Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies combine the classic tropical flavors of pineapple with a soft, buttery sugar cookie base. Each cookie is topped with a juicy pineapple ring and a sprinkle of sugar, then baked to golden perfection, creating a delightful bite that’s both sweet and tangy.
- Author: Tim
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 can canned pineapple rings, well-drained
- 2 tablespoons additional sugar for sprinkling
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract (if using) until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until a soft cookie dough forms without overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Portion the dough: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared trays, spacing them apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Add pineapple topping: Gently press one well-drained pineapple ring into the center of each dough mound, slightly flattening the cookie dough to adhere.
- Sprinkle sugar: Generously sprinkle the additional sugar over the pineapple rings to add a caramelized sweetness as the cookies bake.
- Bake the cookies: Place the trays in the oven and bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges become golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for a few minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and preserving texture.
Notes
- Ensure pineapple rings are well-drained to prevent soggy cookies.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for gluten-free cookies.
- Vanilla extract is optional but enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a more caramelized pineapple topping, broil the cookies for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Keywords: pineapple upside down cookies, sugar cookies, pineapple cookies, tropical cookies, baked cookies, dessert recipes