Spicy Pumpkin Cookies

neverendingcookiebook-subscribe@yahoogroups.com The following recipe and more can be found on this site! 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!