Irresistible Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake by turning it into a fun, portable treat. These soft, buttery sugar cookies are topped with caramelized pineapple and a cherry, making them perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned pineapple, drained)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (for pineapple topping)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for pineapple topping)
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the pineapple topping by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced pineapple and 1/4 cup brown sugar, stirring to combine. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the pineapple softens and the mixture bubbles. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Step 4: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Make a small indentation in the center of each mound and spoon a small amount of the pineapple topping into it. Place a maraschino cherry on top of each.
- Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set. The cookies may appear slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
- Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- Add shredded coconut to the cookie dough for a tropical twist.
- Substitute pineapple with peaches or cherries for different flavor variations.
- Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and pineapple juice over cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
Storage
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Make sure cookies are completely cooled before freezing. Reheat gently at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, canned pineapple works well. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture in the topping.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, they freeze well. Cool the cookies completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag to maintain their texture and flavor.
Print
Irresistible Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30-32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies are a creative and delicious twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake, turned into soft, buttery sugar cookies topped with caramelized pineapple and a maraschino cherry. These cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet fruitiness and rich cookie texture, making them ideal for parties, gatherings, or as a special treat at home.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Pineapple Topping:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned pineapple, drained)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced pineapple and brown sugar, stirring to combine. Cook for 3-5 minutes until pineapple softens and the mixture bubbles. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Assemble and Bake the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Make a small indentation in the center of each dough mound and spoon pineapple topping into it. Top each cookie with a maraschino cherry. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers set. Cookies may appear slightly underbaked but will firm as they cool.
- Cool and Serve: Remove cookies from oven and cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the flavors of pineapple upside-down cake in cookie form!
Notes
- You can substitute fresh pineapple with canned pineapple; just ensure it is well drained.
- Cookies freeze well once fully cooled; store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the cookie dough.
- Try substituting pineapple with peaches or cherries for flavor variations.
- To enhance sweetness, drizzle cooled cookies with a glaze made from powdered sugar and pineapple juice.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pineapple upside down cookies, sugar cookies with pineapple, caramelized pineapple cookies, fruit topped cookies, pineapple cherry cookies, holiday cookie recipe

