Description
These Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies combine soft, buttery sugar cookie dough with caramelized brown sugar, juicy pineapple pieces, and bright cherry centers for a fun, handheld twist on the classic cake.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
6 pineapple rings, cut into small pieces
6 maraschino cherries, halved
1 tablespoon reserved pineapple juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or line with parchment baking cups.
- Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of brown sugar into the bottom of each muffin cavity. Add a few pineapple pieces and place half a cherry in the center. Drizzle a few drops of pineapple juice over each.
- In a large bowl, cream the 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, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and gently press it over the pineapple mixture in each muffin cavity, smoothing the tops evenly.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a tray to release. Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
Drain canned pineapple well before using and reserve a small amount of juice for drizzling.
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the brown sugar layer for extra warmth.
Chopped pecans or shredded coconut can be added for texture.
Almond extract can replace vanilla for a nutty flavor variation.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze cooled cookies in a single layer for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
