If you’re craving a delightful twist on a classic favorite, the Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe is here to brighten your baking routine with a burst of tropical sunshine. These cookies combine the beloved flavors of caramelized pineapple and maraschino cherries with the soft, sweet goodness of sugar cookies, creating an irresistible treat that’s as charming to look at as it is to devour. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in turning ordinary sugar cookies into a tropical masterpiece. From the fluffy butter and sugar base to the caramelized pineapple topping, every element adds its own special touch in taste, texture, and vibrant color.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of your cookies, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect cookie texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Gives richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality to the dough.
- Egg (1): Binds everything together and adds a little softness to the cookie.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise with a light, airy texture.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Canned pineapple rings (6): The star ingredient, bringing a tangy, juicy punch and that iconic upside down look.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Caramelizes beautifully under the pineapple, adding depth and a toffee-like sweetness.
- Maraschino cherries (12): For an eye-catching pop of color and a lovely fruity finish on each cookie.
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into your dough, which results in tender, cloud-like cookies.
Step 3: Add the Egg
Mix in the egg thoroughly. It acts as the glue that holds your dough together while contributing to the cookie’s soft texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning, so your cookies rise just right.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies could turn out tough.
Step 6: Arrange the Pineapple Rings
Place a small spoonful of brown sugar in the center of each pineapple ring on the parchment-lined baking sheet. This will caramelize during baking, creating that signature golden topping.
Step 7: Add the Maraschino Cherries
Pop one maraschino cherry into the center of each pineapple ring. The bright cherry adds both visual appeal and a sweet, tangy contrast.
Step 8: Place the Cookie Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough, slightly flattening each one before placing it on top of the pineapple rings. Press gently so the dough sits snugly and bakes evenly.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden brown around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure happiness.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents breakage and lets the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 11: Enjoy Your Masterpiece
Serve your Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies warm or at room temperature to fully savor that perfect mix of soft cookie and caramelized pineapple sweetness.
How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes would also bring out their tropical vibe beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert experience that feels indulgent yet refreshingly simple. They also complement a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a colorful tropical-themed platter for a party or family gathering. You can stack them in layers separated by parchment paper or serve them alongside fresh slices of pineapple and citrus fruits to highlight their sunny flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, preserving that delightful pineapple essence.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month, perfect for whipping out whenever a tropical treat is needed.
Reheating
To enjoy cookies fresh from the oven taste again, simply warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 15 seconds. This revives their soft texture and caramel aroma nicely.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh pineapple for canned in the Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe?
While fresh pineapple is delicious, canned pineapple rings are ideal here because they hold their shape during baking and caramelize beautifully with the brown sugar. If using fresh, slice and drain them well first.
Is it necessary to use maraschino cherries?
Maraschino cherries are traditional and provide a vibrant color contrast, but you can swap them for glace cherries or even small fresh berries if you prefer a less sweet garnish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, making sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. Your Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe will still turn out fantastic.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough briefly before baking if needed. This helps the cookies keep their shape while still staying soft.
Can these cookies be made vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, and use a flax egg or other egg substitute. The flavor might change slightly but will still be deliciously tropical.
Final Thoughts
Whip up these Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe the next time you want a sweet bite that feels both comforting and refreshingly unique. Their charming presentation and irresistible combination of flavors will make them a fast favorite, whether for family treats or sharing with friends. I can’t wait for you to try them and watch the smiles unfold!
Print
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies combine the classic tropical flavors of pineapple and cherry with a soft, buttery sugar cookie base. Featuring a caramelized brown sugar and pineapple ring bottom with a maraschino cherry topping, these delightful cookies are perfect for a sweet treat or festive dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
Toppings
- 6 canned pineapple rings
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 12 maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add egg: Add the egg to the creamed mixture and mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together without overmixing to avoid tough cookies.
- Prepare pineapple rings: Place a small amount of brown sugar in the center of each pineapple ring on the parchment-lined baking sheet to create a caramelized base.
- Add cherries: Place one maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring atop the brown sugar for a classic pineapple upside-down look.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, flatten them slightly, and place each cookie dough portion on top of the prepared pineapple rings.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to let them set before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy the Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Cooled cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a tropical twist, add a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top before baking if desired.
- Using fresh pineapple rings can work but will require draining to avoid excess moisture in the cookies.
