Pineapple cookies are delicious and unique soft cookies that are worth trying for anyone looking to mix up their usual cookie routine. The first thing you’ll love about these cookies is their tropical flavor, thanks to the addition of crushed pineapple in the recipe.
There are many variations of pineapple cookie recipes available, from soft and chewy, also called pineapple drop cookies to crispy and crunchy. Whether you prefer your cookies with or without pineapple glaze, this recipe it’s one you must try! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these sweet treats in no time.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of shortening
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp of vanilla extract
- 1 (8-ounce) can of crushed pineapple
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon of salt
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
- Mixing spoon or rubber spatula
- Small bowl for reserved pineapple juice
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack for cooling
- Airtight container for storage
The above ingredients are enough to make a double batch of soft pineapple cookies. If you prefer a more tart cookie, you can add a teaspoon of pineapple extract or rum flavoring to the dough. For a peanut butter twist, you can substitute half of the shortening with peanut butter.
How to Make Pineapple Cookies Recipe
Mixing the Dough
First thing to take into consideration before actually starting making these easy pineapple cookies is to gather all ingredients and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps to ensure that the dough comes together smoothly and evenly.
Start by beating the egg and sugar together until the mixture is light yellow and fluffy. Then, add the shortening and mix on low speed for a few seconds before increasing to medium speed for at least 2 minutes. This helps to create a creamy mixture that will hold the dough together.
After that, drain pineapple reserving 3 tablespoons of juice for the frosting and add the crushed pineapple mixture and mix on low speed until it is well combined. Finally, add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Baking Process
To bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, form balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball.
I bake the cookies for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bottom edges are lightly browned. I rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time to ensure that the cookies cook evenly.
Cooling and Storing
Once the cookies are done baking, I remove them from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes. Then, I transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies are completely cool, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I wrap the cookies in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Variations and Adjustments
Tropical Cookies
If you want to make pineapple cookies with a tropical flavor, there are a few things you can do. First, you can add some shredded coconut to the cookie dough. This will give it a more tropical flavor and a slightly chewy texture. You can also add some macadamia nuts to the dough for a crunchy texture. Another option is to add some lime zest to the dough to give it a citrusy kick.
Chinese New Year Variation
If you want to make pineapple cookies for Chinese New Year, you can add some red bean paste to the dough. This will give the cookies a more traditional Chinese flavor. You can also add some sesame seeds to the dough for a crunchy texture. Another option is to add some peanut butter to the dough for a nutty flavor.
Pineapple Upside Down Cookies
If you want to make pineapple cookies with a twist, you can make pineapple upside down cookies. To make these cookies, you will need to place a slice of pineapple on top of each cookie before baking. You can also add some maraschino cherries to the center of each pineapple slice for a pop of color. To make the cookies even more decadent, you can drizzle them with some caramel sauce after they come out of the oven.
Soft pineapple cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. These simple drop cookies are packed with flavor and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you choose to add frosting or keep them plain, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
One of the great things about pineapple cookies is that they are made with a lot of pineapple juice, which gives them a unique and refreshing taste.