🍍 Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies
All the nostalgic flavor of pineapple upside-down cake — reimagined as soft, buttery sugar cookies with caramelized pineapple goodness.
If you love classic desserts with a playful twist, these Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies are guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Inspired by the beloved pineapple upside-down cake, these cookies combine tender sugar-cookie dough with sweet, caramelized pineapple and a hint of vanilla for a tropical-meets-comfort flavor profile.
They’re soft in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and bursting with fruity sweetness in every bite. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, bake sales, or just because — these cookies feel special while still being easy enough for everyday baking.
⭐ Why You’ll Love These Cookies
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Inspired by a classic, nostalgic dessert
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Soft, buttery sugar cookie base
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Sweet pineapple flavor with caramel notes
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Easy to make with simple ingredients
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Eye-catching and bakery-worthy
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
For the Pineapple Topping
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1 cup crushed pineapple, very well drained
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Garnish
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Maraschino cherry pieces
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Powdered sugar for dusting
🔪 Prep Tips for Best Results
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Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid soggy cookies
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Use room-temperature butter for proper creaming
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Chill dough briefly if it feels too soft
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Press pineapple gently so it caramelizes without spreading
🍪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Topping
In a small bowl, mix crushed pineapple with brown sugar and melted butter.
Set aside while preparing the cookie dough.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place on baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation in the center of each cookie.
Step 4: Add Pineapple
Spoon a small amount of pineapple mixture into the center of each cookie.
Optional: add a small cherry piece on top for a classic pineapple upside-down cake look.