Introduction
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic upside-down cake. Imagine the perfect combination of sweet pineapple, caramelized brown sugar, and buttery cookie dough all in one bite-sized treat. This recipe brings together the nostalgic flavors of a traditional pineapple upside-down cake with the convenience and portability of cookies. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or just looking to impress your friends and family with a unique dessert, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best features of these Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies is their simplicity. They are easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for a quick baking session. The cookies have a wonderful balance of flavors, with the sweetness of the pineapple complementing the slightly salty and buttery cookie base. Additionally, these cookies can be enjoyed by people with various dietary preferences as they can be easily customized to be vegan or gluten-free.
If you’re a fan of the traditional pineapple upside-down cake but want a more portable and individualized option, these cookies are the perfect solution. They offer all the flavors you love in a convenient cookie form, making them ideal for snacking, parties, or even gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients
For this delicious recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– All-purpose flour
– Brown sugar
– Unsalted butter
– Canned pineapple rings
– Maraschino cherries
– Baking powder
– Salt
– Vanilla extract
– Optional: almond extract
Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences. You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract (and almond extract if using) to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Take a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball slightly and place a pineapple ring in the center, pressing it gently into the dough. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of the pineapple ring.
6. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips for Success
– Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
– Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to prevent tough cookies.
– If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, you can increase the amount of almond extract or use almond flour in the dough.
– For a caramelized finish, sprinkle a little extra brown sugar on top of each cookie before baking.
Variations and Substitutions
There are several ways to customize these Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies:
– Substitute the pineapple rings with other fruits like peaches or mango for a different twist.
– Experiment with different types of cherries such as fresh cherries or dried cranberries.
– Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm and aromatic flavor.
– For a decadent touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. They also pair well with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. Serve them at parties, picnics, or as a sweet treat after dinner for a memorable indulgence.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pineapple slices, but make sure to cook them slightly before placing them on the cookie dough to ensure they soften during baking.
Q: How should I store these cookies?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies offer a delightful and innovative twist on a beloved classic dessert. With their perfect blend of flavors and simple preparation, these cookies are a great option for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for yourself or planning to impress guests at a gathering, these cookies are sure to bring joy and satisfaction. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and indulge in the deliciousness of these delightful cookies!
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies
Delightful twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake in bite-sized cookie form. Features sweet pineapple, caramelized brown sugar, and buttery cookie dough for a perfect combination of flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 canned pineapple rings
- 6 maraschino cherries
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Cream together softened butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
-
Mix in vanilla extract (and almond extract if using) until well combined.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients to form a dough.
-
Roll tablespoon-sized dough into balls, flatten slightly, and place a pineapple ring on top. Press gently and add a maraschino cherry in the center.
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Arrange cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
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Cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
