Pumpkin White Chocolate Cookies

I have been searching for a pumpkin cookie recipe that actually turns out like a cookie instead of a cake/cookie.  This is it! And with white chocolate chips to boot.  Thank you Food.com.  The real test was in my family of taste testers...they all went back for more.  Definitely a keeper.  I used fresh pumpkin in my version, but you can used canned.  To use fresh, bake the pumpkin like a squash and let cool before incorporating it.

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups white chocolate chips

Pre-heat the oven to 300*.  In a medium bowl mix together the flour, pumpkin pie spice and baking soda and set aside.  In a large bowl beat the butter and brown sugar together.  Mix in the pumpkin, eggs and vanilla.  Slowly add the flour mixture.  Finally, mix in the white chocolate chips.  Drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet (sprayed with non-stick cooking spray).  Bake for 20-25 minutes.  Makes 4 dozen.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

I wanted to make pumpkin white chocolate chip cookies today.  I was so excited about it until I read that the recipe called for pumpkin pie spice.  Seriously, that is one of those ingredients that I never buy because I don't need it often.  I usually just need a tsp or so once or twice a year.  So, I did a little googling on Food.com (one of my go to sites for recipes) and I found this.  It doesn't make a lot, just enough for what you need.  Mix the following together and store in an airtight container. 

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

As I was searching my cookie recipes last night, I couldn't believe that I hadn't posted this recipe before.  These cookies are THE cookie around our house.  If we are going to make cookies, these are the ones we make.  I have a fond attachment to them and joke that this is the cookie that hooked Jonathan to me for life, as I would send them to him in college care packages when we were dating.
Needless to say they are fantastically delcious and don't last long in our home.  They are based on an old Mrs. Field's recipe, using a few of my own adjustments.  Enjoy!

2 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup salted butter, softened (the trick to a really good cookie is using real butter, not margarine)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup mashed banana (about 1 banana)
2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 300*F.  In a medium bowl mix together the flour, baking soda and salt - set aside.  In a large bowl blend the sugars together.  Add butter and mix to make a grainy paste.  Add the egg, vanilla, and banana and mix.  Add the flour mixture and the chocolate chips.  Blend until combined - don't over mix.  Drop by tablespoons onto a cookie sheet (sprayed with non-stick cooking spray).  Bake 20-25 minutes.  Transfer to a cool surface to cool down.  Enjoy with a glass of milk on the side!