Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re ready to brighten up your cookie game with a tropical twist, the Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together the perfect balance of buttery sweetness with a juicy burst of pineapple in every bite, creating a delightful flavor and texture combination you’ll want to make again and again. The golden pineapple rings sitting atop each cookie add an eye-catching presentation while infusing them with a little summery magic. Trust me, once you try these Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies, they’ll become an instant favorite to share with family and friends during any occasion.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe stands out because it uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role in ensuring your cookies have the perfect texture, sweetness, and flavor pop from the pineapple topping.

• Unsalted butter: Using softened unsalted butter ensures a rich, creamy base without the interference of extra salt, helping your cookies turn out tender and flavorful.
• Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and a slight crunch, especially when sprinkled on top of the pineapple for that extra sparkle.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to bring the dough ingredients together and helps give the cookies their soft, chewy structure.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes to complement the pineapple’s fruity brightness.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
• Baking soda: A subtle leavening agent to help the cookies rise just a bit without losing their buttery texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness, making all the flavors pop.
• Canned pineapple rings: The star of the show—well-drained and patted dry to avoid sogginess and ensure a perfectly juicy topping.
• Additional sugar for sprinkling: Sprinkled on top before baking to add a delicate crunch and enhance the pineapple’s natural sugars.

How to Make Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Getting this ready upfront sets you up for smooth baking later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for building that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This adds flavor and helps bind your cookie dough together perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Shape and Assemble

Roll the dough into roughly 1½ tablespoon-sized balls and flatten them slightly on the prepared baking sheet. Carefully place a pineapple ring on top of each dough disk, pressing gently so it sticks without squashing the dough.

Step 7: Sprinkle Sugar and Bake

Sprinkle each pineapple ring generously with additional granulated sugar to create a lovely sugary crust after baking. Pop the trays into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Transfer

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them firm up while keeping the pineapple juicy and delicious.

How to Serve Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, dust the cooled cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or place a small mint leaf on top of the pineapple ring. The fresh green against the golden cookie adds a pop of color and freshness that is hard to resist.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a simple cup of hot tea or coffee, balancing their sweet tartness. They also work beautifully paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by arranging the cookies on a platter lined with tropical leaves or serving them in decorative mini baskets for parties. You could even drizzle a little caramel or honey over the pineapple ring for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them in a single layer separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking or sogginess around the pineapple.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature overnight before serving to retain that fresh-baked flavor and texture.

Reheating

If you like your cookies a little warm, reheat them gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies overly soft and the pineapple watery.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Fresh pineapple can be used, but make sure to slice it thinly and pat it very dry to prevent excess moisture from making the cookies soggy. Canned pineapple rings are convenient and generally have a firmer texture ideal for this recipe.

Why is it important to cream the butter and sugar well?

Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a light and tender cookie texture. It also ensures the sugar is evenly distributed so your cookies bake with a perfect balance of sweetness.

Can I use a different type of sugar for sprinkling?

Granulated sugar is best for creating that classic crunchy topping, but you could experiment with coarse sanding sugar or even brown sugar for a different flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the pineapple from making the cookie dough too wet?

Drain the pineapple rings thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels before placing them on the dough. This step reduces moisture transfer and keeps your cookies crisp on the edges with a juicy pineapple center.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?

Yes, these cookies freeze well once baked. Just ensure they are completely cooled before freezing, and store them in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a sunny, sweet twist to classic cookies. It’s fun to make, irresistibly delicious, and sure to put a smile on everyone’s face at your next gathering or cozy afternoon snack time. Give this recipe a try and watch how it quickly becomes one of your go-to favorites to bake and share!

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