If you’re on the hunt for a festive cookie that feels both nostalgic and delightfully fresh, you’re going to adore the Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies Recipe. Combining the vibrant sweetness of maraschino cherries and pineapple with the buttery richness of sugar cookies, this recipe captures the joyful essence of the holiday season in every bite. These cookies bring together a beautiful pop of color and a burst of tropical flavor that’s unexpected but oh-so-welcome during Christmas celebrations. Whether for gifting, parties, or cozy evenings with a cup of cocoa, these are sure to become a new holiday favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role, providing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive charm. From the creamy butter that ensures soft and tender bites to the juicy pineapple and cherries that create those signature pops of sweetness, everything comes together simply and beautifully.
- Butter (1/2 cup, unsalted, softened): Creates a rich, tender texture in the cookie dough that melts in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens perfectly and helps achieve that classic sugar cookie crisp on the edges.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for a soft, chewy cookie.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and adds warm, comforting aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base that gives structure to the cookie dough without overpowering other flavors.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides just enough lift to keep cookies light, not cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- Maraschino cherries (6, halved): Offer festive red bursts of juicy sweetness on top of each cookie.
- Crushed pineapple (1/4 cup, drained well): Adds tropical moisture and a deliciously tangy contrast.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Mixes with the pineapple for that classic upside-down dessert caramelized feel.
How to Make Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking temperature right from the start. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze—simple, smart kitchen moves for delightful results.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, blend your softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air, helping your cookies turn tender and slightly crisp on the edges, with just the right melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture, infusing moisture and that warm vanilla note that makes sugar cookies so comforting. Make sure everything is combined evenly for consistent flavor throughout.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple combo ensures your cookies bake evenly and develop a beautiful crumb, while the salt enhances the sweet and tangy ingredients later on.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet batter, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender—mix just until combined.
Step 6: Prepare Pineapple Mixture
Mix the drained crushed pineapple with the brown sugar in a small bowl to create that signature caramelized pineapple topping flavor that will surprise and delight everyone.
Step 7: Form Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it into a small circle on a clean surface. Add a pinch of the pineapple and brown sugar mixture to the center, then gently press half a maraschino cherry onto the pineapple mixture. This layering creates a mini upside-down effect in every bite!
Step 8: Arrange and Bake
Place each cookie on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Fresh from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here will reward you with perfectly set cookies.
How to Serve Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These sugar cookies shine on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar can add an extra festive touch that looks like freshly fallen snow. For a little sparkle, try sprinkling edible gold glitter or decorating with a tiny mint leaf to mimic a holly sprig—both add charm and a bit of holiday magic.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced cider, hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, or even mulled wine for adult gatherings. The tropical sweetness of pineapple beautifully contrasts with these comforting drinks, enhancing the holiday spirit.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging the cookies on a rustic wooden board surrounded by pine branches, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries for a stunning holiday display. You can also wrap them individually in cellophane tied with a red ribbon to create adorable edible gifts perfect for neighbors, teachers, or friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, store your Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping early and enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies in advance or save leftovers, you can freeze fully baked and cooled cookies in a sealed bag or container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When frozen, they keep well for up to 3 months without losing their delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring frozen cookies back to life, simply thaw at room temperature, then warm briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will refresh the softness and revive the fragrant aroma, making them taste just as wonderful as fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh pineapple for canned in this recipe?
Yes, fresh pineapple works wonderfully as long as it’s finely chopped and well-drained to prevent sogginess. The fresh fruit can even enhance the overall brightness of the cookies.
Why do the cookies need brown sugar with the pineapple?
The brown sugar mixed with pineapple mimics the caramelized top of a traditional upside-down cake, adding depth of flavor and a slightly sticky sweetness that elevates the cookies beyond ordinary sugar cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free too. The texture might be a touch different but still delicious.
How long do these cookies stay fresh at room temperature?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies remain fresh and tasty for about 5 to 7 days, making them an ideal treat you can bake early in the holiday season.
Is it okay to use regular sugar instead of brown sugar for the pineapple topping?
While you can, brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like flavor that complements the tropical pineapple beautifully. Regular sugar won’t provide the same depth, so using brown sugar is recommended for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional holiday baking. Its charming flavors and festive look are sure to bring smiles and sweet memories to your celebrations. Give these cookies a try and prepare to watch them vanish fast—they’re that good!
Print
Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
Description
These Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies offer a festive twist on classic sugar cookies by featuring a sweet pineapple and maraschino cherry topping baked right into the cookie. With a soft, buttery base and caramelized fruit center, these cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations and sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 6 maraschino cherries, halved
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained well
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies. Then mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasonings.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Prepare Pineapple Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple with the brown sugar to create a sweet, caramel-like topping.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it into a circle in your hand. Place a small pinch of the pineapple mixture in the center of the dough circle, then top with half a maraschino cherry, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the prepared cookies on the lined baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure the crushed pineapple is drained well to avoid soggy cookies.
- You can substitute maraschino cherries with fresh or canned cherries if preferred.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the pineapple mixture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
