Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies capture the essence of sunny summer days, pairing the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the comforting familiarity of homemade cookies. This delightful recipe offers a fun twist on traditional cookies, presenting a vibrant treat that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. With a soft, chewy texture and a luscious flavor profile, these cookies are perfect for gatherings, family snacks, or even a sweet pick-me-up just for you. Follow this easy, step-by-step guide to create an unforgettable dessert that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You can whip them up quickly, which is especially helpful for last-minute gatherings or when you’re craving something sweet. The minimal ingredients required simplify the process, so you won’t need to scour your pantry for obscure items. Plus, the tropical flavor is a refreshing departure from the usual cookie fare, giving your taste buds something new to celebrate!
Ingredients for Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies
Gather the following ingredients for these stunning Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- Maraschino cherries for topping
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in uniquely blending flavors that resemble the classic pineapple upside-down cake, while maintaining the delightful characteristics of a cookie.
Step-by-Step Directions for Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies have a perfect baking surface to avoid sticking.
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In a large bowl, cream together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter until light and fluffy. This step not only builds flavor but creates a lovely texture in your cookies.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. These additions contribute to the cookie’s richness and aromatic qualities, making your batter irresistibly enticing.
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In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined. This method ensures consistent flavor and texture in each bite.
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Fold in the crushed pineapple. The pineapple brings moisture and a delicious sweetness to your dough, making every cookie a tropical delight.
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Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, placing a maraschino cherry on top of each cookie. The cherries not only serve as a decorative touch but will also add bursts of flavor.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. This is when your kitchen will start to fill with the delightful scent of sweet cookies!
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Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Letting them cool will help maintain their soft texture.
Tips & Tricks
To elevate your Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies, consider these chef’s secrets:
- Adjust Pineapple Flavors: If you prefer a tangier taste, mix up the ratios of pineapple and sugar.
- Optional Extras: You can sprinkle shredded coconut on top for an added tropical flair.
- Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help maintain the shape of the cookies.
- Uniform Cookies: Using a cookie scoop can ensure that all cookies are uniform in size for even baking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These delightful cookies can be served in numerous ways! For a festive presentation, stack them on a decorative plate, draping with a vibrant cloth napkin. They pair beautifully with freshly brewed iced tea or coconut-flavored drinks, bringing a taste of summertime to your gatherings. For an indulgent dessert, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies, creating your very own tropical cookie ice cream sandwich!
Nutritional Information
While indulging in a cookie with sweet pineapple and creamy butter, it’s nice to know their nutritional values. Each cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
These values may vary based on serving sizes and specific ingredients. It’s a sweet treat, so enjoy it in moderation!
Storing Tips & Variations for Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie dough and bake straight from the freezer when desired! Simply add a minute or two to the baking time.
For healthier swaps, consider replacing half of the granulated sugar with applesauce or a natural sweetener to cut down on added sugars. You could also try incorporating different fruits, like diced mango or peaches, for a delicious twist on the original recipe.
Conclusion for Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies
With their beautiful blend of flavors and delightful appearance, Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. The convenience of this recipe makes it both approachable and enjoyable, perfect for bakers of all kinds! Don’t wait – gather your ingredients and experience the joy of baking these scrumptious cookies!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of crushed pineapple?
Yes! Fresh pineapple can be used, but make sure to finely chop it and drain the excess juice.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges! The center may look slightly soft but will firm up when cooled.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
4. What can I serve these cookies with?
These cookies pair perfectly with ice cream, fruit smoothies, or simply a glass of milk.
5. How can I elevate the flavors further?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor burst!
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies that combine tropical pineapple flavor with the comforting sweetness of sugar cookies, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- Maraschino cherries for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the crushed pineapple.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and top each with a maraschino cherry.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For added tropical flavor, consider sprinkling shredded coconut on top. Chill the dough if your kitchen is warm to maintain cookie shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
