Irresistible Pineapple Cookies: Flaky Pastry, Juicy Filling & Maraschino Cherry Charm
Step into your kitchen and prepare to feel like a true pastry artisan with these exquisite pineapple cookies. Featuring light and flaky pastry rounds embracing a luscious, juicy pineapple filling, each cookie is beautifully crowned with a vibrant maraschino cherry, crunchy pecans, and a delicate drizzle of powdered sugar glaze. These gorgeous treats are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience that will impress anyone lucky enough to try them.
Baking Dreams and Reality TV: A Personal Reflection
Do you ever find yourself drawn into the captivating world of reality television? While I generally keep my distance from most reality shows, I confess a soft spot for food competition programs. There’s something truly inspiring about watching passionate bakers and chefs create edible masterpieces under pressure. This past weekend, at the Go Blog Social KC conference, I actually had a brush with reality TV fame, meeting Jade Roper Tolbert from “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelor in Paradise.” It was an interesting experience, to say the least! However, after hearing her speak, I realized something important about myself: I don’t think I’m cut out for the reality TV spotlight. I’d be the one yearning for home, missing my family dearly – a truly genuine sentiment.
This introspection often leads me back to my ultimate culinary fantasy: competing on the American version of “The Great British Bake Off.” Not long ago, there was a call for submissions, and I seriously considered applying. The thought of stepping into that iconic tent, facing challenging bakes, and receiving feedback from legendary judges like Mary Berry fills me with both excitement and trepidation. Ultimately, my desire to be present for my children outweighed the allure of the competition. The idea of being away from them for an extended period was simply too much to bear. Yet, this doesn’t diminish my absolute love for the show or my dreams of one day being a contestant. It makes me wonder, if you had the chance, would you join a reality TV show? And if so, which one would you choose?
Crafting Perfection: My Bake Off-Worthy Pineapple Cookies
While baking these gorgeous pineapple and maraschino cherry filled cookies, I couldn’t help but think of those talented contestants on “The Great British Bake Off.” If I were ever to find myself in a bake-off challenge, these cookies would undoubtedly be my signature showstopper. They do require a bit of patience and attention to detail, but the effort is incredibly rewarding when you see the finished product – truly beautiful, delicate, and utterly delicious. The foundation is a perfectly sweet, flaky pastry round, which acts as a tender cradle for the bright, tangy pineapple jam and the jewel-toned maraschino cherry. As I meticulously piped the final swirls of glaze onto each colorful cookie, I truly felt like a professional pastry chef. I could almost hear Mary Berry’s encouraging voice in my ear, proclaiming it a “delightful bake!”
Why These Pineapple Cookies Are a Must-Try
These pineapple cookies are not just any ordinary cookie; they are a miniature work of art and a burst of tropical flavor. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your baking repertoire:
- Flaky Perfection: The buttery pastry base is incredibly light and tender, melting in your mouth with every bite.
- Burst of Pineapple: The sweet and tangy pineapple jam filling offers a delightful contrast to the pastry.
- Elegant Appearance: Topped with vibrant maraschino cherries, crunchy pecans, and a delicate glaze, these cookies are visually stunning and perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant tea parties.
- Rewarding Process: While they have a few steps, the process of creating these beautiful cookies is incredibly satisfying and will make you feel like a master baker.
- Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of tropical pineapple, a hint of cherry, and nutty pecans creates a unique and memorable taste.
Tips for Baking Flawless Pineapple Cookies
These pineapple cookies have several steps, so it’s essential to read through the entire recipe first to familiarize yourself with the process. Here are some additional tips to ensure your baking success:
- Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the 3-hour chilling time for the dough. This step is crucial for achieving that wonderfully flaky texture and making the dough easier to handle.
- Dough Thickness: When rolling out the dough, aim for a consistent 1/8-inch thickness. This ensures even baking and a delicate pastry.
- Pineapple Jam: If you have a hard time finding good quality pineapple jam, consider making your own! It’s surprisingly easy. Check out my easy 20-minute Pineapple Jam recipe for a fresh, homemade option that will elevate your cookies.
- Glaze Application: For effortless and precise drizzling, I highly recommend spooning the prepared glaze into a small plastic baggy. Snip off a tiny corner of the bag with scissors, and you’ll have a makeshift piping bag that allows you to control the flow and get the glaze exactly where you want it on each cookie.
- Even Baking: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time to promote even browning.
- Cooling Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting and ensures it sets beautifully.
Ingredients Spotlight: The Stars of the Show
Every great recipe relies on quality ingredients. Let’s take a quick look at some of the key components that make these pineapple cookies shine:
- Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our flaky pastry. Using unbleached flour can sometimes give a slightly softer texture.
- Butter: Cold, good-quality butter is essential for creating that desirable flaky dough. It creates pockets of steam during baking, separating the layers.
- Sour Cream: This secret ingredient adds tenderness and a subtle tang to the pastry, enhancing its richness without making it heavy.
- Pineapple Jam: The heart of the cookie! Choose a high-quality jam or make your own for the freshest, most vibrant flavor.
- Maraschino Cherries: Not just for garnish, these add a pop of color and a sweet, slightly almond-like flavor that complements the pineapple beautifully. Ensure they are chopped for easier placement and enjoyment.
- Pecans: Finely chopped pecans provide a lovely crunch and earthy note, balancing the sweetness of the fruit and glaze.
- Powdered Sugar Glaze: A simple combination of sifted confectioners’ sugar and milk creates a smooth, sweet finish that adds an extra layer of elegance.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While these pineapple cookies are perfect as is, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations:
- Nut Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your preference, try finely chopped walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different textural and flavor profile.
- Other Fillings: Experiment with different jams! Apricot, cherry, or even a mixed berry jam could be lovely, though you’d lose the distinct “pineapple cookie” essence.
- Citrus Zest: Add a pinch of lemon or orange zest to the pastry dough for an extra layer of brightness.
- Serving: These cookies are ideal for dessert platters, afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or simply as a special treat with your morning coffee. They also make wonderful edible gifts!
Storage Information
To keep your pineapple cookies fresh and delicious:
- Room Temperature: Store glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked and unglazed cookies for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and then glaze before serving. The dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly.
I genuinely hope you enjoy making and savoring these delightful pineapple cookies. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Would they earn Mary Berry’s coveted “delightful bake” approval, or would I be sent packing from the Bake Off tent?
Pineapple Cookies
Print
Rate
SaveSaved!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple jam
- 1/2 jar maraschino cherries (, chopped into halves)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecan pieces
- Glaze:
- 1/2 cup sifted confectioners sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon milk
Instructions
-
In a medium sized mixing bowl, blend together the flour, butter, sour cream and brown sugar until thoroughly combined. Dough will be stiff. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill for 3 hours in the refrigerator.
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
-
Lightly flour your working surface, then roll out each half of the dough to a 1/8 inch thickness. Using a 2 inch round cookie cutter, cut the dough into rounds.
-
Then using a 1 inch round cutter, cut out the centers from half of the rounds.
-
Lightly brush water over the cookies with the holes cut in them, then place them wet side down on top of the cookies without the holes.
-
Place the cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
-
Combine the 3 Tablespoons of sugar with 1 Tablespoon of water and using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the cookies.
-
Spoon 1/2 teaspoon pineapple jam into the center of each cookie then place one half a maraschino cherry over the pineapple jam in the center.
-
Sprinkle the cookies with the chopped pecans.
-
Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
-
Cool completely on a wire rack.
-
Mix together 1/2 cup sifted confectioners sugar with milk until the the icing is smooth and of a drizzling consistency.
-
Drizzle icing over the tops of the cookies and serve.
Nutrition