Spicy Pumpkin Date Cookies

Nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and clove combine perfectly with dates in this Spicy Pumpkin Cookie that is perfect for the holidays.

Here's a little interesting bit about clove - it is actually an evergreen tree and the clove spice we use in our cooking and baking comes from dried flower buds on the tree.

I can easily remember the first time I ever tasted clove as a kid.

It was in the form of chewing gum and the unique flavor is hard to forget.

Ground clove is found in many fruit dishes that contain such fruit as apples, pears and rhubarb as well as many Middle Eastern and African dishes.

Personally, I like it best in baked goods during the holiday season.

Easy to make, these cookies will not last long and are sure to become an annual family tradition.

Spicy Pumpkin Date Cookies Recipe

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375F degrees. Line 2 or 3 baking sheets with parchment paper for best results. Otherwise, use ungreased cookie sheets.
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, or mix by hand with a large spoon.
Beat in pumpkin and eggs.
Stir in remaining ingredients except dates and walnuts.
Stir in dates and walnuts last.
Drop the dough by rounded teaspoonfuls on baking sheet spaced at least 2 inches apart.
Bake one cookie sheet at a time in the center of the oven until set, about 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are set.
Remove from oven and immediately transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

This recipe makes about 4 dozen Spicy Pumpkin Date Cookies

Cookie Baking Tips

Bake your cookies in the middle of the oven for best results. If baked on the bottom rack, they are apt to burn. Make sure your oven is preheated to 375F degrees before putting the first batch of cookies in the oven. And always let cookie sheets cool completely before dropping new cookie dough.