Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies bring the classic tropical flavor of pineapple upside down cake into a delightful cookie form. These sweet, buttery treats feature a juicy pineapple ring on top, making each bite a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 can canned pineapple rings (well-drained)
- 2 tablespoons additional sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line your baking trays with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the large egg and vanilla extract, beating well until combined.
- Step 4: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually mix into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Step 5: Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place on the prepared trays, leaving space between each.
- Step 6: Press a pineapple ring gently into each dough mound, flattening slightly.
- Step 7: Sprinkle additional sugar generously on top of the pineapple rings.
- Step 8: Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are set.
- Step 9: Cool the cookies on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh pineapple slices instead of canned for a fresher taste, but reduce baking time slightly as fresh slices are moister.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- You can substitute the granulated sugar on top with brown sugar for a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you want thicker cookies.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep pineapple rings moist, avoid refrigerating. If you want to store longer, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to enjoy them fresh.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple works well but will add more moisture, so watch your baking time closely. You may need to slightly reduce the baking time to prevent sogginess.
Do I have to use vanilla extract?
No, vanilla extract is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cookies. You can omit it or substitute with almond extract for a different twist.
PrintPineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies offer a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies by topping each bite with a sweet pineapple ring, creating a perfect balance of buttery, sugary dough and fruity freshness. Ideal for parties or a tropical-inspired treat, these cookies are easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 can canned pineapple rings (well-drained)
- 2 tablespoons additional sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line your baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even cooking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract (if using) thoroughly until fully combined, which will enrich the dough’s flavor and help with binding.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Form Dough Mounds: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them spaced out on the prepared baking trays to allow for spreading during baking.
- Add Pineapple Rings: Gently press one well-drained pineapple ring into the top of each dough mound, slightly flattening the dough to secure the pineapple in place.
- Sprinkle Sugar: Sprinkling an additional 2 tablespoons of sugar over the pineapple adds sweetness and creates a lightly caramelized finish on top.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers appear set, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and preserving crispness.
Notes
- Ensure pineapples are well-drained to prevent excess moisture from making the cookies soggy.
- If you prefer a more intense pineapple flavor, drizzle a little pineapple juice on top before baking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Vanilla extract is optional but recommended to enhance flavor complexity.
Keywords: pineapple sugar cookies, pineapple upside down cookies, sugar cookies with pineapple, tropical cookies, baked pineapple cookies, easy cookie recipes

