Description
These Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies offer a delightful tropical twist on a classic favorite, combining soft, buttery sugar cookies with caramelized pineapple topping for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Ideal for any occasion, these cookies feature a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a beautifully sticky, flavorful pineapple caramel topping that brings a mini celebration to every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pineapple Topping
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
For the Sugar Cookie Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (plant-based), softened
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (natural)
- 2 tsp cornstarch (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple Topping: Mix the fresh pineapple chunks with the brown sugar (natural) and natural gelling agent. Gently cook the mixture over low heat until it becomes sticky and caramel-like, creating a flavorful topping that mimics the classic upside-down cake effect.
- Create the Sugar Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter (plant-based) and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add apple cider vinegar (natural) and vanilla extract (natural), then gradually mix in the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), cornstarch (natural), and baking powder until just combined to maintain tenderness.
- Assemble the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into small, even rounds, flatten each gently, and press a spoonful of the pineapple topping firmly into the center of each cookie, allowing the caramelized mixture to integrate slightly with the dough.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies until the edges turn golden and the pineapple topping bubbles lightly, approximately 12-15 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool fully on the baking sheet so the topping can set before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for optimal flavor and texture in the topping.
- Mix the dough just until combined to ensure tender and soft cookies.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar (natural) in the topping to control caramelization and sweetness.
- If the dough feels too soft, chill for 30 minutes before baking to maintain shape.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies, tropical sugar cookies, pineapple cookies, vegan cookies, gluten-free cookies, caramelized pineapple cookies