oh pumpkin puree... why are you so versatile?

So, as many of you know, I have a love for all things pumpkin. Which means I am especially fond of this time of year when it is acceptable to bring a multitude of pumpkin goodies into work, to parties etc. I am always on the lookout for healthier pumpkin goodie options, as so many of the recipes are loaded with crisco/butter/oil etc. I did run across a couple of recipes and thought I'd share. But you're only getting one of them tonight - I do have a whole month of blogs to write here... I've got to save something in case I have writers block!

I must send apologies to kelly, as I know its a bit more difficult for her to acquire the pumpkin puree across the pond. =( However, as she is the one who introduced me to the pumpkin brownie (a student favorite) she'll probably appreciate this one.

Now, pumpkin cookies are pretty much my all-time favorite pumpkin treat. Years ago my mom found a reciepe in the red plaid Better Homes and Gardens cookbook that has been my favorite.. til now. While these tasted great, they definitely had their fair share of crisco in them. So I'm calling these pumpkin cookies 2.0. Lower in fat and calories, same density as the full fat ones and EASIER/CHEAPER TO MAKE!

pumpkin cookies 2.0

1 box of spice cake mix
1 small can of pumpkin

THAT'S IT! Two ingredients. Mix together, spoon onto a cookie sheet, bake at 350 degrees and voila!

I made a batch tonight to "test" it [meaning I really wanted to try them] before I make a batch for a party on Friday. I mean really, 50 online comments about how wonderful these cookies were just wasn't quite enough, I had to make sure they were good right? =) Luckily, a vast majority of my "test" batch of anything ends up in the tummies of college students who love anything homemade.

Needless to say, these cookies are great. I'm officially a fan. A few ways to shake 'em up a bit if desired... add raisins, chocolate chips, or walnuts to the batter. Or, you can top each cookie with cream cheese frosting, kind of defeats the healthier cookie option, but you've got to do what you've got to do!