Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies,

Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies
Introduction
            Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake.
            These cookies combine the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the buttery flavor of traditional sugar cookies.
            Topped with caramelized brown sugar and a cherry, each bite brings a soft, chewy texture with a burst of fruity flavor —
            perfect for parties, holidays, or simply a sweet treat any day.
        
Ingredients
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
 - ¼ cup brown sugar
 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
 - 10–12 maraschino cherries (halved)
 
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
 - ½ teaspoon baking powder
 - ¼ teaspoon baking soda
 - ¼ teaspoon salt
 - ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
 - 1 cup granulated sugar
 - 1 large egg
 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 - 1 tablespoon pineapple juice (from the can)
 
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin or baking sheet with parchment paper.
 - In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved. Spoon about ½ teaspoon of the mixture into each muffin cup or onto parchment paper in small circles.
 - Place a small spoonful of crushed pineapple on top of each sugar-butter base and add half a cherry in the center.
 - In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg, vanilla, and pineapple juice; mix until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
 - Roll dough into balls (about 1½ tablespoons each) and flatten slightly. Place them gently on top of the pineapple mixture.
 - Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to reveal the pineapple topping.
 - Allow cookies to cool completely before serving.
 
Description
            These cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with tropical charm. The caramelized pineapple and cherry topping add a beautiful golden finish,
            while the cookie base remains light and chewy. It’s like a bite-sized version of pineapple upside-down cake — nostalgic, fun, and irresistibly delicious.
        
Tips
- Drain the pineapple well to prevent soggy cookies.
 - Use a nonstick muffin pan for the neatest upside-down look.
 - Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
 - Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days — they taste even better the next day!
 - For an elegant presentation, top each cookie with a drizzle of glaze or a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
 
Correction
- If cookies turn out too soft or crumbly, measure the flour correctly — spoon and level it.
 - If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before baking.
 - If the topping burns, lower your oven temperature slightly or bake on the middle rack.
 



