“You Know That’s Right” Pineapple Cookie Sandwiches
August 10, 2026
Soft pineapple cookies, creamy coconut frosting, and a sweet pineapple center give a fun nod to Psych and its famous pineapple obsession.
If you’ve watched Psych, then you already know pineapple deserves its own starring role. These “You Know That’s Right” Pineapple Cookie Sandwiches take that very seriously with soft pineapple cookies, creamy coconut frosting, and even more pineapple in the middle. Shawn would absolutely approve. Gus would probably want two.
Flavor Profile
These cookie sandwiches are sweet, tropical, and creamy with tons of pineapple flavor. The pineapple cake mix keeps the cookies soft, while the Coco Lopez frosting adds a smooth coconut flavor that gives everything a piña colada feel. The pineapple center adds a bright little burst of sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The pineapple cake mix gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture and plenty of tropical flavor.
- Coco Lopez frosting adds creamy coconut to the buttercream that pairs perfectly with pineapple.
- The pineapple center gives every sandwich an extra pop of fruity sweetness.
- These cookie sandwiches are fun for Psych fans but still work as a cute tropical dessert for anyone.
- The frosting ring keeps the pineapple neatly in the center instead of squeezing everywhere when you take a bite.
The Twist
The twist is the hidden pineapple center. Instead of simply sandwiching two cookies together with frosting, the Coco Lopez frosting is piped around the edge to create a little pocket for pineapple topping right in the middle.
Ingredient Highlights
- Pineapple cake mix: This gives the cookies their pineapple flavor while keeping the texture soft and chewy.
- Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut: Adds sweetness and rich coconut flavor to the frosting. Be sure to use cream of coconut, not coconut milk.
- Cream cheese: Gives the frosting a creamy texture and keeps the sweetness balanced.
- Coconut extract: Optional, but a little goes a long way if you want the coconut flavor to stand out more.
- Pineapple topping: Look for crushed pineapple ice cream topping and drain it very well so the cookie sandwiches don’t get soggy.
“You Know That’s Right” Pineapple Cookie Sandwiches
Ingredients
Pineapple cookies
- 1 box pineapple cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Coco Lopez frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract, optional for a stronger coconut flavor
Pineapple center
- 1 cup crushed pineapple ice cream topping, drained very well
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the pineapple cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-tablespoon portions and place about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, Coco Lopez, and coconut extract, if using. Beat until creamy and fluffy.
- Turn half of the cooled cookies upside down. Pipe a thick ring of Coco Lopez frosting around the outside edge of each cookie, leaving the center open.
- Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of the well-drained pineapple topping into the center of each frosting ring.
- Top with the remaining cookies and gently press until the frosting reaches the edges.
- Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving so the filling can firm up slightly.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the cookies a day ahead and keep them in an airtight container. Assemble the sandwiches closer to serving for the best texture.
Do the cookie sandwiches need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Because the filling contains cream cheese, store the finished cookie sandwiches in the refrigerator.
Can I use regular crushed pineapple?
You can, but drain it extremely well first. Pineapple ice cream topping tends to be thicker and works especially well in the center.
Can I leave out the coconut extract?
Absolutely. The Coco Lopez already gives the frosting coconut flavor, so the extract is only there if you want a stronger coconut taste.
Why do I need to drain the pineapple so well?
Extra liquid can make the cookies soft and cause the filling to slide out. The drier the pineapple topping, the neater the sandwiches will stay.
Sprinkle of Fun
Have a Psych watch party and serve these during an episode marathon. My daughter and I binged it this summer, and I guarantee you won’t regret it.
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