Sharing is caring!

Hello and welcome to a delightful treat for your taste buds! If you’re a fan of fruity, cakey cookies, you’re in for a real treat today with our Cakey Pineapple Orange Cookies. These pineapple citrus cookies bring a burst of tropical flavor to your cookie jar, combining the bright sweetness of pineapple with the zesty tang of orange. Whether you’re looking for a light dessert or a unique twist on your traditional cookie recipe, these Pineapple Citrus Cookies are the perfect option. They’re easy to make, deliciously soft, and offer an irresistible glaze that elevates every bite.

Introduction

Pineapple and orange come together in this easy-to-make cookie recipe to create a delightful snack with the perfect balance of tangy citrus and tropical sweetness. The pineapple juice and orange zest in the dough ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor. These Pineapple Citrus Cookies are a fun way to add a bit of sunshine to your day, whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or serving them as part of a festive gathering. The texture is wonderfully cakey, making them perfect for those who love soft, pillowy cookies with a refreshing fruit flavor.

If you’re in search of a unique cookie recipe that’s both delicious and simple to prepare, look no further than these Cakey Pineapple Orange Cookies. The best part? They can easily be adapted for various dietary needs, and their tropical flair makes them a standout at any occasion.

Ingredients for Cakey Pineapple Orange Cookies

To make these Pineapple Citrus Cookies, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons orange juice (adjust for desired glaze consistency)
• Diced candied orange peel, for garnish (optional, but highly recommended for extra citrus flair)

Optional Substitutions:

• If you need a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter in place of unsalted butter.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• You can swap the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or another sugar alternative for a refined-sugar-free version.

These ingredients come together to create a soft, cakey cookie with a refreshing citrus twist.

How to Make Cakey Pineapple Orange Cookies – Step by Step

Making Pineapple Citrus Cookies is a straightforward process, and in no time, you’ll have a batch of these delicious cookies ready to enjoy. Follow the steps below to bring this tropical treat to life:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This is a simple, no-fuss way to guarantee perfect cookies every time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients. The baking powder helps the cookies rise, creating that soft, cakey texture that makes them so irresistible.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened 1/2 cup butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat them until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The goal is to create a smooth, airy texture that will help the cookies rise.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix everything together until smooth. The orange zest and pineapple juice infuse the dough with citrusy goodness, giving the cookies their signature fruity flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined – be careful not to overwork the dough. Overmixing can result in dense cookies, but we’re aiming for light, airy, cakey cookies here!

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies don’t spread much, so they’ll maintain their shape during baking.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. The centers should still look slightly soft, but don’t worry – they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set without breaking. Once the cookies are cool, it’s time to glaze them!

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze and Garnish

In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 cup powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons orange juice to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over each cookie, then top with diced candied orange peel for a fun, festive touch. The glaze adds a lovely shine and extra citrus flavor to these already flavorful cookies.

Helpful Tips for Cakey Pineapple Orange Cookies

Here are a few tips to make your Pineapple Citrus Cookies even better:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange zest and pineapple juice will really elevate the flavor of your cookies. Avoid using canned pineapple juice if you can, as fresh juice gives a brighter, more vibrant taste.
• Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and reduces spreading during baking.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft and cakey, so make sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.

Cooking Tips for the Best Pineapple Orange Cookies

For the best results, keep these Pineapple Orange Cookies tips in mind:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature before you begin. This allows them to mix more evenly with the other ingredients, creating a smoother dough.
• Soft Butter is Key: Softened butter is crucial for creaming with sugar to achieve the airy texture in these cookies. If you forget to take the butter out of the fridge, you can soften it quickly by microwaving it for about 10 seconds at a time.
• Don’t Skip the Zest: Orange zest is what brings that extra citrusy zing to the cookies, so be sure to use it! It’s an easy step that makes a big difference in flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Cakey Pineapple Orange Cookies

These Pineapple Citrus Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for how to serve them:

• Pair them with a refreshing iced tea or citrus lemonade to bring out the fruit flavors.
• Serve them at a tropical-themed party or as a light dessert for a summer barbecue.
• Try them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun twist on the classic cookie-and-ice-cream combo.

These cookies look as great as they taste, with their glossy glaze and candied peel garnish. Perfect for serving at any occasion, they’re sure to impress guests with their unique flavor.

Nutritional Information

While these Pineapple Citrus Cookies are a sweet treat, they can still be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. The combination of butter and fruit juice adds richness and flavor, while the small amount of sugar and flour keeps them light. These cookies offer a burst of Vitamin C from the orange zest and pineapple juice, giving them a fruity edge without overloading on sugar.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Each cookie (approx. 1 medium-sized cookie) provides approximately:

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Fat: 5g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 12g
• Vitamin C: 10% of the Daily Value

The Pineapple Orange Cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tang, and while they aren’t low-calorie, they can be enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Storage and Leftovers for Cakey Pineapple Orange Cookies

If you have any leftover Pineapple Citrus Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature. For a soft, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Cakey Pineapple Orange Cookies

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of pineapple juice? Yes, you can use finely crushed fresh pineapple in place of pineapple juice. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid making the dough too wet.

2. How do I make these cookies gluten-free? To make these Pineapple Citrus Cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend you use includes a binding agent like xanthan gum.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll it into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

4. What can I use instead of orange zest? If you don’t have orange zest, lemon zest is a good alternative that will still provide a refreshing citrus flavor.

Related Recipes for Pineapple Orange Lovers

If you love these Pineapple Citrus Cookies, you might also enjoy:

Cinnamon Pear Walnut Crumble Recipe | Easy Dessert

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars – Easy Dessert Recipe

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and eating these Cakey Pineapple Orange Cookies as much as we do! The sweet, zesty flavor of pineapple and orange combines perfectly in a soft, cakey cookie that’s sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and bring a touch of tropical sunshine to your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your thoughts or any personal twists on the recipe – we love hearing from our readers! Happy baking!

Print