Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together thoroughly:

1/4 c. softened butter

1/2 c. canned pumpkin

1/2 c. sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix together dry ingredients & then combine them with the butter/egg mixture:

1 C. flour

1 teasp. baking powder

1 teasp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/4 tsp. cloves

1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (or allspice)

Stir in:

1/2 cup chopped dates

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Spoon generous tsps. of dough onto lightly greased baking sheets leaving 1" space between cookies. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are set. Immediately remove from baking sheet to wire rack. Cool completely and either eat them plain or frost them.

Cream cheese frosting:

Mix together all ingredients until smooth:

2 Tblsp. softened butter

4 Tblsp. softened cream cheese

1 tsp. vanilla

2 C. powdered sugar

enough milk (not a LOT) to make a spreadable frosting