Pumpkin Walnut Cookies

Makes 5 dozen cookies
Prep Time: 15 min.
Baking Time: 8 to 10 min.

Ingredients:
Cookie
1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
Frosting
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 package (3-ounce) cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon
Walnut pieces, if desired

Cookie Recipe Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
1) In large bowl, combine butter, brown sugar and sugar . Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.
2) Add pumpkin, egg and vanilla. Continue beating until well mixed.
3) Reduce speed to low and add flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
4) Beat, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Stir in 1 cup walnuts by hand.
5) Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets.
6) Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool completely.
7) In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon.
8) Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth.
9) Frost cooled cookies. Garnish with walnuts, if desired.