FROSTED PUMPKIN COOKIES

Frosted Pumpkin Cookies image

These family-favorite pumpkin cookies taste so good, it's hard to eat just one! They freeze and travel well, especially if you let the icing completely dry, then layer the cookies between sheets of waxed paper. -Leona Luttrell, Sarasota, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 6-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1 cup shortening
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chopped dates
CARAMEL FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/4 cup 2% milk
1 teaspoon maple flavoring
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in pumpkin. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; gradually add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Stir in pecans and dates. , Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 13-15 minutes or until firm., Meanwhile, for frosting, combine the butter, brown sugar and milk in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly; boil for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in maple flavoring and vanilla. , Cool slightly; beat in enough confectioners' sugar to achieve spreading consistency. Remove cookies to wire racks; frost while warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 249 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 125mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (29g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.