Stuck inside all day with the kids? This is the perfect fun and easy indoor activity for kids (or adults). Dessert Pizza! Bonus: you probably have all the ingredients on hand. Follow our youngest Chef at the Wind & Willow Kitchen as she guides you through the simple, kid friendly steps in this DIY project.
First things first, you will need a cookie crust. If you have store bought cookie dough (really any flavor should work) this is the perfect application. If not, simply use the baking staples that you have on hand to make a simple sugar cookie dough. Next, follow these steps to turn your dough into “pizza crust.”
Make the Crust
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- Press cookie dough evenly in the bottom of a greased 12″ round pan.
- Bake 16 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Set aside and let cool.
Kids will love mushing the cookie dough into the pan or even helping you make the dough if you are going the homemade route.
Make the Cream Cheese Spread
Next, prepare the “sauce.” Combine a softened 8 oz block of cream cheese with your favorite Sweet Cheeseball Mix. Choosing flavors like Chocolate Chip , Creme Brulee, or White Chocolate Amaretto are a nice base to add a variety of toppings. Try flavors like Lemon Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, or Chocolate Covered Strawberry for tropical fruit pizzas or Caramel Apple or Pumpkin Pie for a pizza featuring fall flavors like apples, caramel, and candied pecans.
This is a great time for your kiddos to step in and help. They may fling half of the mixture out of the bowl, but you can spare a tablespoon or two. No big deal! After they are done, give the bowl one more little mix to combine and then spread evenly over the top of the cooled cookie crust.
Prepare your Toppings
Our young chef enjoyed decorating from small ramekins that each had a different topping in them. She used chocolate chips, sprinkles, marshmallows, and gummy candies. Anything you have on hand would work: chopped up cookies or candy bars, any flavor baking chip, chocolate syrup and other ice cream toppings, candy, nuts, or fruit are all great choices. Even the topping packet that comes with your cheeseball mix alone will finish off a yummy dessert pizza!
Get Creative
Now it’s time to get creative. No two pizzas are ever the same. It is fun to see what kids come up with on these projects. Have fun and let this cooking project turn into an art project. Remember, the fact that they have the chance to create something all their own is the most beautiful thing of all.
Final Touches
Add any final touches you feel you need. One last marshmallow? A cherry on top? A dollop of whipped topping? Anything goes here.
Admire your Work and Dig In!
Step back and admire your masterpiece. Kids really take pride when they get to help out in the kitchen. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a friend look at you the way our Wind & Willow Jr. Chef looks at her beautiful dessert pizza!?
It’s no fun to be stuck in the house all day, but if that is where you find yourself, we hope you take advantage of that precious family time for fun projects like this. Tag us on Instagram @WindAndWillowFoods with pictures of you and your family enjoying Wind & Willow for a chance to be featured on our page.
