1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup pumpkin
1 cup sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups all-purpose or unbleached flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place butter in a heatproof glass dish. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds.

In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin, sugar, melted butter, beaten egg, milk and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add to the pumpkin mixture, and mix until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if using.

Drop from a teaspoon onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Line up about 1 1/2 inches apart.

Bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown.

Cool on baking sheet for two minutes or so. Then remove to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Makes about 3 dozen pumpkin cookies.

Submitted By: Brenda Allen