The Golden Secret: Pineapple Delight Cookies Recipe

Sweet, buttery cookies studded with tropical pineapple delight cookies recipe bring sunshine to your dessert plate.

These golden treats melt in your mouth with every soft, crumbly bite.

Perfectly balanced between tangy fruit and rich, sweet dough, they promise a delectable experience.

Clusters of chopped pineapple dance through each cookie, creating bursts of refreshing flavor.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive recipe.

The aroma of baking cookies will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Grab a plate and savor these irresistible tropical-inspired delights that are sure to become a family favorite.

Pineapple Upside Down Delight Cookies: Sweet Appeal

• Reimagine the classic pineapple upside-down cake in a bite-sized, adorable cookie format that sparks childhood memories.
• Create professional-looking treats with basic kitchen skills, requiring minimal culinary expertise and standard baking equipment.
• Impress friends and family with visually stunning cookies that look like miniature works of art, featuring caramelized pineapple and bright red cherries.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a delightful dessert that bridges traditional cake and modern cookie expectations.

Ingredients Needed for Pineapple Delight Cookies

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that adds moisture and flavor to the cookies.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cookie ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Sour Cream: Creates a tender texture and adds a subtle tangy richness.

• Flour: The main structural component that gives the cookies their shape.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cornstarch: Contributes to a softer, more delicate cookie texture.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Light Brown Sugar: Creates a caramelized base for the pineapple and adds deep sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps with cookie texture.
• Pineapple Slices: The star fruit topping that gives the cookies their signature tropical flavor.
• Maraschino Cherries: Adds a pop of color and sweet, fruity accent to the cookie.

Cookie Equipment for Pineapple Upside Down Treats

• Mini Round Cake Pan: Non-stick pan essential for creating perfectly shaped upside-down cookies.
• Mixing Bowls: One small and one large bowl for preparing brown sugar mixture and cookie dough.
• Cookie Scoop: 3-tablespoon sized scoop for precise dough portioning.
• Offset Spatula: Perfect for evenly flattening cookie dough over pineapple slices.
• Wax Paper: Used for cooling and transferring cookies after baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk or Electric Mixer: Helps mix butter, sugar, and other ingredients smoothly.

Baking Pineapple Upside Down Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit, preparing it for a delightful baking adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Vessel

Grab a mini round cake pan or non-stick pan that will cradle your delicious cookies.

Step 3: Create Caramel Base

• Melted butter
• Light brown sugar

Stir until they become best friends and create a smooth mixture.

Step 4: Build The Caramel Foundation

Spread a tablespoon of the brown sugar mixture across the bottom of each pan cavity, creating a golden sweet layer.

Step 5: Arrange Pineapple Slices

Gently place a pineapple slice on top of the caramel base, letting it nestle perfectly.

Step 6: Add A Cherry Accent

Position a bright maraschino cherry right in the center of each pineapple slice.

Step 7: Whip Up Cookie Batter

• Room temperature butter
• Granulated sugar

Blend until the mixture becomes light and fluffy like a cloud.

Step 8: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream

Stir until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 9: Fold In Dry Components

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Mix gently until the cookie dough just comes together.

Step 10: Top The Pineapple

Scoop about 3 tablespoons of cookie dough onto each pineapple slice.

Step 11: Smooth The Surface

Use an offset spatula to flatten the dough, completely covering the pineapple and cherry.

Step 12: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Look for golden brown edges and bubbling brown sugar.

Step 13: Initial Cooling

Allow the cookies to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, letting them settle.

Step 14: Release The Cookies

Carefully turn the cookies out onto a wax paper-covered surface.

If any pineapple slice gets shy and sticks, just guide it back onto its cookie.

Step 15: Final Cooling

Let the cookies cool completely before indulging in their tropical deliciousness.

