Sometimes the best desserts are the ones that bring sunshine straight into your kitchen. These Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies are a tropical twist on the classic sugar cookie, blending the buttery sweetness of traditional cookies with bursts of pineapple, coconut, and a touch of caramelized brown sugar. They’re soft, chewy, and just sweet enough, with an optional cherry garnish that makes each one look like a mini pineapple upside-down cake.
If you’re looking for a fun new cookie recipe to brighten your dessert table, this is it.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the crushed pineapple and shredded coconut, distributing evenly through the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with a teaspoon of flour to prevent spreading.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball in the brown sugar mixture, then place on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- For a festive look, press a maraschino cherry into the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the cookies are set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep and bake time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yields: about 24 cookies
Calories: 180 kcal per cookie
Tips for the best cookies
🍍 Drain the pineapple thoroughly. Extra liquid can make the dough too soft and the cookies too wet.
🥥 Add lime zest. A teaspoon of finely grated lime zest folded into the dough gives these cookies a bright tropical kick.
🍒 Garnish smart. The maraschino cherries are optional, but they make the cookies look like mini upside-down cakes, perfect for parties or holiday platters.
🌴 Texture tip. If you prefer crunchier edges, bake a minute longer; if you love soft centers, pull them out as soon as the edges are golden.
Serving ideas
These cookies are perfect for summer gatherings, bake sales, or simply adding a little sunshine to your afternoon coffee or tea. Pair them with a cold glass of milk 🥛 or a tropical drink like iced pineapple tea. They also make a lovely edible gift—stack them in a clear bag, tie with ribbon, and you’ve got a homemade treat that feels both fun and thoughtful.
Final thoughts
Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies are proof that cookies don’t need to be complicated to be memorable. They’re sweet, slightly tangy, and filled with tropical flair. With their golden edges, chewy centers, and optional cherry garnish, they’re as pretty as they are delicious.
Bake a batch and enjoy a taste of sunshine, no matter the season.