Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies 🍍🍪
A Tropical Twist on Classic Sugar Cookies!
These buttery, soft sugar cookies are topped with caramelized pineapple and cherries for a fun, fruity spin on the beloved pineapple upside-down cake. Perfect for summer parties, bake sales, or when you’re craving something sweet with a tropical flair!
📋 Ingredients (Makes 24 cookies)
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Pineapple Topping
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 12 maraschino cherries, halved
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Dough
- Cream butter & sugar until light/fluffy (~3 mins).
- Beat in egg + vanilla.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, then gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Fold in drained pineapple (don’t overmix!).
2️⃣ Chill & Preheat
- Cover dough and refrigerate 30 mins (prevents spreading).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
3️⃣ Shape & Top
- Scoop 1.5 tbsp balls onto parchment-lined sheets.
- Flatten slightly and press 2 cherry halves into each.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar (optional for caramelization).
4️⃣ Bake & Flip
- Bake 10-12 mins until edges are golden.
- Immediately flip onto a cooling rack (pineapple side up!).
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
Texture Secrets
✅ Drain pineapple thoroughly (press in a sieve!)
✅ Chill dough for thicker cookies
Flavor Boosters
- Add ½ tsp coconut extract to dough
- Use pineapple jam instead of crushed pineapple
Troubleshooting
⚠ Too cakey? Reduce baking powder to ¼ tsp
⚠ Cherries sinking? Press them in after baking 5 mins
🍍 Serving & Storage
Presentation Ideas
- Stack with toasted coconut flakes
- Serve with piña colada dip (mix yogurt + pineapple juice)
Storage
- Airtight container: 3 days at room temp
- Freeze unbaked dough: 3 months
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 150
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 7g
- Tropical joy: Worth every bite!
🌴 Why These Stand Out
✔ Unexpected flavor combo that delights
✔ No fancy equipment needed
✔ Kids love decorating them