I still remember the late-night kitchen adventure that led me to Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies—a happy accident that turned into one of my all-time faves! It started as a craving for something tropical but with that cozy, comforting vibe sugar cookies bring. After pulling out my usual sugar cookie recipe and tossing in some caramelized pineapple, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But wow, the results blew me away! The crisp edges and chewy center of the sugar cookie paired with warm, caramelized pineapple on top made every bite feel like a mini celebration of flavors.
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies instantly turned my dessert game upside down (pun totally intended!). It’s that perfect tropical cookie with a cozy feel, a real winner for weeknights or any time you want a little sweet moment that feels special. The combination of fruity pineapple goodness with the buttery sweetness of sugar cookie dough creates this irresistible treat that makes you want to dance in your kitchen.
I’m beyond excited to share this with you because it’s one of those recipes that’s fun to make, encourages some kitchen creativity, and absolutely delivers on flavor — no bland food allowed here! If you love pineapple cookies or upside down dessert vibes, you’re going to adore this twist on a classic sugar cookie recipe.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a bold flavor, cozy comfort food with a twist, Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies is the perfect dish to turn any meal into something special. Fellow food lovers, get ready for a flavor adventure that will wow your taste buds and spice up your cookie jar!
If you love recipes like this, you might also want to peek at my Pumpkin Sugar Cookies for another seasonal twist on a beloved sugar cookie recipe. Trust me, these Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies are here to stay as a staple round my kitchen!
Ingredients You Need

Here’s what you’ll want on hand to nail these Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies that balance tropical sweetness and cozy comfort perfectly. This recipe is all about bold flavors that actually work together!
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – the base for that buttery, tender sugar cookie dough
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – for sweet, crispy edges
- 1 large egg – binding magic for your cookie dough
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – you can never go wrong adding vanilla to a sugar cookie recipe!
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the structure for your cookies
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – to give your cookies a lovely lightness
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweet and buttery flavors
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained well) – the star tropical cookie ingredient that adds caramelized pineapple cookie charm
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – caramelizes beautifully with the pineapple topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) – enhances the caramelized topping’s richness
No worries if you don’t have brown sugar – I often use coconut sugar in my Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies for a slightly deeper, more complex sweetness.
You can grab everything in this list during your normal grocery trip without any special runs — because convenience meets bold flavor is the name of this game.
Here’s my secret that takes these cookies from good to incredible: letting the pineapple topping caramelize just right before adding the sugar cookie dough. That caramelized flavor is what makes these Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies stand out!
To save time on busy weeknights, drain your pineapple well and prep your toppings ahead. Store the cookie dough covered in the fridge for freshness if you’re making ahead.
If you love extra tropical punch, I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon to my Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies topping for a cozy kick that turns heads every time.
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, fellow flavor adventurers, it’s time to tackle this Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies masterpiece! This recipe is a joy to pull together, and trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies session is about to fill your kitchen with that cozy, tropical aroma!
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is the base where your sugar cookie magic starts!
- Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Your Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies dough is already smelling amazing!
- In a separate bowl, whisk 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Slowly mix this into your wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix your dough—the airy texture is the secret!
- Now for the showstopper: in a small bowl, combine 1 cup well-drained crushed pineapple, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. This mixture is what makes these Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies stand apart — the caramelized pineapple cookies you’ll fall in love with!
- For each cookie, scoop about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a small spoonful of the pineapple caramel mixture on top of each cookie, gently pressing it down. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Pop your Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Your kitchen should be smelling like a tropical dream by now!
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges of your Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies are golden and the pineapple topping has caramelized beautifully.
- Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack — this resting makes sure your cookies hold their shape and that pineapple topping stays gorgeous.
- Taste test time! Get ready for a wave of sweetness with that tropical tang paired with the tender sugar cookie base. Your Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies will have your taste buds doing the happy dance, promise.
If you’re pressed for time, you can prepare the pineapple topping a day ahead and refrigerate it. Then just scoop and bake when ready!
By the way, I found this Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies recipe on Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt super inspiring for tweaking my version. Another great take for your flavor adventures!
How to Serve Up This!

Serving these Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies is always a crowd-pleaser. I love pulling them out when friends stop by or for game nights because their sweet, tropical flavor turns any gathering into a mini celebration.
Pair these cookies with a cup of rich coffee or a tropical cocktail for an elevated sweet treat. The caramelized pineapple cookies top perfectly balances the robust bitterness of a dark roast or the refreshing zing of a mango margarita.