Tips for Pineapple Cookie Perfection

• Generously grease the pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy cookie removal and maintain the beautiful pineapple design.
• Adjust the brown sugar mixture quantity to balance the sweetness, especially if using very ripe pineapples or sweet cherries.
• Watch cookies carefully during baking, as ovens vary; golden brown edges and bubbling sugar indicate perfectly baked treats.
• Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother, more consistent cookie dough mixing.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to enhance flavor development and save preparation time.

Fun Mix-Ins for Pineapple Delight Cookies

• Gluten-Free Tropical Treats: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, fruity flavor.
• Vegan Pineapple Delights: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select plant-based cream for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Fruity Cookies: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the classic caramelized taste.
• Tropical Spice Variation: Add ground cardamom or ginger to the cookie dough for an unexpected warm, aromatic flavor profile that complements the pineapple.

Presenting Pineapple Cookies Creatively

• Tropical Dessert Pairing: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of coconut ice cream for a delightful tropical twist.
• Party Presentation Platter: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint leaves and extra maraschino cherries for a stunning visual display.
• Coffee Companion: Pair these sweet treats with a strong espresso or creamy cappuccino to balance the sugary pineapple flavor.
• Gifting Idea: Package individual cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with twine for a charming homemade gift that's sure to impress friends and family.

Keeping Pineapple Cookies Fresh Longer

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate pineapple topping.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture and taste.
• Warm cookies at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent burning.
• Heat for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Watch carefully to avoid making the cookies tough or rubbery.

FAQs

• How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for golden brown edges and bubbling brown sugar around the sides of the pan. The cookies should be set but still soft when you remove them from the oven.

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Stick with canned pineapple slices. Fresh pineapple can be too watery and might prevent the cookies from setting properly during baking.

• What if I don't have a mini round cake pan?

You can use a muffin tin or similar small cavity pan. The key is to have individual compartments that allow each cookie to have its own pineapple base.

• How ripe should the butter be for this recipe?

Use room temperature butter that’s soft enough to cream easily with sugar but not melted. This helps create a light, fluffy cookie texture.

Pineapple Delight Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Scrumptious pineapple delight cookies blend tropical sweetness with buttery richness. Caribbean-inspired treats offer delightful crunch and complex flavor profiles you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter (room temperature)
• 1 12 cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 13 canned pineapple slices
• 13 maraschino cherries

Wet Ingredients:

• 12 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 12 cup butter (melted)

Dry and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 12 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring proper temperature for optimal baking results.
2. Prepare a mini round cake pan or similar non-stick baking vessel, positioning it for easy cookie creation.
3. Create a caramel-like base by whisking melted butter and light brown sugar until thoroughly integrated.
4. Distribute the brown sugar mixture evenly across the bottom of each pan cavity, creating a rich foundation.
5. Carefully position a pineapple slice atop the sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Nestle a vibrant maraschino cherry precisely in the center of each pineapple slice.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, cream room temperature butter with granulated sugar until light and airy.
8. Incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream, blending until smooth and uniform.
9. Gently fold in flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt, mixing until cookie dough just forms.
10. Delicately place a generous cookie dough scoop over each pineapple-cherry arrangement.
11. Use an offset spatula to gently flatten and spread the dough, completely concealing the fruit underneath.
12. Bake for 25 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and bubbling caramelized sugar along the sides.
13. Allow cookies to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, enabling initial stabilization.
14. Carefully invert cookies onto wax paper, repositioning any stuck pineapple slice if necessary.
15. permit cookies to cool completely, allowing flavors to settle and texture to perfect.

Notes

• Choose ripe, fresh pineapple for the most vibrant, sweet flavor that elevates the entire cookie experience.
• Opt for maraschino cherries with bright color and firm texture to ensure a beautiful presentation and burst of sweetness.
• Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more evenly mixed cookie dough that bakes more consistently.
• Slightly underbake the cookies to maintain a soft, tender texture that melts in your mouth, keeping the caramelized sugar and fruit topping perfectly gooey.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg