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Pineapple Upside Down Cookies

Pineapple Upside Down Cookies
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Pineapple Upside Down Cookies bring the beloved flavors of the classic dessert into a perfectly sized, portable treat. Featuring caramelized pineapple atop a buttery cookie base, these cookies are quick to prepare and bake, making them ideal for last-minute snacks, gatherings, or gifting. With simple pantry ingredients and customizable options for dietary needs, they offer a delightful tropical twist that’s both nostalgic and novel.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel Base

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Pineapple Topping

  • 6 pineapple rings or 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

Cookie Dough

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (or flaxseed egg for vegan substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings and Variations

  • Shredded coconut
  • Mango chunks
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Ground ginger or cardamom for extra spice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Caramel Base: Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar together in a saucepan until combined and smooth. Spread this caramel mixture evenly over your baking sheet or cookie tin to create the glossy, golden base for the cookies.
  2. Lay the Pineapple: Arrange pineapple rings or chunks evenly on top of the caramel base, spacing them so caramel can pool around each piece and caramelize beautifully during baking.
  3. Mix the Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and optional spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened butter with 1/3 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined.
  4. Assemble the Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough gently over and between the pineapple pieces on the baking sheet. The dough will spread as it bakes and envelop the fruit, forming a caramelized crust.
  5. Bake and Cool: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until edges turn golden and the caramel bubbles. Let cookies cool slightly on the sheet before transferring, allowing the caramel to fully set.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and smoother dough.
  • Don’t overcrowd pineapple pieces to allow caramel to pool and caramelize properly.
  • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
  • Watch the cookies closely during baking to prevent caramel from burning.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely to ensure the caramel sets and cookies hold together.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple upside down cookies, caramelized pineapple cookies, tropical cookies, easy baking, gluten-free dessert, vegan cookie option

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/pineapple-upside-down-cookies/