Pineapple Cookies

The sweet scent of tropical pineapple and the buttery aroma of freshly baked cookies coming from the oven, that’s the kind of moment that makes the kitchen feel like home. Pineapple Cookies bring a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a burst of fruity jam inside. Each bite tastes like sunshine wrapped in golden dough, perfect for tea time or a cheerful dessert table.

Behind the Recipe

Growing up, these cookies were always a sign that something special was coming. They were my grandma’s signature treat during festive seasons, where she’d fill trays with them and let us help roll the dough into tiny rounds. I remember sneaking spoonfuls of pineapple jam whenever she turned her back. Now, making them feels like carrying a bit of that warmth forward, creating something comforting and joyfully nostalgic.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Pineapple cookies, often known as “nastar” in Southeast Asia, have a rich history connected to festive celebrations like Lunar New Year and Hari Raya. The blend of buttery pastry and tropical pineapple was inspired by European butter cookies mixed with local flavors. Over time, these cookies became a symbol of prosperity and good luck, served during gatherings and given as sweet gifts to loved ones.

Why You’ll Love Pineapple Cookies

It’s easy to fall in love with these cheerful little cookies, and here’s why:

Versatile: Perfect for holidays, afternoon snacks, or as edible gifts packed in cute jars.
Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients found in most kitchens, no need for fancy supplies.
Quick and Easy: Simple dough and jam filling, ready in under an hour.
Customizable: You can adjust sweetness or even swap the filling with mango or guava jam.
Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by both kids and adults, they disappear fast at parties.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough or jam in advance and bake fresh later.
Great for Leftovers: These cookies store beautifully and taste even better the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Start with a light touch. Overworking the dough can make it tough instead of tender. Use cold butter for a melt-in-the-mouth texture, and if your pineapple jam feels too wet, cook it down until thick to prevent leaking during baking. Always cool the cookies before storing to maintain their crisp edges.

1. Use chilled butter to keep the dough crumbly.
2. Cook the pineapple jam until it becomes sticky and thick.
3. Chill the shaped cookies before baking to retain their shape.
4. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
5. Store in airtight containers only after completely cooled.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before we start baking, make sure you have everything at hand.

Mixing Bowls: For combining the dough ingredients smoothly.
Hand Mixer or Whisk: Helps cream butter and sugar evenly.
Spatula: To fold the flour gently into the mixture.
Baking Tray: Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Pastry Brush: To apply the egg wash that gives the cookies their golden sheen.

Ingredients in Pineapple Cookies

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a small but crucial role in creating the perfect bite.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, forms the structure of the cookie and provides tenderness.
2. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened), adds richness and that melt-in-the-mouth texture.
3. Powdered Sugar: 1/3 cup, gives light sweetness and helps the dough stay soft.
4. Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, ensures the cookies are crumbly and delicate.
5. Egg Yolks: 2, bind the ingredients and add flavor.
6. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances the aroma and complements the pineapple flavor.
7. Pineapple Jam: 1 cup (thickened and cooled), the heart of the cookie, adding sweet tangy flavor.
8. Egg Wash: 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 teaspoon of milk, creates that beautiful golden top.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re missing something, here are some easy swaps.

Butter: Use margarine, though flavor will be slightly lighter.
Powdered Sugar: Replace with fine granulated sugar, but beat longer to dissolve.
Pineapple Jam: Try apricot or mango jam for a fun twist.
Vanilla Extract: Almond extract gives a nuttier aroma.

Ingredient Spotlight

Pineapple Jam: The star of the recipe, made by cooking crushed pineapple with sugar until caramelized and thick. It brings tropical sweetness and balances the buttery dough perfectly.
Butter: Gives these cookies their signature softness and rich flavor, creating that irresistible melt as soon as you take a bite.

Instructions for Making Pineapple Cookies

Let’s get baking! Here are the steps you’ll follow for these golden delights.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Gradually fold in flour and cornstarch until a soft dough forms.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Take small portions of dough and flatten them slightly. Place a bit of pineapple jam in the center. Gently seal and roll into a ball.
4. Assemble the Dish: Arrange the cookies on the baking tray, leaving space between each one. Brush with egg wash.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake for 15–18 minutes until the tops turn golden and fragrant.
6. Finishing Touches: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy them warm or store in airtight jars for later.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These cookies are a perfect blend of textures: crumbly and buttery on the outside with a soft, chewy pineapple filling inside. The light sweetness of the dough balances beautifully with the tangy jam, creating a tropical symphony in every bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Before you begin, here are a few quick reminders to make things even easier.

• Use room-temperature butter for even creaming.
• Always taste your pineapple jam before filling to adjust sweetness.
• Chill the dough if it becomes sticky during shaping.
• Avoid overbaking, as they continue to firm up after cooling.

What to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes can have pitfalls, but they’re easy to avoid.

• Don’t overmix the dough or it will lose its tender texture.
• Don’t use runny jam, it will leak out during baking.
• Avoid stacking warm cookies, wait until they are completely cool.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 120

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can easily prepare the pineapple jam or dough a day in advance. Store unbaked cookies in the fridge and bake fresh when needed. Once baked, keep them in airtight containers at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to a month.

How to Serve Pineapple Cookies

These cookies pair beautifully with hot tea or coffee. Serve them in a pretty tin or arrange on a wooden platter for guests. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you have leftovers, crumble them over ice cream for a tropical twist or layer them into parfaits with yogurt and fresh fruit. They also make excellent crushed bases for mini cheesecakes.

Additional Tips

For extra fragrance, add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness. If you prefer a lighter texture, sift your flour twice before adding it. Always store them in a cool, dry place for best freshness.

Make It a Showstopper

Arrange the cookies in a circle on a wooden tray, add a few pineapple leaves or a bowl of jam in the center for that tropical bakery-style look. The golden tops will shine beautifully under soft lighting.

Variations to Try

1. Add shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flavor boost.
2. Swap pineapple jam with mango for a sunny twist.
3. Add a light sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
4. Make sandwich-style cookies with extra filling.
5. Try shaping them like tiny pineapples for a festive presentation.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use store-bought pineapple jam?
A1: Yes, but make sure it’s thick and not runny, or it may leak during baking.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely, just wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

Q3: Why are my cookies cracking?
A3: The dough may be too dry, add a teaspoon of milk to soften it.

Q4: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A4: Yes, store them in airtight bags for up to 1 month.

Q5: Can I skip the egg wash?
A5: You can, but it won’t have the same golden finish.

Q6: How long will they stay fresh?
A6: About 7 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q7: What type of butter is best?
A7: Unsalted butter is ideal to control the flavor balance.

Q8: Can I use whole eggs instead of yolks?
A8: Not recommended, yolks give the richness and color these cookies need.

Q9: Why is my jam oozing out?
A9: It’s likely too wet, cook it longer to thicken before filling.

Q10: Can I add food coloring to the dough?
A10: Yes, a soft yellow tint can make them look extra inviting.

Conclusion

Pineapple Cookies are little bites of tropical happiness, soft and buttery with that bright, tangy surprise inside. Every batch feels like a celebration, full of warmth and nostalgia. So grab your mixing bowl, turn on your oven, and let the aroma of sweet pineapple fill your kitchen. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

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