Pineapple Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving something sweet, tropical, and irresistibly soft, this Pineapple Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies capture the juicy brightness of pineapple mixed with a buttery, tender dough that melts in your mouth. Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and a subtle hint of cinnamon and nuts, each bite feels like a mini tropical vacation. Whether you’re baking for a family treat or looking to surprise friends with a unique cookie, this recipe brings warm flavors and delightful textures together in the most wonderful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that this Pineapple Cookies Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to make something extraordinary. Each component plays a unique role—from the softness of butter to the natural sweetness and moisture of the pineapple, and the optional nuts and cinnamon that add layers of flavor and texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds crisp sweetness to complement the pineapple.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Offers a deeper, caramel-like flavor that boosts the cookie’s warmth.
- 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together and helps with structure.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and adds aromatic depth.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough, providing body and chewiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Lightens the dough so cookies aren’t heavy or dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies all flavors.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (well-drained): The star ingredient, bringing juicy tanginess and moisture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds delightful crunch and a nutty dimension.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Introduces a warm, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with pineapple.
How to Make Pineapple Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. A well-prepped baking surface sets you up for perfectly shaped cookies every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their tender texture and slight lift.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. This brings moisture and binds everything together, while the vanilla amps up the cookie’s aroma and overall flavor profile.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and the optional cinnamon if you’re using it. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute leavening agents evenly, so you avoid any spots of dense flour in your dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so keep it gentle to ensure that luscious, tender crumb.
Step 6: Fold in Pineapple and Nuts
Gently fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple along with the chopped walnuts or pecans if you’re adding them. The pineapple brings burst of tropical juiciness, while nuts give a satisfying crunch and earthy undertone.
Step 7: Drop Dough on Baking Sheet
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing prevents them from merging together as they expand during baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are just set. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is pure joy—sweet pineapple mingling with buttery warmth.
Step 9: Cool Down
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up before you transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here pays off with perfectly textured cookies.
How to Serve Pineapple Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, try drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little pineapple juice over the cooled cookies. This adds a shiny finish and bursts of extra pineapple flavor. A sprinkle of shredded coconut on top also pairs wonderfully, making your cookies look as tropical as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine on their own but can be served alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful dessert. A cup of hot herbal tea or a creamy latte makes a lovely pairing when you’re enjoying these treats as an afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by making cookie sandwich treats using pineapple jam or cream cheese frosting in the middle. You can also decorate them with chopped nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or even bits of dried pineapple for a festive vibe. Presenting these cookies on a tropical-themed platter adds to the fun and flavor experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pineapple cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their soft texture and keeps the pineapple notes fresh and bright.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven—just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive that freshly baked softness. This little trick makes each bite feel like it just came out of the oven, perfect when you want a comforting treat.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple for this Pineapple Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain the pineapple very well to avoid soggy cookies. Crushing fresh pineapple also works wonderfully if you want an even fresher taste.
What if I don’t have nuts or want to avoid them?
No problem at all. The nuts are entirely optional; the cookies will still be deliciously soft and flavorful without them.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, the cookies remain fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. For longer freshness, consider freezing.
Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Definitely! Nutmeg or ginger can add a lovely twist that complements the pineapple. Add them in small amounts to keep the flavor balanced.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends used in a 1:1 ratio to make a gluten-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Cookies Recipe is one of those delightful little surprises that brings tropical sunshine into your kitchen with every bite. It’s easy, fun to make, and perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and watch how these cookies become an instant favorite whether for everyday snacking or special occasions.
Print
Pineapple Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and tropical, these Pineapple Cookies combine the sweetness of crushed pineapple with the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of nuts for a perfect fruit-infused dessert treat.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Add-ins
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (well-drained)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in one large egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spice.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring carefully until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Fold in Pineapple and Nuts: Fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple and, if desired, the chopped walnuts or pecans to add texture and fruity flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Down: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and preserving texture.
Notes
- Ensure that the pineapple is well-drained to avoid soggy cookies and preserve the dough consistency.
- For enhanced sweetness and presentation, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and pineapple juice over cooled cookies.
- Optional nuts like walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the pineapple.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American