Pumpkin cookies are holiday cookies, made with fresh or canned pumpkin, sugar, flour, eggs and a variety of spices, such as nutmeg, clove and cinnamon There are many variations on pumpkin cookies from adding nuts , raisins or cranberries to topping with a icing or frosting. Pumpkin may also be served at Halloween parties, Thanksgiving and any fall time occasion.
Pumpkin season falls between September and March each year. Although pumpkins may reach weights of around 100 pounds, the smaller pumpkins are often recommended for recipes as they have a sweeter flavor. They may be stored for up to a month at room temperature, or for up to 4 months in the refrigerator.http://www.seasonalrecipes.com/season/pumpkins.php
About Pumpkins
The name "pumpkin" comes from the Greek word pepon, which translates to "large melon." Native Americans used to roast pumpkins and then eat them, and also dried them out to weave into mats. Although pumpkins are commonly used to make Jack-O-Lanterns in the United States, the first Jack-O-Lanterns were actually carved from potatoes and turnips in Scotland and Ireland.http://urbanext.illinois.edu/pumpkins/history.cfm
When choosing a pumpkin to take home, experts recommend picking one that has completely turned orange, as there is a chance that it will not ripen any further. Shape is a matter of personal tastes, and if the pumpkin is going to be used as a Jack-O-Lantern then the shape of the design may play a consideration in this decision.http://www.pumpkinnook.com/howto/pumpkinpickingtips.htm
Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
Ingredients needed: 3 c brown sugar, 3 c pumpkin, 1 1/2 c oil, 3 tsp vanilla, 3 eggs, 6 c flour, 3 tsp baking soda, 3 tsp baking powder, 3/4 tsp ginger, chocolate chips or raisins. In a large bowl add brown sugar and pumpkin , mix well by hand.or using a electric mixer. Add eggs and oil and mix well with whisk. Add soda, baking power, ginger and flour, adding flour a little at a time mixing well. In the video, the cook divides the dough in two and adds raisins to one part and chocolate chips to the other part. Using a small scoop, place dough on baking sheet and bake 12-15 minutes in a 350 degrees oven. You may frost the cookies if you like.
References
Fast Facts
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Variations
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Fact:
Sometimes decorated with icing
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Fact:
Vanilla, butterscotch or chocolate morsels can be added
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How Served
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Fact:
The cookies may be frosted withHalloween and Thanksgiving designs
