Name: Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies: A Sweet Tropical Delight!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup crushed fresh pineapple (or drained canned pineapple); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies

Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic treat! If you’ve ever craved the sweet, tropical flavor of pineapple combined with the comforting goodness of sugar cookies, then you’re in for a real treat with these Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies. This recipe is special because it transforms the traditional sugar cookie into a vibrant, fruity masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion.

Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie that’s been infused with the essence of pineapple, topped with a luscious pineapple glaze that brings a burst of sunshine to your palate. What’s not to love? These cookies are not only fun to make, but they also add a splash of color and flavor to your dessert table, making them a hit at parties, picnics, or just a cozy evening at home. Trust me, once you try these cookies, you’ll be coming back for more. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!

Ingredient Notes

Making Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies is a delightful twist on a classic treat. Here’s what you’ll need:

Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness. You can substitute with margarine if needed.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness and texture. You can use coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor.
Eggs: Large eggs work best in this recipe. For an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of the cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour can work but may alter the texture.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, but canned pineapple (drained) is a fine alternative. Just ensure it’s packed in juice, not syrup.
Baking Powder: This helps the cookies rise. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth to the cookies. If you’re out, almond extract can be a nice substitute.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into making these delicious Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies!

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make clean-up easier.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set this aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix!
Incorporate pineapple: Fold in 1 cup of crushed fresh pineapple (or drained canned pineapple) gently into the dough.
Shape the cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread.
Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a bit soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Suggestions

To make your Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies even more delightful, consider the following tips:

Chill the dough: If your dough seems too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape.
Experiment with toppings: After baking, try drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and pineapple juice over the cookies for an added sweet touch or sprinkle with toasted coconut for texture.
Serving suggestion: These cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert twist!
Flavor variations: Feel free to add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice note that complements the pineapple.

Storage

To keep your Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies fresh:

Room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure they are well-sealed to avoid drying out.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.

Enjoy your baking adventure with these Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies, and share them with friends and family for a tropical twist on a classic treat!

Final Thoughts

As I wrap up my thoughts on the delightful Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies, I can’t help but feel excited about this unique twist on a classic treat! These cookies combine the sweet and tangy essence of pineapple with the soft, buttery goodness of sugar cookies, creating a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just wanting to brighten up your day, Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and joy to your table. So why not give them a try? I’m sure you’ll find that they quickly become a favorite in your household, just as they have in mine!