🍍 Cherry-Pineapple Drop Cookies 🍒

📝 Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, **softened**
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 maraschino cherries, halved
• ¼ cup crushed pineapple, **drained well**
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

👨‍🍳 Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars:

   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until **light and fluffy**—about 2–3 minutes.

3. Add Egg and Vanilla:

   Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated and creamy.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Mix the Batter:

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring **just until a soft dough forms**.

6. Add the Fruit:

   Gently **fold in** the drained crushed pineapple to prevent excess liquid, keeping the dough firm enough to handle.

7. Form the Balls:

   Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

8. Add Cherries:

   Press a **halved maraschino cherry** gently into the center of each ball for a festive look.

9. Bake:

   Bake for **12–14 minutes**, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the edges and set in the center.

10. Cool and Decorate:

    Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

    **(Optional):** Drizzle with melted chocolate or dip half the cookie in chocolate for a “Christmas Rice Krispie Ball” twist.

⏱️ Time & Nutritional Information