Name: Easy to Make Soft Pineapple Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 egg; 1/2 cup shortening; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 cups all purpose flour; 11 oz can of crushed pineapple (drained, reserve juice for glaze if desired); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp pineapple juice

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Turn an ordinary cookie into a tropical delight with this easy pineapple cookie recipe. Combining the sweet tang of pineapple with the classic cookie dough creates a treat unlike any other.

Easy to Make Soft Pineapple Cookies Recipe

Pineapple cookies have become a go-to for our summer gatherings. With their soft, chewy texture and bursts of pineapple, they’re hard to resist. The recipe calls for simple ingredients, most of which are likely already in your pantry. Adding bits of pineapples is a simple twist that brings a wave of tropical flair to your dessert table.

What you’ll love about this recipe

UNIQUE TWIST – Pineapple cookies offer a unique twist on a classic cookie.
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS – You don’t need anything fancy to create this tropical treat.
SUMMER DESSERT – They’re perfect for summer gatherings and are one of our family favorites.

Pineapple Cookie Recipe Ingredients

Since this recipe uses common ingredients, you may discover everything you need is already in your pantry. The highlight is the crushed pineapple!

brown sugar
egg
vanilla extract
baking powder
all-purpose flour
canned crushed pineapple

NOTE: You can use fresh pineapple chopped into small pieces.

To add a pineapple glaze topping, set aside 2 tablespoons of the pineapple juice. You’ll also need 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar.

How to Make Soft Pineapple Cookies

Pineapple Cookies with a pineapple in the background

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Start by placing the egg and shortening into a large bowl. Use a hand mixer set on medium speed to cream shortening and egg together. You could also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. The mixture will turn light and fluffy after several minutes. This process is crucial for the texture of the cookies.

To this creamed mixture, add brown sugar, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix together well.

Next, add the flour. Combining all the wet ingredients before adding dry ingredients will ensure everything is distributed evenly in your cookie dough.

Finally, add the crushed pineapple and mix well. Now your pineapple mixture is ready!

Baking Your Pineapple Cookies

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Scoop generous amounts of the cookie dough using a cookie scoop. Place each scoop on the prepared baking sheet. The cookies need space between them. They will spread out as they bake. Leave a distance of 1-2 inches between the scoops for optimal spreading.

Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes. When the bottom edges are golden brown and the tops of the cookies have just set, they are ready to come out of the oven. For a soft cookie texture, do not overbake.

Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack. If adding a glaze, allow the cookies to cool completely first.

Add a Pineapple Glaze Topping

These Pineapple Cookies are the perfect summer treat. With the pineapple chunks and brown sugar, they are sweet enough. However, if your idea of the perfect cookie must include frosting (like my husband prefers), it’s easy to add a pineapple glaze. Here’s how to make it.

In a small bowl combine 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and the reserved pineapple juice (about 2 tablespoons). If you didn’t save any of the pineapple juice, you could substitute a teaspoon of pineapple extract.

Use an electric mixer on low speed to combine into a glaze. Spoon over the top of each cooled cookie. I like to do this while they are still on the cooling rack so the excess glaze can drip off.

Storage

Store these tropical delights in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep up to 5 days.

Variations and Mix-Ins

This pineapple cookie recipe is delicious as-is, but here are some mix-in options and serving suggestions:

Make Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Cookies by adding some shredded coconut to the batter. You could also call these Piña Colada Cookies.
Top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Chocolate chips are a great addition to these cookies.
A great way to enjoy these delicious cookies is to serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
To add a bit of crunch, add some nuts to the batter. Macadamia nuts are a good choice for turning these into Hawaiian Pineapple Cookies.

Pineapple Cookies with a pineapple and bowl of crushed pineapple

A Sweet Finale with Tropical Notes

These easy pineapple cookies are soft, golden delights, with a tropical flavor perfect for summer or any time of year. Baking homemade cookies will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. They are sure to become a family favorite.

Tips & Tricks

Measure ingredients accurately: Measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. This method avoids packing too much flour into the dough.
Cream together until fluffy: Creaming the shortening, egg, and brown sugar together seems like a simple step, but it is crucial for creating a light and fluffy base for the cookies. Use a mixer at medium speed until the mixture appears well combined and creamy. This step introduces air into the mix, contributing to the delightful texture of these tropical cookies.
Chill your dough: Chilling the dough for at least an hour will help the cookies maintain their shape better and spread less during baking.
Add a finishing touch: Press a small piece of pineapple on the top of each cookie before baking will add a charming visual appeal. It also intensified the pineapple flavor, making each bite a tropical delight.
Rotate the baking sheet: To ensure even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This step will ensure even browning and cooking. Your cookies will come out golden and evenly cooked every time.