Sugar cookies have long been a beloved classic in the world of baked goods. Their simplicity, sweetness, and versatility have made them a go-to treat for holidays, parties, and any occasion where a sweet, buttery snack is needed. However, as much as sugar cookies are adored for their traditional flavor and texture, there’s always room for creative twists that elevate them to something extraordinary. Enter Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies.
This unique take on the traditional sugar cookie incorporates the bright, tropical flavor of pineapple, paired with the sweet cherry topping reminiscent of a pineapple upside-down cake. The result is a cookie that’s both chewy and slightly crispy, with a tangy sweetness that makes them perfect for any occasion. These cookies are perfect for those who love fruity flavors, a chewy texture, and the classic buttery goodness of a sugar cookie with a fun twist.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To make Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies, you’ll need a mix of standard baking ingredients as well as a few tropical additions that will set these cookies apart. Below is a list of ingredients you’ll need to gather:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Butter is essential in creating that rich, tender texture that defines sugar cookies. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in your recipe.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – The sweetener in these cookies, sugar adds not only sweetness but also contributes to the cookie’s slightly crisp texture.
- 1 egg – The egg helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the overall structure of the cookie.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla is the quintessential flavoring for sugar cookies, adding a warm and aromatic note to the cookies.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of any cookie dough, flour provides the structure and texture. All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between soft and firm.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light and fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Salt enhances the sweetness of the cookies and helps balance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained – Pineapple is the key ingredient that sets this cookie apart from a traditional sugar cookie. The pineapple adds sweetness, moisture, and a tropical flavor that will transport you to the beach.
For the Topping:
- Maraschino cherries, halved – These cherries will be placed on top of the cookies to mimic the look of a pineapple upside-down cake. They add a pop of color and a sweet, tangy bite to contrast the richness of the cookies.
Equipment Needed:
Before you begin, gather the following equipment to make the process smooth:
- Mixing bowls – To combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer or whisk – To beat the butter and sugar together, ensuring a smooth dough.
- Baking sheets – Where you’ll place the cookie dough to bake.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – To prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – For portioning the dough evenly onto the baking sheet.
- Cooling rack – To let your cookies cool after baking.
Instructions: Step-by-Step Process
Making Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies requires a few simple steps that involve mixing, shaping, and baking. Below, we’ll walk through the process from start to finish.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first step is to get your oven ready for baking. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) to ensure that it reaches the right temperature by the time your cookies are ready to go in. This will help the cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheets
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking. This also makes cleanup much easier after baking.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer (or a whisk if you’re doing it by hand) until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air into the dough, which will help give the cookies their light, tender texture.
Start on low speed and gradually increase to medium. Beat for about 2-3 minutes to ensure the mixture is smooth and creamy. The butter should be soft enough to mix easily but not melted, as that would change the texture of the cookies.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat again until fully incorporated. The egg will help bind the ingredients together, and the vanilla adds that signature sweet aroma to the dough.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cookies to be tough.
Step 6: Add the Crushed Pineapple
Next, fold in the crushed pineapple, ensuring that the pineapple is well-drained before adding it to the dough. If the pineapple is too wet, it could make the dough too soft and prevent the cookies from holding their shape. To drain the pineapple, place it in a fine-mesh sieve or wrap it in a paper towel and gently squeeze out the excess juice.
Once added, mix the dough just enough to incorporate the pineapple. You should have a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out small amounts of dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each ball to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 8: Add the Maraschino Cherries
To mimic the pineapple upside-down cake effect, place a half maraschino cherry on top of each dough ball. Gently press the cherry down into the dough, making sure it stays in place during baking. The cherries will create a beautiful, colorful topping for the cookies and add a sweet and tangy contrast to the buttery flavor.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The center should remain soft and slightly puffy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t overbake.
If you prefer a crispier cookie, you can leave them in the oven for a minute or two longer. However, it’s important not to overbake them, as you want to retain that soft, chewy texture in the center.
Step 10: Cool the Cookies
Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly and makes it easier to transfer them to a cooling rack. After that, use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a cooling rack, where they can cool completely.
Step 11: Enjoy!
Once your Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies have cooled, they are ready to enjoy! These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or simply a treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips for Perfect Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies
- Drain the pineapple well: To avoid excess moisture in your cookies, make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly. If needed, use a paper towel to blot out any remaining juice before adding it to the dough.
- Chill the dough: If you find the dough too soft to handle, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. This will make it easier to work with and help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Customize with coconut: For an extra tropical flavor, consider adding shredded unsweetened coconut to the dough. It pairs wonderfully with pineapple and will enhance the cookies’ tropical appeal.
- Decorate with more cherries: If you like extra sweetness, you can add a whole maraschino cherry to the center of each cookie after baking for an even more striking presentation.
- Store properly: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies
Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies offer a delightful combination of tropical flavors and traditional cookie comfort. The pineapple adds a refreshing tang, while the maraschino cherries create a bright, beautiful pop of color and flavor. Whether you’re a fan of pineapple or simply love creative twists on classic cookies, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Not only are these cookies visually stunning, but they’re also packed with flavor that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite. So, the next time you’re craving something sweet and different, skip the standard sugar cookie and try Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies – your taste buds will thank you!
