Pumpkin Cookies

I made these cookies the other day, and every time I eat one I am instantly transported back in time.  I had a best friend when I was in grade school, named Marianna.  She lived across the street and we had many adventures together.  My Honey always laughs because though she and I have long ago lost touch, I always remember her birthday on the first day on spring and announce it to my family.  She and I fought like cats and dogs.  We'd get into a big one and then I'd run home and call her just so I could hang up on her.  We asked the UPS man for gum once and my mom had a fit that we took gum from a stranger.  We also loved visiting an elderly neighbor because he had a really cute dog and good treats in his pantry.  We'd knock on his door and ask him if we could have a snack and play with his dog.  I can't believe I did that.  But, back to the cookies.  There are two things I remember Marianna's mom making.  Peanut butter sandwiches which I couldn't stand because she buttered the bread.  Yuck.  And these amazing cookies.  I think it's funny that a grade schooler would ask for a recipe.  I have never had a child ask me for a recipe.  But I'm sure glad I did so I can enjoy these and enjoy being taken back a few years to laugh at some memories.  The cookies begin with, of course, pumpkin, which I had to take a picture of because I love this color.  This color makes me think of apple cider, leaves, fireplaces and general all around coziness.

Here's the dough, which I also love the color of.

It's a prettier color in person.  It just begs to be tested to make sure all the ingredients were added correctly.

Once you've determined the dough tastes correct you are ready to put them on the trays and are now one step closer to eating them!

These cookies are frosted, which adds a teeny bit more work, but not much.  Here they are all done.

I have tried other pumpkin cookie recipes and these are my favorite.  I know the nostalgia tied in with them might be the reason, but my family loves them also!  You will find the recipe for them at the very bottom and I am also including a bonus recipe for super easy, cheater pumpkin cookies for when you need to make some really good fallish cookies really fast.  But first, the home front news.  This cute girl celebrated her birthday yesterday.  She doesn't like her dimples.  I tell her everyone wants dimples! 

It was a very fun day!  My babies aren't babies anymore.  Except to me, they'll always be babies.  Enjoy this beautiful fall day!

Pumpkin Cookies


3/4 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 beaten egg
1 c. pumpkin
1/4 c. milk
1 c. nuts
3 c. flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. allspice


Combine all.  Drop onto cookie sheet.  350 degrees.  
12 minutes.


Frosting


1 3/4 c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. butter
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2-3 Tbsp. milk

Now for the quick and easy recipe.  This is all you need.  Mix the two together, drop dough balls onto your cookie sheet and bake 375 degrees for 13 minutes.  So easy, so good!