Best Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies for a Tropical Twist

Craving a tropical treat? These Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies are the perfect summer dessert! After making these many times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting that perfect golden color and soft texture. The warm, sweet pineapple and cherry topping will make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds dance. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Cinnamon Apple Bread and Peach Raspberry Crumb Bars.

Why This Best Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies for a Tropical Twist Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, buttery cookies with a soft center
- Sweet, tangy pineapple and cherry topping
- Easy to make and perfect for summer cookouts
- Better than takeout and a crowd-pleaser
What You'll Need for Best Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies for a Tropical Twist
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Pineapple rings
- Maraschino cherries
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

📝 Ingredient Notes
- All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level the flour to avoid adding too much.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Silicone baking mat — Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures even baking. → See on Amazon
- Pineapple ring can — Convenient and ensures perfectly shaped pineapple rings. → See on Amazon

How to Make Best Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies for a Tropical Twist
- Prepare the cookie dough: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then gradually add flour mixture.
- Prepare the pineapple topping: Arrange pineapple rings and maraschino cherries in a greased pan, then pour the cookie dough over them.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Invert and serve: Let the cookies cool, then invert the pan onto a serving plate and dust with powdered sugar.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Best Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies for a Tropical Twist
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
- Pro tip: For easier inverting, use a greased bundt pan or springform pan.
- Pro tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating Best Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies for a Tropical Twist
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the cookie dough and pineapple topping up to 1 day ahead. Store separately in the fridge.
Freezing Best Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies for a Tropical Twist
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary. Microwave: Not necessary.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Best substitution: Replace maraschino cherries with fresh or frozen pitted cherries for a healthier option.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the cookie dough and pineapple topping up to 1 day ahead. Store separately in the fridge.
- Scaling: This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on your needs.
- Troubleshooting: If the cookies are sticking to the pan, use a greased bundt pan or springform pan for easier inverting.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality maraschino cherries — Add a burst of sweet, tangy flavor and a pop of color to your cookies. → Check price on Amazon
Best Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies for a Tropical Twist

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Pineapple rings
- Maraschino cherries
- Vanilla extract
Seasonings
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie dough: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then gradually add flour mixture.
- Prepare the pineapple topping: Arrange pineapple rings and maraschino cherries in a greased pan, then pour the cookie dough over them.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Invert and serve: Let the cookies cool, then invert the pan onto a serving plate and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Best substitution: Replace maraschino cherries with fresh or frozen pitted cherries for a healthier option.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the cookie dough and pineapple topping up to 1 day ahead. Store separately in the fridge.
- Scaling: This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on your needs.
- Troubleshooting: If the cookies are sticking to the pan, use a greased bundt pan or springform pan for easier inverting.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary.
- Microwave reheat: Not necessary.
- Make ahead: Prepare the cookie dough and pineapple topping up to 1 day ahead. Store separately in the fridge.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sat. Fat: 6g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Best Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies for a Tropical Twist FAQs
Yes, prepare the cookie dough and pineapple topping up to 1 day ahead. Store separately in the fridge.
Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
Yes, but the texture and cooking time may vary. Make sure to drain excess juice and adjust cooking time if needed.
No, this recipe is not suitable for air fryers.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Best Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies for a Tropical Twist and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!






