Fresh Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Those who read the Pumpkin Bread post saw how easy it is to transform that Halloween pumpkin into delicious ready to use pumpkin puree just like you buy in the store, for much less cost.  Now that you have some pumpkin puree on hand, let's make some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
First preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
This recipe makes 3 dozen cookies
You will need the following ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teas baking powder
1/2 teas baking soda
1/2 teas salt
1 1/2 teas cinnamon
1/2 teas ground ginger
1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups pumpkin puree  (not pumpkin pie mix, if you are using canned pumpkin)
2 large eggs
1 teas vanilla extract
grated rind of 1 orange
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper, (this helps with clean up), or lightly grease the baking sheets.

 In a medium bowl, whisk together:
flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
spices
give them a stir, to mix everything together

In a large bowl, cream together the sugar, brown sugar, butter, and applesauce, (note: years ago this recipe originally called for 1 cup of butter, but I reworked the recipe and now use 1/2 cup of butter and 1/2 cup applesauce.  Saves on the fat and also adds more flavor).

Grate the rind from the orange, (you will have approximately 2 Tabs).  I find that the addition of the fresh orange zest adds another layer of flavor with the pumpkin that is so good.  Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin.  Mix on very low speed until blended.

Stir in the chocolate chips, (and if you are adding nuts stir them in also).

 Using a tablespoon, drop onto the parchment lined baking sheet.  I do a dozen per sheet, so there is enough room for each cookie to spread and cook evenly.   Cook for 13 - 15 minutes. Watch so they don't burn!

 Remove from oven and cool on rack for a few minutes before removing from baking sheet.

Yummy - I just couldn't resist doing a quality control check!!    Give these a try and let me know how your family likes them.  Check back and I'll show you how to make a pumpkin pie using the pumpkin that we pureed.  This recipe for pie is fantastic.

Enjoy your cookies !!