Description
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies offer a tropical twist on classic sugar cookies with juicy pineapple chunks, warm spices, and rich plant-based butter for a soft, chewy texture. Perfectly balanced with caramelized pineapple topping, these cookies bring bright, sweet flavors and comforting warmth to any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pineapple Topping
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, drained
- 2 tablespoons natural brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for variation)
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter, softened
- 3/4 cup natural granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple Topping: Drain fresh pineapple chunks and toss them with natural brown sugar and cinnamon (natural). Mix in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and natural gelling agent. Warm gently in a pan until the mixture becomes sticky and caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly before use.
- Mix the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened plant-based butter with natural granulated sugar and vanilla extract (natural) until fluffy. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, nutmeg (natural), and cinnamon (natural). Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, then stir in apple cider vinegar. Combine gently without overmixing.
- Shape and Assemble: Form dough balls about a tablespoon in size and flatten slightly. Lightly press a portion of the prepared pineapple topping onto each cookie to ensure it adheres during baking. Arrange cookies spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the pineapple topping looks set yet juicy. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for best caramelization and vibrant flavor.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Allow pineapple topping to cool to avoid sogginess during baking.
- Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling for accuracy; too much flour will dry out cookies.
- Chill dough balls for 10-15 minutes in warm kitchens to help maintain shape during baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pineapple cookies, upside down cookies, sugar cookies, tropical cookies, plant-based butter cookies, gluten free cookies