These Pineapple Orange Cookies are soft, lightly sweet, and finished with a bright citrus glaze that gives each bite a gentle burst of flavor. They come together quickly and bake into tender little drops that feel right at home on any dessert tray.
This recipe is a version of my Nanny's Pineapple Cookie recipe, but made with less sugar and covered in an orange glaze. It holds the spirit of her cozy homemade treats right at the center of every batch.
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Why You'll Love Pineapple Orange Cookies
Soft texture: a tender, cake like cookie that stays light and airy.
Citrus glaze: the orange glaze adds brightness and enhances the fruit flavor.
Easy prep: simple pantry ingredients with no long chill time.
Key Ingredients for Citrus Drop Cookies
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Crushed pineapple: adds. moisture and gentle sweetness throughout the dough.
- Orange juice: freshly squeezed for a glaze with real citrus flavor.
- Vegetable oil: keeps these cookies soft for days.
- Granulated sugar: a blend that keeps sweetness balanced.
- Vanilla: adds warmth and rounds out the fruit notes.
- Baking powder and baking soda: helps the cookies rise into soft, rounded drops.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use a sugar substitute for a sugar free version. Just be sure to follow package instructions for correct measurements.
- Swap vegetable oil with light olive oil for a slightly richer flavor.
- Replace orange juice with lemon juice for a tart glaze.
Variations on Pineapple Orange Cookies
- Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Stir in finely chopped maraschino cherries for a bakery style look.
- Mix in white chocolate chips for a sweeter cookie.
Tips for Soft Citrus Cookies
- Measure flour lightly so the dough doesn't become too dense.
- Let the cookies cool fully before glazing to prevent the glaze from soaking too much.
- Stir the glaze as you dip to keep it smooth and consistent.
How to Store
Store cookies in an airtight container for 2-3 days. They become softer with time and may develop a wetter top after day three. If freezing, freeze the cookies without glaze for up to 3 months, then thaw and glaze before serving.
More Easy Cookie Recipes You'll Love
Try my Cranberry Orange Cookies, a tender shortbread style cookie with citrus notes. You may also like my Kitchen Sink Cookies, Zucchini Spice Cookies, Star Crunch Cookies, and Banana Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Pineapple Orange Cookies
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed pineapple , do not drain
- 3 to 3-½ cups flour
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 medium orange ,zested and juiced
Instructions
To make the cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well blended.
- In another bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add flour mixture and pineapple alternately to the wet ingredients, starting with flour and ending with flour.
- Using a tablespoon sized cookie scoop, portion cookie dough onto parchment paper lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 7-9 minutes, until cookies are no longer wet on top.
- Cool completely on cookie rack.
To make the icing:
- In a medium sized bowl, mix together confectioner's sugar, 2 teaspoons orange zest, and orange juice.
- Dip tops of cookies into glaze and set back on cookie sheet to dry.
- Double dip with icing if you have enough left and want an extra coating of icing.
Blanca says
I tryed your recipie, but something when wrong, the batter was too watery. Is that how it should be? Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil? Please respond
Melissa B says
These sound so good! - Im saving to Pinterest! =)
Anonymous says
can you make this recipe using regular sugar? (any type of artificial sweetner gives me migraines) they look real yummy! thanks!
honeyb says
Yes, you can use regular sugar. Use the same amount of regular sugar where I have splenda listed. Enjoy and thank you!
last minute burgas says
I`ve tried this recipe and i`m really impressed, it has a very good taste. My both child tried it and they like it a lot. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Kathleen says
Wow! This combo sounds amazing!
Patsy says
These cookies look like a real treat! I love a soft cookie with a flavorful glaze on top... not sure I'd be able to stop at one!
susies1955 says
🙂 Awesome. Thanks a bunch for contacting me.
LOVE pineapple and orange together. YUM. Looks great.
Susie