Halloween Pumpkin Cookies

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cups white flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups Crisco
• 1 cup white sugar or sugar substitute, splenda
• 1 cup brown sugar or brown sugar substitute, splenda
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon orange peel, zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 16 ounces pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• icing sugar (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt in a bowl.

2. 2

   In a separate bowl beak Crisco for 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Add sugars to Crisco and beat until fluffy.

4. 4

   Add eggs, peel, vanilla and pumpkin to Crisco mixture.

5. 5

   Add dry ingredients and blend.

6. 6

   Cool in refrigerator.

7. 7

   Preheat oven to 375°F.

8. 8

   Spoon batter onto cookie sheets, leaving some room between cookies.

9. 9

   Bake about 10 minute at 375°F.

10. 10

    Optional: sprinkle with icing sugar.

11. 11

    I haven't tried this, but these would likely really taste good with a cream cheese icing, and/or you could add two chocolate chips for "ghost" eyes to add to the festive spirit.