Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies Recipe: A Tropical Twist on Classic Cookies

If you're a fan of tropical flavors and classic baked treats, you're going to love these Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies! They’re a unique, bite-sized twist on the beloved pineapple upside-down cake, with a soft sugar cookie base that perfectly complements the sweet and tangy pineapple. Inspired by the incredible community at Recipe Smooth on Facebook, I’m excited to share this delightful treat that brings a tropical vibe to your cookie plate.

Photo byRecipe Smooth

The idea of Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies brings back memories of summer gatherings, where pineapple desserts were a crowd-pleaser. These cookies capture that nostalgia in a new and playful way. The juicy pineapple ring, caramelized with brown sugar, pairs with the buttery sugar cookie dough for a satisfying texture and flavor.

These cookies are surprisingly simple to make and add a festive look to any table with their vibrant pineapples and optional maraschino cherry centers. They're perfect for summer picnics or holiday cookie exchanges – wherever you want a splash of tropical charm!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 pineapple rings, patted dry and halved
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• Maraschino cherries, halved (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the right cookie texture, so mix until the sugar and butter are fully integrated and airy.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated, ensuring a smooth and consistent dough.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to dense cookies, so stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.
6. Prepare the Pineapple Base: Sprinkle a small amount of brown sugar onto each cookie spot on the baking sheet. Place half a pineapple ring on each spot, pressing down slightly to secure it.
7. Add Cookie Dough: Use a spoon to scoop dough and place it on top of each pineapple ring, gently spreading it to cover the fruit.
8. Cherry Garnish (Optional): If desired, press a maraschino cherry half into the center of each cookie for a pop of color and added sweetness.
9. Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until golden around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider using a dash of coconut extract in the cookie dough for a tropical twist. If you want more caramelization, try sprinkling a tiny bit more brown sugar on top of the pineapple rings before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies make a fantastic dessert for barbecues and tropical-themed parties. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing glass of pineapple juice to complement the fruity flavors.

Call to Action

Did you enjoy this Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies recipe? Let me know how they turned out in the comments! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends, and follow me for more delicious recipes from the Recipe Smooth community and beyond!