Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining sweet pineapple and cherry flavors with a soft, buttery cookie base. These charming treats are perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home.

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 canned pineapple rings
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 12 maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the egg to the butter mixture and mix well until fully combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together evenly.
- Step 6: Place a small spoonful of brown sugar in the center of each pineapple ring on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 7: Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring on top of the brown sugar.
- Step 8: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough, flatten slightly, and place each portion on top of a pineapple ring.
- Step 9: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown.
- Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 11: Serve the Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a tropical twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough.
- Try using fresh pineapple slices if canned pineapple rings are not available, but reduce any extra moisture by patting them dry.
- Substitute maraschino cherries with glazed or fresh cherries to add a fresher flavor.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help maintain cookie shape and texture.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to enjoy a warm treat.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple rings can be used, but make sure to drain and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cookie texture.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the pineapple rings?
Using parchment paper on the baking sheet helps prevent sticking. Additionally, the brown sugar on the pineapple creates a caramelized layer that makes it easier to lift the cookies off after baking.
PrintPineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies combine the sweet, caramelized flavor of classic pineapple upside-down cake with the soft, buttery texture of sugar cookies. Each cookie features a juicy pineapple ring topped with a maraschino cherry and a golden brown cookie baked right on top, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 large cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Toppings
- 6 canned pineapple rings
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 12 maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg: Incorporate the egg into the creamed mixture and mix thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients smoothly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing that can toughen the cookies.
- Prepare Pineapple Toppings: Place a small spoonful of brown sugar in the center of each pineapple ring on the prepared baking sheet; this will caramelize during baking for that signature upside-down flavor.
- Add Cherries: Position a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring atop the brown sugar, adding a classic garnish and a pop of color.
- Shape and Place Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and slightly flatten them before placing each gently on top of a pineapple ring with cherry.
- Bake Cookies: Bake all the assembled cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cookies turn lightly golden brown and are cooked through.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for several minutes to allow them to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely without becoming soggy.
- Serve: Enjoy these Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies warm or at room temperature as a delightful treat that blends fruit and sweetness perfectly.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh canned pineapple rings drained well to avoid excess moisture making the cookie soggy.
- Chilling the cookie dough for 15-20 minutes before scooping can make it easier to handle.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- You can substitute light brown sugar for a more subtle caramel flavor or dark brown sugar for a richer, deeper taste.
- These cookies make a festive addition to holiday cookie trays or summer parties.
Keywords: pineapple upside down cookies, sugar cookies, pineapple cookies, cherry topped cookies, baked fruit cookies, easy dessert recipes

