Pumpkin is a holiday favorite. It brings a certain excitement when you smell the rich aroma of the savory gourd mixed with the warm, rich tones of nutmeg and cinnamon. These cookies will fill your home with the welcome aromas of the season and are so easy to make you may find yourself looking for reasons to bake another batch.
Bake them for lunch boxes, kids parties, office gatherings, family get togethers even football parties. These cookies will freeze well for up to 3 months so don't be afraid to make them ahead just to make sure you have some on hand when you need them. They are a great holiday treat to box up for family and friends.
Pumpkin white chocolate chip cookies can easily be dressed up for Halloween or Thanksgiving.
For a sparkly, festive look simply sprinkle cookies with orange sugar sprinkles before baking. If you are looking for a dressier approach, they can be painted with melted white chocolate.(Painting instructions follow recipe).
Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 c shortening
- 1 c brown sugar
- 1 c canned pumpkin
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 c all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 c white chocolate baking chips
Directions
- Pre-heat oven to 350
- In a small bowl, sift together all dry ingredients
- Be sure to mix using a spoon, using an electric mixer will cause batter to become dry
- In large bowl, cream together shortening and brown sugar
- Add pumpkin and mix well
- Mix in egg and vanilla extract
- Stir in flour mixture one quarter at a time being sure to mix well after each addition
- Pour in white chocolate chips and stir. Batter will seem slightly soft
- Drop by tablespoon about two inches apart onto greased cookie sheet
- Bake 10 to 15 min
Chocolate Paint
- To make chocolate "paint" melt 1/3 c white chocolate chips in a double boiler, fondue pot or a small sauce pan placed in a pot of slowly simmering water.
- Add 1/4 to 1/3 tsp canola oil. The amount of oil you need will depend on your chocolate, start by adding the minimum amount and add until you have a nice glossy look and a spreadable texture.
- Dip a clean dry art brush into chocolate and use to decorate cooled cookies
While chocolate "paint" is still wet additional decorations can be added. Orange sugar sprinkles, Halloween sprinkles with bats and pumpkins. Kids love these cookies with orange and black sprinkles added to them. These cookies also look cute painted with pre-mixed tube icing.
Jackie Milligan - My name is Jackie and I am a foodie. As a small child, my mother inspired me with the love of good fresh food made from scratch. I ...
