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Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies

Soft sugar cookies meet caramelized pineapple and cherry topping in this tropical twist on a retro favorite. All the goodness of pineapple upside-down cake in portable, party-ready cookie form!

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cookies (or more if using mini tins) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the sugar cookie base:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • For the topping:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 810 canned pineapple rings, cut into quarters or chunks
  • Maraschino cherries (1 per cookie, halved if small)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your muffin tin thoroughly.
  2. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter with 1/3 cup brown sugar. Stir until smooth and bubbling. Remove from heat.
  3. Assemble the topping: Spoon 1 teaspoon of glaze into each muffin cup. Add a pineapple chunk and a cherry.
  4. Make the cookie dough: Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix until smooth. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms.
  5. Scoop dough into muffin cups on top of pineapple. Gently flatten the tops.
  6. Bake 12–14 minutes (mini muffin tin) or 16–18 minutes (standard), until edges are golden and centers set.
  7. Cool for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert cookies onto a wire rack while still warm.
  8. Cool completely before serving—or enjoy slightly warm for gooey perfection.

Notes

  • Drain pineapple well to avoid sogginess.
  • Add coconut flakes to the dough for extra tropical flavor.
  • Use almond extract for a floral twist.
  • Add a splash of rum or pineapple liqueur to the glaze for an adult version.
  • Try parchment muffin liners to prevent sticking.
  • Author: Selena Trump
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 105mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pineapple upside down cookies, tropical dessert, summer cookie, fruit cookie