If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both stunning and irresistibly delicious, this Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart Recipe is an absolute showstopper. Imagine a buttery, cinnamon-spiced cookie crust baked to golden perfection, crowned with a luscious cream cheese filling that’s sweetened just right, and topped off with an inviting mosaic of fresh, vibrant fruit glazed to a shiny finish. This recipe is a perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and fruity that will delight your taste buds and impress everyone at your table. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration, this Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart Recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of complicated ingredients to make this tart shine. Each item is straightforward but plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the cinnamon-spiced cookie base to the fresh seasonal fruit, every element works harmoniously together.
- Ah, Sugar Sugar!™ Cookie Mix: This pre-made mix simplifies the crust with a sweet cinnamon twist that’s essential for that warm, spiced flavor.
- Butter (7 tablespoons, softened): Adds richness and helps create that tender, buttery crust everyone loves.
- 2% Milk (⅓ cup): Moisturizes the dough just right for easy pressing and baking perfection.
- Cream Cheese (8-ounce package, softened): Delivers the smooth, tangy filling that pairs beautifully with fresh fruit.
- Champagne Jelly (jar, divided): Adds subtle sweetness and a glossy finish that gives the tart an elegant sparkle.
- Cinnamon Apple Seasoning (½ teaspoon): A little extra cinnamon kick that enhances the cookie crust and cream cheese filling.
- Kiwi Fruit (1 large, peeled and sliced): Brings a bright, tangy pop of green and fresh flavor.
- Mandarin Orange Segments (½ cup, drained): Juicy and sweet, adding bursts of citrusy delight.
- Fresh Berries (1½ cups blackberries, raspberries, and/or sliced strawberries): These provide vibrant colors and a variety of juicy textures for your topping.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Set your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C) to get it perfectly ready for baking the cookie crust. Preheating ensures even cooking, which is key to that beautifully golden, firm base for your tart.
Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, stir together the Ah, Sugar Sugar! Cookie Mix with softened butter using a fork until you get small, crumbly bits. This crumbly texture before adding milk is exactly what you want—it helps create a perfectly tender crust. Then pour in the milk and mix until everything combines into a soft dough.
Step 3: Press into Tart Pan
With wet hands (this keeps the dough from sticking), press the dough evenly into the bottom and sides of a well-greased 9-inch tart pan. This step shapes the crust and defines the boundary for your creamy filling and fruit topping.
Step 4: Bake the Crust in Two Batches
Bake your crust for 25 minutes. Then remove it from the oven and press down the crust gently but firmly using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to compact the cookie dough. Return it to the oven for another 10 minutes, remove again, press down once more, and allow it to cool completely. These presses help the crust become nicely firm but tender for that delightful bite.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, blend softened cream cheese, ¼ cup of Champagne Jelly, and Cinnamon Apple Seasoning. Using an electric mixer, beat this mixture until it’s light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. This filling will balance the buttery crust with smooth, sweet, and subtly spiced richness.
Step 6: Spread Filling on the Crust
Generously spread your fluffy cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. This layer is the canvas for your beautiful fruit arrangement that comes next.
Step 7: Arrange Your Fruit Topping
Now for the fun part—arranging your fruit! Place the kiwi slices, mandarin orange segments, and berries atop the cream cheese filling in any pattern you like. Whether you prefer neat rows, a swirling design, or a casual, rustic look, the colorful fruit makes this tart truly eye-catching.
Step 8: Glaze and Refrigerate
Heat the remaining Champagne Jelly in a microwave-safe dish for 15-20 seconds until melted. With a pastry brush, gently coat the fruit to add a beautiful shine and an extra touch of sweetness. Finally, chill the tart in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours so the cream cheese layer firms up perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or cinnamon sugar over the top for a warm spice accent, or add a few fresh mint leaves to brighten the look and offer a refreshing taste alongside the rich cream cheese and fruit.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn this tart into a more substantial dessert spread, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Coffee or a lightly chilled dessert wine pairs wonderfully to elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, slice the tart into small squares as finger treats or create individual mini tarts using smaller pans or tartlet molds. You can also alternate fruit shapes and patterns each time, making every tart a unique, colorful masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover tart covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, so it tastes even better the next day, though the crust might soften slightly.
