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Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe

4.5 from 75 reviews

These Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies combine the classic tropical flavor of pineapple upside-down cake with the simplicity of sugar cookies. Each bite delights with buttery, soft cookie dough crowned by a caramelized pineapple ring, making them perfect for parties or a sweet everyday treat.

Ingredients

Scale

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 granulated sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, which creates the perfect base for the cookie dough.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until fully combined, providing flavor and structure to the dough.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft and cohesive cookie dough forms without overmixing.
  6. Portion Dough: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place each mound onto the prepared baking trays, making sure to leave space between them for spreading.
  7. Add Pineapple Topping: Press one well-drained pineapple ring gently into the top of each dough mound, flattening the cookie slightly to hold the topping securely.
  8. Sprinkle Sugar: Generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of additional granulated sugar over the pineapple rings to add sparkle and eventual caramelization during baking.
  9. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set, ensuring a perfect balance of softness and structure.
  10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps preserve their texture and prevents sogginess.

Notes

  • Ensure pineapple rings are well-drained to avoid soggy cookie bottoms.
  • You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • The vanilla extract is optional but adds a richer flavor to the cookies.
  • Make sure not to overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
  • For extra caramelization, try broiling the cookies for 1-2 minutes after baking but watch closely to prevent burning.

Keywords: pineapple upside down cookies, sugar cookies, pineapple cookies, fruity sugar cookies, dessert, holiday baking