Pumpkin Shortbread Cookies to Pair with Your Favorite Fall Coffees
When you think of pumpkin spice season, Hawaii might not be the first place that comes to mind. But pumpkin and other squashes like kabocha have long been a part of local culinary traditions. From crunchy bars to creamy pies, pumpkin treats carry the influence of many cultures throughout the islands. Learn more about some of our favorite desserts, whip up a batch of these pumpkin shortbread cookies, and savor a seasonal sweet treat with a cup of 100% Hawaiian Coffee for a match made in paradise.
Pumpkin Treats in Hawaii
Pumpkin desserts hold a special place in Hawaii’s culinary landscape. At holiday parties and community potlucks, pumpkin crunch is often the first dish to disappear. This layered dessert of buttery crust, pumpkin custard, and whipped topping has become a local classic. The islands’ diverse cultural influences also shine through in recipes like Japanese mochi stuffed with sweet red bean and pumpkin filling, Hawaiian-style pumpkin pie with its layers of coconut pudding and pumpkin custard, and Western-style pies and cakes spiced with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Each variation adds to the unique tapestry of flavors that makes Hawaii so special.
Pumpkin Shortbread Cookie Recipe
These pumpkin shortbread cookies with macadamia nuts bring together several Hawaiian favorites. Shortbread cookies have deep roots in Hawaii’s plantation-era baking traditions and remain a staple at local bakeries. Macadamia nuts, grown in Hawaii, add a distinct crunch and buttery flavor that makes these cookies really stand out. With the added richness of pumpkin puree, the result is a cookie that tastes familiar and festive for fall. Pair it with a cup of Kauai Coffee for a seasonal treat with a tropical touch.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks of high-quality salted butter, softened
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup granulated sugar plus 1-2 tablespoons for sprinkling on top
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup crushed macadamia nuts
- 3 tsp. pumpkin pie spice blend
Instructions
- Measure the granulated sugar and spices into a small bowl. With clean hands, rub the sugar and spice together until they are well combined and fragrant.
- Add the softened butter, pumpkin puree, sugar, and spice mixture to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Beat the butter, pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices with a hand or stand mixer until smooth.
- Gently fold the flour and crushed macadamia nuts into the butter mixture until combined. Do not overmix.
- Press the soft dough into a thick, even layer in a square baking dish lined with parchment and chill for at least one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and then bake for 20-30 minutes or until the edges of the shortbread are lightly brown.
- Remove the shortbread from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining sugar.
- Cool, cut into bars or triangles, and enjoy with a cup of 100% Hawaiian Coffee.
Coffee Pairings for Pumpkin Shortbread Cookies
The right cup of coffee can make pumpkin shortbread cookies even more irresistible. Our 100% Hawaiian Pumpkin Pie Coffee is a natural choice. With hints of warm spice and sweetness, it mirrors the flavors in the cookies for a doubly delicious taste of fall.
For a bright and balanced morning option, pair the cookies with our Estate Reserve Kauai Sunrise. Its lively profile and unmatched aroma complement the buttery shortbread without overpowering it. If you want something bold and festive for an evening gathering, the Estate Reserve Koloa Rum Barrel Aged Coffee offers deep and complex notes that bring out the nutty flavor of macadamias.
Coffee and Cookies are Better Together
Coffee and cookies are a perfect pair. The sweetness and spice of a good cookie are elevated by the bold, roasted notes of coffee, especially when it is 100% Hawaiian Coffee. The pleasing bitterness of your favorite brew balances the richness of butter and sugar for a bite that is sweet, savory, rich, and practically perfect. Bake a batch, brew a pot, and share them with the people and ‘ohana who matter most. Every bite and sip carry a little aloha, and that is what makes this pairing so special.
