Description
These Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies combine the tropical sweetness of juicy pineapple with soft sugar cookie dough, delivering a delicious and portable treat. Featuring a caramelized pineapple topping enhanced with natural brown sugar and apple cider vinegar, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a tender texture. Ideal for desserts, snacks, or gifting, they bring a sunny burst of flavor to any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted plant-based butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
Pineapple Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (e.g. pectin, agar, or carrageenan)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple Topping: In a small pan, gently heat the brown sugar (natural) with a splash of apple cider vinegar until it melts into a caramel-like syrup. Add the pineapple rings and cook for a few minutes until soft and coated with the syrup. Stir in the natural gelling agent to help the mixture set when cooled.
- Mix the Cookie Dough: Cream together the softened plant-based butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract (natural). In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Assemble the Cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop small portions of dough and press them lightly into rounds. Place a piece or chunk of pineapple ring on top of each cookie, gently pressing it into the dough. Spoon a little of the caramelized pineapple topping over each cookie.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack so the topping sets perfectly.
Notes
- Use cold butter: chilling the butter before mixing helps control cookie spread for better shape.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Fresh pineapples provide a juicier, fresher taste compared to canned.
- Line your baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Let cookies cool completely before handling to maintain the pineapple topping’s integrity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Pineapple Upside Down, Sugar Cookies, Tropical Cookies, Pineapple Cookies, Sweet Treats, Plant-Based Cookies