For a show-stopping presentation, arrange Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies on a rustic wooden platter with sprigs of fresh mint or toasted coconut flakes. Guests always get wowed by the contrast of that golden pineapple topping against the sugar cookie base.
These cookies also shine as a weekend brunch sweet alongside fresh fruit and whipped cream, adding that upside down dessert vibe to your tropical cookie lineup.
Got leftovers? No worries! Chop up the Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies and mix into vanilla ice cream or use as a topping for yogurt parfaits — a quick way to spread that caramelized pineapple cookie joy beyond just cookie time.
For fellow food lovers who love fusion flavors, I’ve experimented by adding a splash of rum to the pineapple topping for a Caribbean-inspired twist. It’s bold, festive, and perfect for parties.
When I whip these Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies out at potlucks, people light up with surprise — those classic sugar cookie vibes with a tropical spin always steal the show!
If your sweet tooth wants more, be sure to check out my caramel apple upside down cake for another awesome upside down dessert, or visit the sugar cookie recipe collection for more favorites like my pumpkin sugar cookies.
FAQs:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! This recipe is straightforward and forgiving. Even if your pineapple topping slides a bit or cookies spread more than expected, the flavors still shine bright. Happy accidents often lead to new favorites!
What if I mess up my Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies?
Spoiler alert: It will still taste incredible! If your topping caramelizes unevenly, try brushing extra butter and sugar on top before baking next time. These Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies are all about joy and bold flavor.
How can I prep Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies for busy weeknights?
Make your dough and pineapple topping the day before, store chilled, then bake fresh the next evening. That way, you get chewy, fresh cookies with less time spent on active cooking.
Can I use canned pineapple for this sugar cookie recipe?
Yes. Just be sure to drain it really well to avoid soggy cookies. I like crushing the bits slightly to spread the flavor evenly in my Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies.
What’s the best way to store leftover Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies?
Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 2 months and thaw before enjoying.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Totally! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend. My family loved the texture and flavor when I did it — the pineapple cookies still have that tropical vibe packed in.
Any tips for extra caramelized pineapple cookies topping?
Try broiling the cookies for an extra minute or two at the end of baking, watching closely. It adds a golden, slightly crispy finish that’s out of this world!
People have raved about this Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies recipe in our community Facebook group—you can peek at some rave reviews here on this lively discussion.
Also, check out some stunning Pinterest inspiration for Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies variations that spark lots of bold flavor ideas here!
Conclusion
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies bring me so much joy because they vibrate with bold flavor and soul-warming comfort all at once. The way the caramelized pineapple mix melts into the sugar cookie dough is pure delicious magic that lifts any ordinary moment.
My Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies Flavor Secrets:
- Always drain your pineapple well to keep those cookies tender, not soggy.
- Brown sugar plus melted butter in the pineapple topping makes for the ultimate caramelized surprise.
- A pinch of cinnamon in the pineapple adds a cozy twist without stealing the tropical spotlight.
I’ve tried some delicious variations including adding toasted coconut flakes for more tropical crunch, swapping in rum for a festive Caribbean vibe, and even using fresh pineapple slices for a chunkier texture. Each suits different occasions from casual weeknight winners to festive party treats.
If you love a classic sugar cookie recipe with a twist, or want a tropical cookie that doubles as an upside down dessert, this recipe is your new must-make. Trust your taste buds and have fun playing around with flavors—this Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies recipe welcomes all kinds of kitchen creativity!
Your next flavor adventure awaits. I can’t wait to hear how you bring these Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies into your home and make every bite a happy dance moment!
For more cozy comfort food with a twist, swing by my pumpkin sugar cookies recipe or check out my caramel apple upside down cake for even more delicious upside down dessert ideas. Ready to keep that sugar cookie love going? Here’s a delicious collection of sugar cookie recipes you’ll adore.
Happy baking, friend!
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies
These Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies combine the classic tropical flavors of pineapple and brown sugar caramel in a soft, buttery sugar cookie perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup brown sugar
- Maraschino cherries, halved (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- In a small bowl, stir the drained crushed pineapple with the brown sugar.
- Take tablespoon-sized portions of dough and flatten slightly. Place a teaspoon of the pineapple and brown sugar mixture on top, then gently fold the dough around it, sealing the pineapple inside.
- Place the filled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Optionally, press a halved maraschino cherry on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra caramel flavor, drizzle warmed brown sugar syrup over cooled cookies before serving.

