Spicy Pumpkin Cookies

Halloween is around the corner and can Thanksgiving be far behind? Just by going
to the market and seeing the piles of pumpkins tells you that Fall is officially
here and it is time for all things spicy and, well, pumpkin! Naturally, the best
way to ease into the season is with a batch of Pumpkin Cookies!

Spicy Pumpkin Cookies
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
Zest of one fresh orange
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Combine the shortening and brown sugar and beat together until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs and mix thoroughly. Add the extracts, zest, and pumpkin.

Combine the dry ingredients and add to the shortening/sugar mixture. Stir in the
cranberries or raisin and nuts.

Scoop out teaspoons of dough and place about 2 inches apart on prepared baking
sheets. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until lightly brown and set.
Remove to cool on a rack.

A nice touch for the holidays would be an orange glaze. Just drizzle it over the
cookies when they are still a bit warm and let dry. Some colorful sprinkles in
keeping with the season wouldn't go amiss, either!

I'm posting quite a few  cookie recipes on neverendingcookiebook-subscribe@yahoogroups.com so check it out for ideas and new favorites.