If you're a fan of the traditional pineapple upside-down cake, you're in for a treat with this delightful twist – pineapple upside-down cookies. These cookies capture all the delicious flavors of the classic dessert in a handheld form that’s easy to share with your friends and family. We love these upside-down pineapple cookies because they’re easy to make and taste great. Each cookie is topped with a caramelized slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry, creating a looker of a cookie and a burst of tropical flavor in every bite.
Pineapple upside-down cookies are not only a joy to make but also a delightful addition to any gathering, from a summer brunch to a birthday party or potluck. With their irresistible combination of sweet pineapple, tender cookie dough, and a pop of color from the cherries, these cookies are a delightful homage to the classic pineapple upside-down cake. So, why not try your hand at baking a batch of these charming cookies and bring a taste of tropical paradise to your next dessert spread.
Using Betty Crocker™ Sugar Cookie Mix makes these pineapple upside-down cake cookies quick and easy to pull together. Here, we’re outlining the steps to making these impressive cookies, but for the full list of ingredients and directions, refer to the recipe below.
Drain the canned pineapple rings on a paper towel-lined tray. Transfer seven rings to each of two parchment paper-lined cookie sheets, spacing evenly to allow at least 2 inches between rings. Place a cherry on the center of each ring.
In a bowl, mix together the sugar cookie mix, vanilla pudding mix, butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, and pineapple juice (reserved from can) until soft smooth dough forms.
Using about 3 tablespoons of dough, roll dough between palms of hands to shape the cookie dough into 2-inch balls. Place a dough ball on top of each pineapple ring, then flatten slightly.
Bake the cookies about 25 minutes on parchment-lined cookie sheets in a 350°F oven. You will know they are done with the tops are cracked and golden brown. Cool cookies on cookie sheets for 10 minutes to set up. Carefully remove the pineapple upside-down cookies from the cookie sheets with a spatula, flipping over to cool completely on cooling rack.
These pineapple upside-down cookies can be stored at room temperature in a single layer on a plate or tray, covered with waxed paper (or loosely covered in some way). They’re best enjoyed the day they are baked. If this pineapple upside-down cookie recipe is made too far in advance, the moisture from the fruit will continue to be absorbed into the cookie, making it wet and fragile. For that reason, we don’t recommend serving this cookie more than 1 day after baking.
Just like a pineapple upside-down cake, freezing is not recommended. The pineapple will not hold up to the well to the freezing and thawing process. The texture of the cookie will be compromised.
We tested this pineapple upside-down cookie using both canned pineapple rings and canned pineapple chunks. Both worked well in the cookies. Fresh pineapple is not as consistent in texture, moisture and sweetness, which is favored for pineapple upside-down desserts.
Pineapple rings: We found canned pineapple rings to the be the best option for this recipe because they are consistent in texture, moisture and sweetness.
Pineapple chunks: Great option for making mini pineapple upside-down cookies. The canned chunks provide the fun mini size while retaining the desired texture and flavor.
Fresh pineapple: Although we love fresh pineapple, it just isn’t the best option for these cookies. It is not as consistent in flavor, moisture level or texture as canned.
For mini pineapple upside-down cookies, drain 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks; cut each chunk in half (you will have some left over). Cut 10 maraschino cherries in half. For each cookie, place 1 cherry half on pan and arrange about 5 pineapple pieces in tight circle around cherry. Make dough as directed in recipe below, except form dough into 20 (1 1/2-inch) balls. Continue as directed in recipe.
Now that you’ve tried our pineapple upside-down cookies, you may want to try it in cake form, and we’ve got you covered.
Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a delicious one-layer cake made with Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix.
Pineapple Upside-Down Skillet Cake puts a spin on the classic by baking the cake in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet.
Slow-Cooker Pineapple Upside-Down Cake will deliver a delicious cake, no oven necessary.
Here’s a pro tip to making sure the cookies are done before removing from the oven. Cookies should be dry on top, golden brown and have a crackled appearance.
To ensure the fruit isn’t too wet before placing on the baking sheet, drain both the pineapple and cherries on paper towels.
Use unused pineapple juice in smoothies or cocktails. Stir into orange juice for a tropical beverage. Dip bananas or apple slices into pineapple juice to prevent them from darkening.
| Food Component / Nutrient | Amount | % , Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 9g | 13% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 26% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | % Value Not Available |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Omega-3 | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 260mg | 11% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50g | 17% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Soluble Fiber | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Insoluble Fiber | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Sugars | 35g | % Value Not Available |
| Protein | 2g | % Value Not Available |
| Vitamin D | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Calcium | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Iron | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Potassium | 65mg | 2% |
| Vitamin A | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Vitamin C | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Vitamin E | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Thiamin | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Riboflavin | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Niacin | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Folic Acid | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Vitamin B12 | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Pantothenic Acid | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Phosphorus | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Magnesium | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Zinc | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Manganese | Value Not Available | 25% |
| Selenium | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Copper | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Beta-Carotene | Value Not Available | % Value Not Available |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | ||
