1-First step: Preheat and prep Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies bake evenly and release easily. Set out your butter, eggs, and cream cheese ahead of time so they mix smoothly. This little bit of prep makes the whole process feel calm and easy.

2-Second step: Mix the dry ingredients In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar. Mixing these first helps spread the leavening and salt through the dough. That means every cookie bakes with the same nice texture.

3-Third step: Cream the butter and sugar In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream together 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and 1 cup softened unsalted butter. Mix until the mixture looks light and fluffy. If you do not have a stand mixer, a hand mixer works fine too. This part gives the cookies their soft, chewy base.

4-Fourth step: Add the wet ingredients Mix in 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. The extra egg yolk adds richness and helps the cookies stay soft in the center. Keep mixing just until the batter looks smooth.

5-Fifth step: Bring the dough together With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients. Mix only until combined. Do not overmix, because that can make the cookies tough. The dough does not need refrigeration, which is a huge plus when you want a fast dessert.

6-Sixth step: Shape and bake Scoop the dough 1 1/2 tablespoons at a time, shape each scoop into a ball, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie so they have room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they look slightly under-baked in the center. That slightly soft finish is what gives them a chewy texture.

7-Seventh step: Cool the cookies Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step matters because warm cookies will melt the frosting. If you want a crispier cookie, bake them a couple of minutes longer until the edges turn golden.

8-Eighth step: Make the frosting For the cream cheese frosting, cream 5 tablespoons softened unsalted butter first. Then blend in 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, then mix until the frosting is light and fluffy. It should be smooth, spreadable, and easy to swirl.

9-Ninth step: Frost and decorate Once the cookies are cool, spread frosting on each one. Top with fresh fruit of various colors. Diced strawberries, blueberries, and diced kiwi are all great choices. The mix of colors makes each cookie look like a tiny fruit pizza, and kids love helping with this part.

10-Tenth step: Serve and enjoy Serve the cookies right away, or chill them briefly if you want the frosting to set a little. The total time is about 25 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking. This recipe yields about 30 cookies, so there is plenty to share.