Red, White & Blue Mini Fruit Pizzas {4th of July Dessert}

4Th of July is one of my favorite holidays. It's a special occasion that gives me a chance to spend some time with friends and family. The day is always filled with fun, fireworks, laughter, good conversation and great food!

We usually cookout because let's face it folks July in Texas is hot hot hot. Everyone usually contributes a dish and I always make a dessert. I try to stick to the holiday theme itself and plan something festive. For me it's always hard to decide because I get so inspired this time of year.

As a Walmart Mom I was asked to share a 4Th of July inspired meal or dessert. I chose to make a patriotic dessert and thought these Red, White, & Blue Mini Fruit Pizzas would be perfect. Usually when I make fruit pizza I make a large pizza, but I thought making individual ones would be a nice change.

(Photo Credit Walmart Facebook Page) Since it's a patriotic holiday my mini fruit pizza's are topped with seasonal berries that I found on sale at my local Walmart.

I think they turned out really good and defiantly patriotic. If you need a quick last minute dessert I think this is the one. What desserts are you making to celebrate the upcoming 4Th of July Holiday?

Red, White & Blue Mini Fruit Pizzas
{mommyskitchen.net}

Cookie Recipe
1/3 - cup unsalted butter, softened
1/3 - cup shortening
1 - cup granulated sugar
1 - tsp baking powder
dash of salt
1 - egg
1 - teaspoon vanilla extract
2 - cups all purpose flour

Filling Recipe:

1 - 8 oz package cream cheese, softened

1/3 - cup sugar
1/2 - teaspoon clear vanilla extract

Topping:
1 - cup blueberries
1 - cup strawberries, sliced
patriotic sprinkles, optional

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium size bowl beat shortening and butter together with a electric mixer. Add sugar, vanilla extract and egg. Mix the flour, baking powder and salt together then add to the creamed mixture.

Using the paddle attachment on your kitchen aid or use a hand mixer to mix everything until it is blended. Blend until the mixture pulls away from the bowl and starts to form into a ball. Remove and mix on the counter with enough flour until the mixture is no longer sticky.

Roll dough on a lightly floured surface until it's 1/4 inch thick (you want the cookies on the thicker side). Cut with a floured round cookie cutter or use a glass. Place on a un greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 7-8 minutes or until edges are firm and start to get golden brown around the edges.

Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet 5 minutes. Remove and place on a baking rack to cool completely.

In small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Spread mixture over cooled cookie crusts. Arrange fruit over cream cheese and add sprinkles if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Note: Pillsbury Refrigerated Sugar Cookie Dough can be used in place of homemade if you're in a pinch for time. Just make sure to cut the cookie dough into thick slices. 

Servings: 12
Recipe Source: Mommy's Kitchen

Looking for more recipe ideas? Check out the Recipe Index by Mommy's Kitchen.

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