Pumpkin Spiced and Iced Cookies

Pumpkin Spiced and Iced Cookies

2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 and 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 and 3/4 cups (15 or 16 oz. can) solid pack pumpkin

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups (12 oz. package) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Vanilla Glaze (recipe below)

Combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in pumpkin, eggs and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto greased baking sheets.

Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let stand for 5 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Drizzle or spread with vanilla glaze. Make about 5 and 1/2 dozen cookies.

FOR VANILLA GLAZE:  Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 to 1 and 1/2 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in small bowl; mix well.