If you are searching for a delightful treat that brings a tropical twist to a classic favorite, this Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies combine the buttery sweetness of traditional sugar cookies with the juicy zing of crushed pineapple, creating a sunny burst of flavor in every bite. They are soft, slightly chewy, and boast a lovely golden hue thanks to the pineapple’s natural sugars. Perfect for sharing with friends or brightening up any dessert table, this recipe is as joyful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these irresistible Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies, you will need a few simple ingredients that are staples in most kitchens. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from giving the cookies their perfect texture, to enhancing their sweetness and adding that secret hint of pineapple flavor.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Provides richness and tenderness, helping the cookies stay soft and moist.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the signature light texture.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binding agent and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, giving the cookies their shape and body.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, ensuring they are fluffy without being cakey.
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained: Adds a juicy tropical flavor and small bursts of moisture throughout the cookies.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Imparts a warm, aromatic sweetness that complements the pineapple beautifully.
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures an even heat environment for baking and prevents the cookies from sticking, allowing for easy removal once baked.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process creates air pockets that give the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, which is essential for an outstanding sugar cookie.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Add the egg and vanilla extract to your creamy butter and sugar mixture. Blend them well to build a smooth, flavorful dough base, with the vanilla heightening the pineapple’s tropical notes.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients. Mix until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft, tender crumb in the final cookies.
Step 5: Fold in Crushed Pineapple
Gently fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple, distributing it evenly throughout the dough. The pineapple adds a delightful moisture and a subtle tang that lifts the traditional sugar cookie into something truly special.
Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown, signaling they are perfectly baked and wonderfully fragrant.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling them properly prevents breakage and helps them set to the ideal chewy-soft consistency.
How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or add a tiny dollop of whipped cream on top. Fresh pineapple chunks or a sprig of mint also make a vibrant garnish that highlights the tropical flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing fruit salad for a dessert experience that is both indulgent and balanced. They also pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of iced tea or a tropical punch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the cookies on a platter lined with pineapple leaves, or stack them neatly tied with a colorful ribbon for a charming gift. You could even create mini dessert towers by alternating cookies with pineapple slices and whipped cream for a show-stopping presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness and softness. They are best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to savor their flavor at its peak.
Freezing
If you want to save these delights for longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. This preserves their texture and flavor for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies after storage, warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This revives their soft texture and enhances the aromatic pineapple notes, making them taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain the pineapple very well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dough too wet and affect the cookie texture.
Why do the cookies need to cool on the baking sheet before moving them?
Cooling the cookies a few minutes on the baking sheet helps them set up and prevents them from falling apart when you transfer them to the wire rack.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture in sugar cookies. Margarine or oil may work but could alter the cookie’s taste and consistency.
How soft are these cookies supposed to be?
These Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies should be soft and slightly chewy, with tender edges and a moist crumb thanks to the pineapple.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a cookie that bursts with joyful tropical flavor, give this Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe a try. It’s easy enough for any baker, yet special enough to become a new favorite. You’ll love the combination of classic sugar cookie sweetness paired with the fun, unexpected twist of pineapple, perfect for sharing smiles and sunshine any time of year.
Print
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies offer a tropical twist on a classic favorite. Soft, buttery sugar cookies are enhanced with juicy crushed pineapple, delivering a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a sweet treat or party dessert, these cookies combine moist pineapple with a tender cookie base for a unique and delicious experience.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly until well combined to enhance flavor and texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and baking powder, mixing gently until a soft cookie dough forms, avoiding overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Fold in Pineapple: Carefully fold the drained crushed pineapple into the dough until evenly distributed, adding moisture and a tropical flavor burst.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating the cookies are cooked through.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly and develop the best texture.
Notes
- Ensure pineapple is well drained to avoid overly moist dough that can affect baking.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming with sugar.
- For extra pineapple flavor, try adding a teaspoon of pineapple juice to the dough.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Optional: add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice note.
