Golden Pineapple Dream Cookies: A Tropical Sugar Cookie Twist
Craving a cookie that’s both comforting and exotic? These Pineapple upside down sugar cookies offer a delightful departure from the ordinary. Imagine the familiar, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a classic sugar cookie elevated by the tangy-sweetness of caramelized pineapple. Each bite is a burst of sunshine, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. This surprisingly simple recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love These Golden Pineapple Dream Cookies
These cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll be reaching for seconds (and thirds!):
- Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of buttery sugar cookie and caramelized pineapple creates a taste sensation that’s both familiar and exciting.
- Impressive Presentation: The upside-down design is visually appealing and adds a touch of elegance to any dessert table.
- Easy to Make: Despite their sophisticated flavor, these cookies are surprisingly simple to prepare.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The sugar cookie base is perfectly soft and chewy, providing the perfect counterpoint to the slightly crisp pineapple.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need, along with some helpful substitution ideas:
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s texture.
- Large Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Leavening agents that create a light and airy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like flavor to the caramelized pineapple topping.
- Pineapple Slices: Canned pineapple slices work perfectly for this recipe. Be sure to drain them well and pat them dry. For another fruity recipe, check out this air fryer pineapple recipe!
- Maraschino Cherries (Optional): Add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the center of each pineapple slice.
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of these delightful cookies:
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare Pineapple Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar.
- Assemble Cookies: Spoon a small amount of the brown sugar mixture onto each prepared baking sheet, making circles about 2 inches in diameter. Place a pineapple slice on top of each brown sugar circle. If desired, place a maraschino cherry half in the center of each pineapple slice.
- Add Cookie Dough: Roll the sugar cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Flatten each ball slightly and place it on top of the pineapple slice.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Invert: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your pineapple upside down sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Drain the Pineapple Well: This is crucial to prevent the cookies from becoming soggy. Pat the pineapple slices dry with paper towels before using them.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing will result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and makes for easy cleanup.
- Let the Cookies Cool Slightly Before Inverting: This will help the pineapple and brown sugar topping to set slightly, preventing it from sliding off.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Drizzle with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Bring them to a potluck or bake sale.
Storage & Reheating
To store your pineapple upside down sugar cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheating is not necessary, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if desired. If you like cooking inspired recipes, check out this external link and give Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars a try.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:
- Can I use fresh pineapple? While canned pineapple is recommended for consistency, you can use fresh pineapple if desired. Be sure to core it, slice it thinly, and cook it slightly before using it in the recipe.
- Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze these cookies. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving.
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
These Golden Pineapple Dream Cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The tropical twist on a classic sugar cookie is both unexpected and incredibly delicious. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be transported to a sunny paradise with every delightful bite!
Golden Pineapple Dream Cookies: A Tropical Sugar Cookie Twist
Craving a cookie that’s both familiar and exciting? These Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies take the classic comfort of a soft sugar cookie and infuse it with the tropical sweetness of caramelized pineapple. Each bite is a burst of sunshine, starting with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie base, followed by the tangy-sweetness of perfectly caramelized pineapple and a hint of brown sugar. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress your friends and family! Prepare for a taste of paradise in every delightful sugar cookie. The soft texture combined with the caramelized pineapple makes these a truly unique treat.
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices, drained well and patted dry
- Maraschino cherries, halved (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar.
- Spoon a small amount of the brown sugar mixture onto each prepared baking sheet, making circles about 2 inches in diameter.
- Place a pineapple slice on top of each brown sugar circle. If desired, place a maraschino cherry half in the center of each pineapple slice.
- Roll the sugar cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Flatten each ball slightly and place it on top of the pineapple slice.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, make sure the pineapple slices are well-drained and patted dry. This will prevent the cookies from becoming soggy. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the brown sugar mixture for extra flavor. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg