Soft & Chewy Pineapple Cookies

These pineapple cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with tropical flavor. I first made them on a chilly Sunday afternoon when I was craving something sweet but refreshing—and they instantly became a family favorite! The smell of buttery dough mingled with the tang of pineapple filled the kitchen, and from the very first bite, I knew these would become a repeat recipe.

What makes these cookies extra special? They’re ridiculously easy to make, come together with simple pantry staples, and are endlessly customizable. Whether you want to add coconut for a tropical flair or keep it classic, this is a treat that will brighten any day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve never baked with pineapple before, you’re in for a delightful surprise. Here’s what makes this recipe shine:

Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy. The crushed pineapple adds a lovely moisture, while the butter ensures a rich and tender crumb. The edges turn lightly golden and crisp, while the centers stay delightfully soft—just the way a great cookie should be.

Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients

No fancy ingredients here! You probably already have most (if not all) of the essentials in your kitchen. The only “special” item is canned crushed pineapple, which is affordable and easy to find in any grocery store.

Beginner-Friendly

This is a foolproof cookie recipe. No chilling time required, no complicated techniques, and no stand mixer needed. Just one bowl, a whisk or spoon, and a baking sheet—that’s all it takes.

Easy to Customize

Want to switch things up? Add a handful of shredded coconut, some chopped nuts, or even a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth. This is one of those forgiving recipes that welcomes creativity.

Ingredients

You’ll only need a handful of baking basics to whip up these tropical treats. Here's what each ingredient brings to the table:

Full List of Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation that gives the cookies structure.

• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies puff up slightly.

• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – Adds richness and that irresistible buttery taste.

• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies without overpowering the pineapple.

• 1 large egg – Binds everything together and adds tenderness.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth.

• ½ cup crushed pineapple (well-drained) – The star of the show, bringing fruity flavor and moisture.

• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional) – For those who want an extra tropical bite.

How to Make Pineapple Cookies

You don’t need to be a professional baker to make these delicious cookies. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch ready in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

2. Whisk the dry ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the butter and sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes using a hand mixer, or a bit longer if mixing by hand.

4. Add the egg and vanilla
   Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.

5. Fold in the crushed pineapple
   Make sure your pineapple is well-drained—too much moisture will make the cookies spread too much. Gently fold it into the mixture.

6. Add the dry ingredients
   Gradually stir in the dry mixture until just combined. If using, fold in the shredded coconut at this stage.

7. Scoop and space the dough
   Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1½ tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

8. Bake for 10–12 minutes
   The cookies are ready when the edges turn golden but the centers still look soft. Don’t overbake—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

9. Cool and enjoy!
   Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them "set" without falling apart.

What to Serve with Pineapple Cookies

These pineapple cookies are a tropical treat on their own, but pairing them with the right drink or dessert can take your snack time to a whole new level. Whether you're serving them at a party, enjoying them with your afternoon tea, or packing a few into a lunchbox, they pair beautifully with a variety of flavors.

Suggested Pairings

• A warm cup of coffee or tea – The gentle acidity of tea or the richness of coffee balances the sweet pineapple.

• A cold glass of milk – Classic and comforting, milk enhances the cookie’s buttery texture.

• Vanilla or coconut ice cream – Create a tropical ice cream sandwich or serve on the side.

• A fruity smoothie – Try mango or banana for a double dose of fruitiness.

• A tropical fruit salad – Pineapple, kiwi, mango, and a touch of lime—fresh and refreshing.

• As a side with brunch – These cookies add a fun and fruity surprise to any brunch spread.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this pineapple cookie recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you're avoiding certain ingredients or just feeling creative, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

Nut-Free Version

If you're baking for someone with nut allergies, simply omit the shredded coconut and any added nuts. The cookies will still be rich, fruity, and delicious without the extras.

Tropical Boost

For a bolder fruit flavor, add ½ cup of chopped dried mango or papaya to the dough. They bring chewy texture and a burst of color, making these cookies even more eye-catching.

