Pumpkin Cookies with Penuche Frosting

Ingredients

 * 1 cup shortening
 * 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
 * 1/2 cup white sugar
 * 1 cup pumpkin puree
 * 1 egg
 * 1-teaspoon vanilla extract
 * 2 cups all-purpose flour
 * 1-teaspoon baking soda
 * 1-teaspoon baking powder
 * 1-teaspoon ground cinnamon
 * 1/2-teaspoon salt
 * 1 cup chopped walnuts
 * 3 tablespoons butter
 * 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
 * 1/4-cup milk
 * 2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

 * 1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
 * 2) In a large bowl, cream together shortening, 1/2-cup brown sugar, and white sugar. Mix in pumpkin, egg, and vanilla.
 * 3) Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt; mix into the creamed mixture. Stir in walnuts.
 * 4) Drop dough by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool on wire racks.
 * 5) In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the 3 tablespoons butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute, or until slightly thickened. Cool slightly, then stir in the milk, and beat until smooth. Gradually stir in 2 cups confectioners' sugar until frosting has reached desired consistency. Spread on cooled cookies.

Contributed by:

 * Catsrecipes Y-Group