1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using. This dry mix will give your pineapple balls a nice lift and just enough spice.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes with an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon if you’re going old school like Mama Lu.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. At this point, your kitchen will start smelling like Christmas morning—it’s one of my favorite moments.
5. Fold in the crushed pineapple, making sure it’s well drained to avoid soggy dough. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Don’t overmix—think gentle folding, like when you’re shelling peas and chatting on the porch.
6. Fold in the shredded coconut, saving a bit to roll the balls in later. The coconut adds that lovely texture and tropical aroma that brings these treats to life.
7. Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, form the dough into balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges turn a delicate golden brown and the centers feel set but springy to the touch. It’s a good idea to peek in at around 10 minutes, especially if your oven runs hot.
9. Remove from the oven and let the balls cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. While still warm, gently roll each ball in powdered sugar and the reserved shredded coconut to coat them in a snowy holiday blanket.
10. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. These are best enjoyed once they’ve cooled just enough to hold their shape but still offer that melt-in-your-mouth softness.

My first time making these, I remember standing by the oven, waiting for the smell to fill the kitchen, wondering if they’d turn out as good as I hoped. They did, and it felt like I’d brought a little bit of Mama Lu’s love and mountain magic into my home, right there in Portland.