🍍 Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies: Sweet, Tropical, and Delightfully Soft! 🍪

🍽️ Tip: These Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies are a tropical twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring the sweetness of crushed pineapple and a pop of color from maraschino cherries. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, holiday celebration, or a fun treat to brighten your day. With the soft texture of a sugar cookie combined with a sweet, tangy pineapple topping, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Each cookie contains about 150-200 calories, depending on the size, making them an indulgent yet satisfying treat.

🌟 Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained

• Maraschino cherries, halved (for garnish)

📝 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking.

   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer or a whisk.

   • Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until smooth and well combined.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

3. Add the Pineapple:

   • Gently fold the crushed pineapple into the dough. Make sure the pineapple is well drained before adding it to avoid excess moisture. Stir until the pineapple is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

4. Shape the Cookies:

   • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly.

5. Add the Cherry Topping:

   • Press half a maraschino cherry into the center of each cookie. This adds a burst of color and a sweet flavor that complements the pineapple.

6. Bake the Cookies:

   • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake, as you want the cookies to remain soft and chewy.

7. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The pineapple will create a soft, chewy texture, and the maraschino cherries will give the cookies a fun, festive look.

🍦 Serving Suggestion: These cookies are perfect for a tropical-themed party, holiday gatherings, or as a fun treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Serve them alongside other tropical treats like coconut macaroons or a fruit salad for a complete dessert spread.

💡 Energy-saving Tip: To save energy while baking, consider using a convection oven, which can reduce cooking time and evenly distribute heat. Additionally, batch bake multiple trays of cookies at once to maximize oven use and save time.

💡 Nutritional Benefits and Considerations:

• Beneficial For: These cookies are a fun and sweet treat, offering a bit of fiber from the pineapple and a hint of natural sweetness. They’re a great option for a festive treat or special occasion.

• Not Suitable For: People with pineapple allergies should avoid these cookies. Additionally, those with gluten sensitivities or dairy intolerance should look for suitable substitutes like dairy-free butter and gluten-free flour.

💡 Additional Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warming touch.

• If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can roll the dough balls in sugar before baking, adding an extra sugary crust.

• You can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on the baking sheet and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Enjoy these Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies as a delightful tropical twist on a classic treat—perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to bring smiles! 🍍🍪