Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lemon pizza is the ultimate combination of tangy and sweet, offering a refreshing burst of citrus in every bite. The sugar cookie crust provides the perfect buttery base, while the creamy lemon filling offers smoothness and a zesty kick. It’s a unique and fun dessert that’s incredibly easy to make. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion—especially when the weather’s warm and you’re craving something light but indulgent. Plus, the bright, lemony flavor is always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 package sugar cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
For the Lemon Cream Topping:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the sugar cookie dough into a 12-inch circle on a piece of parchment paper. Place the dough on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the crust cool completely.
- Make the Lemon Cream Topping: Beat the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Assemble the Lemon Pizza: Once the cookie crust has cooled, spread the lemon cream evenly over the entire surface of the crust.
- Finish and Serve: Dust the top with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Slice the dessert like a pizza and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
Variations
- Berry Topping: Add fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on top of the lemon cream for a fruity twist.
- Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the lemon cream before serving for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Graham Cracker Crust: Swap the sugar cookie dough for a graham cracker crust for a slightly different base that pairs wonderfully with the lemon filling.
- Lemon Meringue: Top with a light meringue after spreading the lemon cream, then bake for a few minutes until golden for a lemon meringue pizza.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover lemon pizza in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you want to reheat it, do so gently by allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough?
Yes! Store-bought sugar cookie dough works perfectly for this recipe and makes the process faster. Just be sure to follow the baking instructions on the package for best results.
Can I make this lemon pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dessert ahead of time. It can be made up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and top with powdered sugar just before serving.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free sugar cookie dough to make this dessert gluten-free. You can find many great gluten-free options at your local grocery store.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use fresh lemon juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice may not provide the same fresh, zesty taste.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Be sure to let the sugar cookie crust cool completely before adding the lemon cream topping. This helps prevent the cream from melting into the crust.
Can I make this dessert without cream cheese?
If you prefer, you can make a lemon-flavored whipped cream topping instead. Simply whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and a bit of lemon juice for a lighter alternative.
Can I add a crust flavor?
Absolutely! You can add a touch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the sugar cookie dough for a unique flavor twist.
How can I make this dessert a bit healthier?
To make a healthier version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, substitute a sugar alternative in the crust and topping, or opt for a crust made with almond flour.
Can I freeze this lemon pizza?
While the crust can be frozen before baking, the assembled dessert may not hold its texture well in the freezer due to the cream cheese topping. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after being stored in the fridge.
Can I add other citrus fruits to this recipe?
Definitely! Try adding lime or orange zest and juice for a citrusy variation to the lemon cream topping.
Conclusion
Refreshing Lemon Pizza is the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a balance of sweetness and tang in every bite. With its buttery sugar cookie crust, creamy lemon topping, and simple assembly, it’s an easy treat to whip up and enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a bright, refreshing dessert, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone. So, indulge in the light and zesty goodness of lemon pizza—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!
Refreshing Lemon Pizza: A Bright and Zesty Dessert Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright and zesty dessert featuring a buttery sugar cookie crust topped with creamy lemon filling, perfect for spring and summer. This refreshing lemon pizza is a delightful and easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
1 package sugar cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the sugar cookie dough into a 12-inch circle on a piece of parchment paper. Place the dough on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the crust cool completely.
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Once the cookie crust has cooled, spread the lemon cream evenly over the entire surface of the crust.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Slice the dessert like a pizza and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For a fruity twist, top the lemon cream with fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
Sprinkle shredded coconut over the lemon cream for added texture and flavor.
For a slightly different base, use a graham cracker crust instead of the sugar cookie dough.
For a lemon meringue version, top with meringue and bake until golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
