Pineapple Upside Down Sugar is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, and it shines in these Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies. The moment you take a bite, you’re greeted with a sweet cookie base topped with luscious pineapple and vibrant cherries, all enveloped in a rich brown sugar glaze. This recipe is not just about the flavor; it’s about the nostalgia and warmth that a homemade treat brings. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, these cookies are sure to brighten your day.
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Upside Down Sugar
This Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, they are easy to make, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Secondly, the combination of pineapple and cherries topped with a brown sugar glaze gives a tropical flair that is simply irresistible. You can easily incorporate pineapple upside-down cake sugar or pineapple flavored sugar for an extra punch. Plus, these cookies are vegetarian-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy them!
Ingredients for Pineapple Upside Down Sugar
Gather these items:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 13 canned pineapple slices, drained
- 13 maraschino cherries
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini round cake pan or muffin tin.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together room temperature butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the creamed mixture. Mix until fully integrated.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Set dough aside.
- Step 6: In another bowl, blend melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth.
- Step 7: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar mixture into each cavity of the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Step 8: Place a pineapple slice over the brown sugar glaze. Position a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
- Step 9: Using a 3-tablespoon scoop, portion cookie dough over each fruit-topped cavity. Gently flatten the dough with an offset spatula.
- Step 10: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges and the brown sugar is bubbling up the sides.
- Step 11: Cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert cookies onto wax paper to allow brown sugar glaze to run over the tops.
- Step 12: Allow cookies to cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for the Best Pineapple Upside Down Sugar
Keep these in mind:
- These cookies store well for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Experiment with different fruits for a unique twist.
- For added flavor, consider using pineapple caramel sugar as a topping.

Best Ways to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Sugar
There are many delightful ways to enjoy these cookies. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or pair them with a tropical fruit salad as a fresh complement. You can also sprinkle some pineapple sugar seasoning on top for an extra sweet touch.
How to Store and Reheat Pineapple Upside Down Sugar
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat in a microwave for a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pineapple Upside Down Sugar
What’s the secret to perfect Pineapple Upside Down Sugar?
The secret lies in using ripe, well-drained pineapple slices for maximum flavor. Also, ensure your cookie dough is not overmixed to keep them soft and tender.
Can I make Pineapple Upside Down Sugar ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Pineapple Upside Down Sugar?
Make sure to accurately measure your ingredients and avoid overbaking. The cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Variations of Pineapple Upside Down Sugar You Can Try
Feel free to get creative! You can swap the pineapple for peaches or cherries for a different flavor profile. Adding flavors like coconut can create a tropical paradise. Try using pineapple infused sugar in your cookie base for a richer taste. These variations keep the recipe exciting and fun!
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes, or try making Hawaiian Banana Bread for a tropical twist. If you’re looking for a refreshing dessert, consider our Pineapple Ice Cream.
For more information on the health benefits of pineapple, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies to Brighten Your Day
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 13 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, featuring a sweet cookie base topped with pineapple and cherry in a rich brown sugar glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 13 canned pineapple slices, drained
- 13 maraschino cherries
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini round cake pan or muffin tin.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together room temperature butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the creamed mixture. Mix until fully integrated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Set dough aside.
- In another bowl, blend melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar mixture into each cavity of the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Place a pineapple slice over the brown sugar glaze. Position a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
- Using a 3-tablespoon scoop, portion cookie dough over each fruit-topped cavity. Gently flatten the dough with an offset spatula.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges and the brown sugar is bubbling up the sides.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert cookies onto wax paper to allow brown sugar glaze to run over the tops.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- These cookies store well for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Experiment with different fruits for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies, dessert, cookies, pineapple, cherry, brown sugar










