Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies are a deliciously sweet treat that combines the classic flavors of pineapple upside down cake into a delightful cookie form. Inspired by the beloved dessert, these cookies feature a buttery base topped with caramelized pineapple and cherries. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or just enjoying a cozy night in. With their rich flavor and appealing presentation, these cookies will surely impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Upside Down Sugar
There are countless reasons to adore these Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies! Firstly, they bring a unique twist to traditional cookies, merging the flavors of a classic dessert into a handheld treat. Using pineapple upside down cake sugar enhances the sweetness, while the pineapple upside down dessert topping adds a delightful visual appeal. Plus, they are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and are suitable for various occasions. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to whip up or a special treat for guests, these cookies fit the bill perfectly!
Ingredients for Pineapple Upside Down Sugar
Gather these items:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 13 canned pineapple slices, drained
- 13 maraschino cherries
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini round cake pan or muffin tin.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the creamed mixture and mix until fully integrated.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined, then set the dough aside.
- Step 6: In another bowl, blend the melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth to create the brown sugar glaze.
- Step 7: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar mixture into each cavity of the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Step 8: Place a pineapple slice over the brown sugar glaze and position a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
- Step 9: Using a 3-tablespoon scoop, portion cookie dough over each fruit-topped cavity and gently flatten with an offset spatula.
- Step 10: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges and the brown sugar is bubbling up the sides.
- Step 11: Cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert cookies onto wax paper to allow the brown sugar glaze to run over the tops.
- Step 12: Allow cookies to cool completely before serving and store in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for the Best Pineapple Upside Down Sugar
Keep these in mind:
- Make sure to drain the pineapple slices well to prevent excess moisture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.
- Experiment with different fruits for a unique twist on the recipe.
Best Ways to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Sugar
For a delightful presentation, serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whip up a pineapple-infused sugar glaze to drizzle on top. They also make a fantastic addition to any dessert platter, alongside other sweet treats. Consider pairing them with a pineapple upside down syrup for an extra burst of flavor!
How to Store and Reheat Pineapple Upside Down Sugar
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm later, simply reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will help the pineapple caramelized sugar retain its delightful texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pineapple Upside Down Sugar
What’s the secret to perfect Pineapple Upside Down Sugar?
To achieve the best results, ensure you use well-drained pineapple slices and allow the cookies to cool slightly before inverting. This prevents the pineapple upside down cake sugar from sticking and retains the beautiful topping.
Can I make Pineapple Upside Down Sugar ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake the cookies right before you plan to serve them for the freshest flavor.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Pineapple Upside Down Sugar?
Ensure accurate measurements of ingredients and avoid overmixing the dough. This will help maintain the cookie’s texture and prevent them from becoming too dense or dry.
Variations of Pineapple Upside Down Sugar You Can Try
Feel free to get creative with your cookies! You can make a pineapple upside down sugar substitute using coconut sugar for a healthier alternative or incorporate nuts for added crunch. For a tropical twist, consider using mango or kiwi as toppings, giving a fresh spin to this classic recipe.
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler or Irresistible Peach Upside Down Mini Cakes. If you’re interested in more baking tips, visit King Arthur Baking’s guide on baking tips.
Print
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies: 13 Sweet Delights
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 13 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously sweet cookies inspired by the classic pineapple upside down cake, featuring a buttery cookie base topped with caramelized pineapple and cherries.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 13 canned pineapple slices, drained
- 13 maraschino cherries
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini round cake pan or muffin tin.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the creamed mixture and mix until fully integrated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined, then set the dough aside.
- In another bowl, blend the melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth to create the brown sugar glaze.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar mixture into each cavity of the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Place a pineapple slice over the brown sugar glaze and position a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
- Using a 3-tablespoon scoop, portion cookie dough over each fruit-topped cavity and gently flatten with an offset spatula.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges and the brown sugar is bubbling up the sides.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert cookies onto wax paper to allow the brown sugar glaze to run over the tops.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before serving and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the pineapple slices well.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg