If you are looking for a delightful dessert that combines the warm spice of cinnamon, the sweetness of sugar cookies, and the freshness of vibrant fruits, then this Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a crisp, cinnamon-kissed cookie crust cradling a luscious cream cheese filling, all crowned with a colorful burst of kiwi, mandarin oranges, and berries, glazed to glossy perfection. It’s the kind of treat that makes every gathering more special and every bite feel like a celebration of flavors working in harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to building the layers of texture and flavor that make this tart so memorable. Each element plays a crucial role, from the buttery cookie crust to the tangy cream cheese filling and the bright, juicy fruit topping that adds both color and freshness.
- Ah, Sugar Sugar!â„¢ Cookie Mix: The base of the tart, providing a perfectly sweet and spiced cinnamon cookie crust.
- Butter (7 tablespoons, softened): Adds richness and helps the cookie dough bind together beautifully for a tender crust.
- 2% Milk (â…“ cup): Moistens the cookie dough for easy pressing and baking.
- Cream Cheese (1 8-ounce package, softened): Creates a smooth, creamy filling that balances the sweetness with a touch of tang.
- Champagne Jelly (divided): This unique jelly brings a subtle fruity sweetness and a lovely glossy finish over the fruit.
- Cinnamon Apple Seasoning (½ teaspoon): Enhances the cozy cinnamon flavor throughout the filling for that extra warm note.
- Kiwi Fruit (1 large, peeled and sliced): Adds a refreshing tartness and vibrant green color.
- Mandarin Orange Segments (½ cup, drained): Brings juicy bursts of citrus sweetness.
- Fresh Berries (1½ cups blackberries, raspberries, and/or sliced strawberries): Loaded with natural sweetness and antioxidants plus a pop of red and purple hues.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so that it’s ready when your crust is formed. In a spacious bowl, mix the cookie mix with softened butter using a fork until you get those small crumbles. Adding milk helps bring the dough together—mix until you achieve a smooth, pliable consistency perfect for pressing into your pan.
Step 2: Form and Bake the Cookie Crust
With wet hands, press the cookie dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-inch tart pan. This wetting step prevents sticking and helps you get a smooth finish. Bake for 25 minutes initially. When the crust is hot, press it down firmly using the flat bottom of a glass or measuring cup—that extra pressing helps prevent cracks later. Bake for an extra 10 minutes and press down once more. Let the crust cool completely; this extra care makes your crust sturdier and gives the perfect crunchy texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Combine the softened cream cheese with ¼ cup of Champagne Jelly and cinnamon apple seasoning in a bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and full of inviting aroma. This creamy layer will beautifully offset the crisp tart shell and sweet fruit topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart with Fresh Fruit
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled crust, creating a smooth canvas for your fruit. Then, arrange the kiwi slices, mandarin orange segments, and fresh berries organically or in a pattern that pleases your eye. The fresh fruit not only adds flavor and texture, but it transforms the tart into a piece of edible art.
Step 5: Add the Glaze and Chill
Microwave the remaining Champagne Jelly in a microwave-safe container for 15–20 seconds until melted and brush it gently over the fruit. This step locks in the fruit’s freshness with a shiny glaze that also adds a subtle fruity sweetness. Chill the tart in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the cream cheese filling to set perfectly.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds. Fresh mint leaves add a lovely pop of green and refreshing fragrance, further elevating the tart’s presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart Recipe pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a beverage pairing, a glass of sparkling rosé or freshly brewed herbal tea complements the sweet and tangy notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the tart into elegant, triangular wedges and serve on pretty dessert plates with small forks for a bridal shower or holiday gathering. Alternatively, arrange mini versions of this tart in individual tartlet pans for bite-sized delights sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tart can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust remains crisp and the fruit stays fresh, making it easy to enjoy a piece the next day with almost no loss in flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your tart, it’s best to freeze it without the fresh fruit topping. Wrap the crust and cream cheese layer tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh fruit and glaze before serving.
Reheating
Since this tart is best served chilled, reheating isn’t necessary. Instead, let frozen tarts thaw fully in the fridge. If you want to serve a warm dish alongside it, consider warming a cup of spiced apple cider or a comforting hot chocolate.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit instead of the suggested ones?
Absolutely! This Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart Recipe is very forgiving and versatile. Feel free to swap or add your favorite seasonal fruit such as peaches, mangoes, or blueberries. Just keep in mind that very watery fruits might need to be patted dry to avoid soggy crusts.
What if I don’t have Champagne Jelly?
You can substitute Champagne Jelly with apricot or peach preserves warmed slightly to create a brushable glaze. The key is to use something with a mild sweetness and a clear finish that doesn’t overpower the fruit’s natural flavors.
Is the cookie crust very sweet?
The cookie crust has a balanced sweetness paired with the warmth of cinnamon, which grounds the dessert without becoming saccharine. The cream cheese filling adds a tangy contrast, so the tart tastes elegantly layered rather than overly sweet.
Can I make this tart vegan?
With some ingredient swaps, yes! Use a vegan cookie mix or make your own, replace butter with vegan margarine, choose a plant-based cream cheese, and pick a fruit jam free from animal-derived ingredients. The fresh fruit topping requires no adjustment.
How far in advance can I prepare this tart?
You can prepare the tart up to a day ahead of serving. Assemble it completely and keep it refrigerated. This lets the flavors meld and the filling firm up just right, making your dessert stress-free on the day of your event.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart Recipe is truly a joyful dessert that combines the familiarity of a cinnamon sugar cookie with the freshness and brightness of seasonal fruit in a surprisingly elegant way. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, and once you make it, expect it to become one of your go-to recipes whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a beloved treat that brings smiles with every slice.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus 1-2 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart features a buttery cinnamon-spiced cookie crust topped with a luscious cream cheese and Champagne Jelly filling, finished with a vibrant assortment of fresh fruits and a shiny jelly glaze. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, it makes an impressive dessert for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Cookie Crust
- 1 package Ah, Sugar Sugar!â„¢ Cookie Mix
- 7 tablespoons butter, softened
- â…“ cup 2% milk
Filling
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup Champagne Jelly
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon Apple Seasoning
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 ¼ cup Champagne Jelly (for glazing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookie crust.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine the cookie mix and softened butter. Mix with a fork until small crumbles form. Add the milk and stir until the dough is well combined.
- Form Crust: Using wet hands to prevent sticking, press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a well-greased 9-inch tart pan to create the crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 25 minutes, then remove it from the oven and press it down firmly using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, remove again, press down one more time, and then allow the crust to cool completely to set.
- Make Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup of Champagne Jelly, and Cinnamon Apple Seasoning. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust to create a smooth base for the fruit topping.
- Arrange Fruit: Neatly arrange the prepared kiwi, mandarin orange segments, and mixed berries over the cream cheese layer in your desired pattern for an appealing presentation.
- Glaze the Fruit: Microwave the remaining ¼ cup Champagne Jelly in a microwave-safe dish on HIGH for 15-20 seconds until melted. Use a brush to glaze the fruit with the melted jelly to add shine and flavor.
- Chill Tart: Refrigerate the tart for 1-2 hours or until the cream cheese filling is firm and set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing for a smooth filling.
- Using wet hands when pressing the dough prevents sticking and makes shaping easier.
- You can substitute any fresh seasonal berries if preferred for the topping.
- Allowing the crust to cool completely before adding the filling prevents melting and ensures proper texture.
- Chilling the tart thoroughly improves the firmness and flavor melding.
