color
- Create a gradient effect around the circle
My Decorating Tips:
- Work from the outside in or inside out - having a system helps
- Press fruit gently into the frosting to secure it
- Don't overcrowd - a little frosting showing through is fine
- Save smaller berries for filling gaps at the end
- Step back periodically to check your pattern and make adjustments
Serving and Storage Guidelines
When to Serve
This fruit pizza is best served within 2-4 hours of decorating for optimal appearance and texture. The fruit stays vibrant and the frosting maintains its pristine white color. However, it's still delicious even if assembled earlier - just be aware that strawberries may release juice and create pink streaks on the frosting (still tastes great!), kiwi can also release moisture over time, and berries will maintain their appearance longer.
Storage Instructions
Short-Term Storage (Same Day):
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap, being careful not to disturb the fruit
- Refrigerate until 15-20 minutes before serving
- Best consumed within 8 hours of decorating
Overnight Storage:
- The fruit pizza can be stored in the refrigerator overnight
- Cover carefully with plastic wrap or store in a container with a lid
- Be aware that fruit may release juice, creating a 'tie-dye' effect on the frosting
- The flavor remains excellent, but appearance may change
Make-Ahead Strategy:
- Bake the cookie base up to 2 days ahead; store in an airtight container at room temperature
- Make the frosting up to 2 days ahead; store covered in the refrigerator
- Bring frosting to room temperature before spreading
- Decorate with fruit as close to serving time as possible
Serving Suggestions
Portion Size: This wreath typically serves 10-12 people as a dessert portion, or up to 16 as part of a larger dessert spread.
How to Cut: Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts to maintain neat slices. Cut as you would a pizza, into triangular wedges.
Serving Ideas:
- Place on a decorative cake stand or holiday platter
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for extra color
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a 'snowy' effect
- Serve alongside coffee or hot chocolate
Customization Ideas and Variations
Seasonal Adaptations
- Valentine's Day Heart: Shape the dough into a heart and use strawberries, raspberries, and pomegranate arils
- Easter Basket: Create an oval shape and use pastel-colored fruits like mango, pineapple, and green grapes
- 4th of July: Arrange strawberries and blueberries in an American flag pattern with white frosting showing through
- Fall Harvest: Use a round shape and decorate with sliced apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds
- Summer Picnic: Create any shape and use whatever berries are at peak season
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Cookie Base: Use chocolate sugar cookie dough instead of regular
- Lemon Cream Frosting: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture
- Coconut Frosting: Add ½ teaspoon coconut extract and sprinkle with toasted coconut before adding fruit
- Mascarpone Frosting: Replace half the cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer, Italian-inspired flavor
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cookie Spreading Too Much:
- Solution: Chill the shaped dough for 15 minutes before baking
- The dough may have been too warm when shaping
Cookie Too Hard/Crispy:
- Solution: You've overbaked it. Reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes next time
- Make sure your oven temperature is accurate (use an oven thermometer)
Frosting Too Soft:
- Solution: Chill it for 15-30 minutes, or add more powdered sugar
- Make sure cream cheese was cold from the fridge before making frosting
Fruit Sliding Off:
- Solution: Make sure cookie is completely cool before frosting
- Press fruit gently but firmly into frosting
- Dry fruit thoroughly before arranging
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fruit?
I don't recommend it. Frozen fruit releases too much water as it thaws, which will make your frosting watery and soggy. Stick with fresh fruit for best results.
How far in advance can I make this?
The cookie can be baked 2 days ahead. The frosting can be made 2 days ahead. However, decorate with fruit no more than 4-8 hours before serving for best appearance.
What if I don't have a pizza pan?
Any large baking sheet works perfectly! The parchment paper is key to prevent sticking.
Can I use homemade cookie dough?
Absolutely! Use your favorite sugar cookie recipe. You'll need enough dough to roll to about ½ inch thick in a 12-inch circle.
Final Thoughts
This Fruit Pizza Christmas Wreath has become one of my favorite holiday traditions. It's beautiful enough for the fanciest Christmas brunch, easy enough to make when life gets hectic, and customizable enough that it never gets boring. The combination of buttery cookie, creamy frosting, and fresh fruit creates a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness that appeals to both kids and adults.
Whether you're looking for a stunning dessert to bring to a party, a fun project to do with your children, or just want something festive and delicious to enjoy with your family, I hope you'll give this recipe a try. It's one of those recipes that brings joy both in the making and the eating - exactly what the holiday season should be about.
I'd love to hear how your Fruit Pizza Christmas Wreath turns out! What fruits did you use? Did you come up with any creative patterns? Share your creations and let me know if you have any questions. Happy holidays, and happy baking!
Fruit Pizza Christmas Wreath
Ingredients
- 1 17.5 ounce package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Fruit for decorating: strawberries blueberries, kiwi, oranges, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On the parchment, press the cookie dough into desired shape. Use flour, powdered sugar, or parchment paper to keep your hands from sticking.
- Bake the cookie for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the middle is not jiggly. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before decorating.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Prepare the fruit for decorating the cookie. Make sure fruit is washed, dried, and sliced (if needed).
- Evenly spread cream cheese mixture over the cookie. Decorate as desired with fruit.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Best if served immediately.
Nutrition
21 Comments