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How to Make Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies
1. Prepare the Pineapple Topping
The key to making these cookies unique is the pineapple topping, so let’s start by getting that ready.
- Drain the pineapple: If you’re using canned pineapple, drain the pineapple rings or chunks well to remove excess juice. You want the pineapple to be as dry as possible so the topping isn’t too watery.
- Caramelize the pineapple: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once the mixture starts to bubble, add the pineapple slices or chunks, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the pineapple softens and absorbs some of the caramelized sugar. The mixture should become thick and syrupy.
- Set aside to cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside to cool. If you’re using pineapple rings, you can cut them into smaller pieces if desired.
2. Make the Sugar Cookie Dough
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The air incorporated into the butter and sugar will help make your cookies light and chewy.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until fully incorporated.
- Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
3. Form the Cookies
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Scoop the dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out even portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
4. Add the Pineapple Topping
- Top the cookies: Spoon a small amount of the caramelized pineapple topping onto the center of each cookie. Be sure to spread it out slightly so it covers the cookie, but leave a small border around the edge to prevent it from spilling over while baking.
- Optional garnish: For a traditional touch, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple topping for that iconic look of a pineapple upside-down cake.
5. Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies have spread slightly. The pineapple topping will become bubbly and sticky during baking, adding a delightful caramelized effect.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The caramelized pineapple topping will firm up as the cookies cool, making them easier to handle.
Tips for Perfect Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies. They bake quickly, and you want the edges to be just golden while the centers remain soft.
- Use fresh pineapple for a twist: If you want a fresher flavor, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple. Just make sure it’s well-drained and finely chopped.
- Customize the topping: You can experiment with different fruit toppings such as cherries, mangoes, or peaches for a different twist.
- Make them mini: If you prefer smaller cookies, you can use a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon to scoop out the dough and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can dress them up for special occasions or to add a little extra flair:
- Serve with ice cream: For a decadent treat, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream.
- Pair with a tropical drink: Enjoy these cookies with a tropical beverage like a piña colada, iced tea, or coconut milk for a full island-inspired experience.
- Gift-worthy: Package these cookies in a cute box or tin and share them as a gift with friends and family. They’re a great treat for holidays or birthday parties.
Conclusion: A Tropical Treat in Every Bite
Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies are the perfect combination of a beloved classic and a tropical twist. The sweet, sticky pineapple topping gives these cookies a delicious burst of flavor, while the soft, chewy sugar cookie base ensures that each bite is a little piece of cookie heaven.
Easy to make and sure to impress, these cookies are ideal for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, bringing a treat to a potluck, or just craving something new and exciting for your afternoon snack.
So next time you’re in the mood to bake something unique, try these Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies. They’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie jar!
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