If you love the classic pineapple upside-down cake, you’re going to adore these bite-sized Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies! Combining the tropical sweetness of pineapple with buttery sugar cookies, these are the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, drained and cut into small chunks
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard-size muffin tin or use silicone liners. In each muffin cup, add about 1 teaspoon of melted butter and sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. Place a small chunk of pineapple on top, along with a maraschino cherry if desired.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Assemble: Roll the cookie dough into small balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and gently flatten each ball. Place the flattened dough on top of the pineapple and sugar mixture in the muffin tin.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
- Flip and Serve: Carefully invert the muffin tin onto a baking sheet or cooling rack to release the cookies. The caramelized pineapple topping should stick to the cookies.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature. These cookies are delicious on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream!
Helpful Tips:
- Prevent sticking: Be sure to grease the muffin tin well to prevent the caramelized sugar from sticking.
- Extra flavor: For a tropical twist, you can add a pinch of coconut flakes to the sugar cookie dough or sprinkle them on top after baking.
Storage:
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.
These Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies are the perfect combination of tropical flavors and classic cookie goodness. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat!
Variations:
- Coconut Pineapple Upside-Down Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the cookie dough for extra tropical flavor.
- Spiced Pineapple Cookies: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg into the brown sugar topping for a warm, spiced twist.
- Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes: Turn the cookies into mini cupcakes by adding a bit more dough on top of the pineapple, creating a thicker, cake-like texture.
- Rum-Infused Pineapple: Lightly soak the pineapple chunks in a tablespoon of rum before adding them to the muffin tin for a grown-up version of these cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh pineapple? Yes, you can substitute canned pineapple with fresh pineapple. Just make sure to cut the pineapple into small pieces and remove any excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
- How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan? Thoroughly grease your muffin tin or use silicone baking cups. You can also place a small piece of parchment paper at the bottom of each muffin cup to help with easier removal.
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the cookies as instructed and pop them in the oven.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dessert Display: These cookies look lovely on a dessert table for parties, family gatherings, or holidays. Their vibrant pineapple topping adds a beautiful touch.
- With Whipped Cream: Serve the cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or even a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Perfect Pairings: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage and Freezing:
- Storing: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. If refrigerated, they can last for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze them, allow the cookies to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw them at room temperature.
These Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies are versatile, delicious, and a crowd-pleaser! You can easily adjust the recipe to your liking, whether you’re looking to add a tropical twist or extra layers of sweetness.