Freezing
Because the crust is delicate and the cream cheese filling soft, freezing is not recommended for this tart. The texture of both crust and filling can change upon thawing.
Reheating
Enjoy this tart chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the crust slightly but avoid reheating as it can affect the texture and freshness of the cream cheese filling.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade cookie dough instead of the Ah, Sugar Sugar!™ cookie mix?
Absolutely! While the premade mix is convenient and adds a unique cinnamon flavor, a simple cinnamon sugar cookie dough you make from scratch can work just as well. Just be sure it’s a sturdy dough that can hold up as a tart crust.
What if I don’t have Champagne Jelly?
You can substitute with apricot or peach preserves for a similar glossy effect and gentle sweetness. Heating them slightly will help create that beautiful glaze for the fruit.
Can I use other types of fruit?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your tart with your favorite fruits—like peaches, grapes, or cherries. The key is to use fruits that are fresh and not overly juicy to maintain the tart’s structure.
Is it possible to make this tart vegan or dairy-free?
With some adjustments, yes. Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute. Keep in mind the texture and taste will be a bit different, but still delicious!
How long does it take to prepare this tart from start to finish?
Between preparation and baking, you’re looking at about an hour, plus 1 to 2 hours chilling time. It’s worth the wait for a dessert that looks this impressive and tastes even better!
Final Thoughts
Making and sharing this Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart Recipe is such a joyful experience—from the sweet, buttery crust to the creamy filling and the fresh, colorful fruit topping. It’s a dessert that feels special yet remains wonderfully approachable. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and watch it become a centerpiece at your gatherings, bringing smiles and happy taste buds all around.
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Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart features a buttery cinnamon-scented cookie crust topped with a light and fluffy cream cheese filling seasoned with cinnamon apple spice, all beautifully adorned with fresh kiwi, mandarin oranges, and mixed berries. Finished with a glossy layer of Champagne Jelly, this tart is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Cookie Crust
- 1 package Ah, Sugar Sugar!™ Cookie Mix
- 7 tablespoons butter, softened
- ⅓ cup 2% milk
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup Champagne Jelly
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon Apple Seasoning
Fruit Topping
- 1 large kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced, slices cut in half
- ½ cup mandarin orange segments in light syrup, drained
- 1½ cups fresh blackberries, raspberries, and/or sliced strawberries
- Remaining ¾ cup Champagne Jelly (for glazing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the tart crust.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, mix the Ah, Sugar Sugar!™ Cookie Mix with softened butter using a fork until small crumbles form. Then add ⅓ cup of 2% milk and mix until the dough is fully combined.
- Form the Tart Crust: Wet your hands slightly and press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a well-greased 9-inch tart pan to create a uniform crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, press the crust down gently with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to compact it, then return to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes. Remove again, press down once more, then allow the crust to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ¼ cup Champagne Jelly, and ½ teaspoon Cinnamon Apple Seasoning. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Tart: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled crust to form a smooth layer.
- Add the Fruit: Arrange kiwi, mandarin orange segments, and fresh berries on top of the cream cheese filling in your desired decorative pattern.
- Glaze the Fruit: Microwave the remaining Champagne Jelly in a microwave-safe dish on high for 15-20 seconds or until melted. Using a brush, carefully glaze the fruit to give it a shiny finish.
- Chill the Tart: Refrigerate the assembled tart for 1 to 2 hours or until the cream cheese filling firms up, ensuring the tart is set and ready to serve.
Notes
- Use wet hands when pressing the dough into the tart pan to prevent sticking.
- Pressing the crust after initial baking helps create a denser, sturdier base for the filling.
- Feel free to substitute or add fruits based on seasonal availability and personal preference.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Allow the tart to chill well before slicing to maintain clean slices.
- This tart is best served within 24 hours for freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