Gluten-Free Version

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Most blends will work well, but keep an eye on the dough’s moisture—gluten-free flours often absorb liquid differently, so a touch more pineapple or an extra egg yolk might be needed.

Spiced Pineapple Cookies

Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or ground ginger to the dough. The warm spices complement the tropical notes beautifully—especially lovely for fall baking!

Pineapple-Cherry Twist

Give these cookies a retro twist by placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each cookie before baking. It’s visually fun and adds a pop of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pineapple.

Storage Instructions

Freshly baked cookies are always a joy, but these pineapple cookies keep surprisingly well—whether you’re planning ahead or storing leftovers.

Room Temperature

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To prevent them from sticking together, especially if they’re soft, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers.

Refrigeration Tips

If you'd like to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge. In a sealed container, they’ll stay fresh for about a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving to bring back their soft texture.

Freezing Instructions

These cookies freeze beautifully!

• To freeze dough: scoop dough into balls and place them on a tray to pre-freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag.

• To freeze baked cookies: wrap individually or place parchment between each layer in a container.

• Bake straight from frozen by adding 1–2 minutes to the time—or thaw before baking for best results.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

These simple tips can help take your pineapple cookies from good to great:

• Drain the pineapple well – Excess liquid can make the dough too wet and lead to flat cookies.

• Chill the dough – If the mixture feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to make scooping easier.

• Use real butter – It gives the best flavor and texture. Avoid margarine if you can.

• Don’t overmix – Once the flour is in, mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.

• Use a cookie scoop – This helps create evenly-sized cookies, which bake more uniformly.

• Add a pinch of salt – Even if using salted butter, a tiny bit of extra salt enhances all the other flavors.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Pineapple Cookies recipe, you might enjoy these other fruity or tropical treats:

• Easy Pineapple Casserole Recipe – Sweet & Savory Side Dish: A comforting mix of cheese and pineapple in a southern-style casserole.

• Snowy Pineapple Punch Recipe: Refreshing, creamy, and perfect with cookies.

• Peach Bellini Cupcakes: Light, fruity cupcakes with a fun, boozy twist.

• Strawberry White Chocolate Cookies: Another fruity cookie favorite for sweet-tooth bakers.

• Coconut Cream Pie: A creamy dessert that complements the tropical flavors of the cookies.

FAQs

Baking pineapple cookies is a joyful experience—but even the best recipes come with a few questions. Here are some of the most common ones from curious bakers just like you:

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works wonderfully! Just make sure to crush it finely and drain it very well to avoid adding too much moisture to the dough. Too much juice can cause the cookies to spread too much or become soggy.

Why did my cookies turn out cakey?

Cakey texture often comes from too much baking soda or excess liquid. Be sure to measure accurately, especially the crushed pineapple—always drain it thoroughly. Also, avoid overmixing, which can introduce extra air and contribute to a fluffier, cake-like texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours—this can even help the flavors deepen. If you're planning further ahead, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just scoop it into portions first, so you can bake from frozen whenever the craving strikes.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Absolutely. Brown sugar will give your cookies a slightly softer, more tender texture and a richer, caramel-like flavor. It’s a lovely variation if you’re looking for a bit more depth.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Yes, and this recipe welcomes creativity! Try adding:

• White chocolate chips for extra sweetness

• Macadamia nuts for crunch

• Dried cranberries or raisins for a tart contrast

• Lemon or orange zest for a citrusy pop

Let your pantry (and your imagination) be your guide!

Conclusion

These pineapple cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they're little bites of sunshine that bring joy with every bite. Whether you're baking them for a cozy afternoon snack, a holiday cookie swap, or just because you need a pick-me-up, they’re sure to deliver warm smiles and happy taste buds.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple and flexible it is. It’s forgiving, flavorful, and family-friendly. You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up a batch, and chances are, you already have most of the ingredients waiting in your kitchen.

The bright, fruity flavor of pineapple is a refreshing twist in the cookie world, making this recipe stand out without trying too hard. Plus, the soft, chewy texture and golden edges are simply irresistible.

And once you try them, don’t be surprised if they become a go-to favorite in your baking rotation.

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