Recently I was going through my cupboard of cookbooks looking for a certain recipe when I came across an old recipe booklet. This booklet was dated 1975 and was actually done on a mimeograph machine (remember those? really makes you appreciate your computer, huh?) Well, I found a recipe with my cousin’s name on it but I’m sure it is from her mother, my Auntie Flo.
My Auntie Flo was a good cook and she was known for it in the community where I grew up. She actually was like a grandma to me, because my grandmothers both died when I was young and I really don’t remember them – plus, Auntie Flo lived right next door to us. Her door was always open to my four brothers and me. If my aunt and uncle were eating when we decided to “pop in,” we were always offered a taste of their meal. We loved our Auntie Flo and Uncle Merl and the feeling was mutual.
When I found this recipe, I thought, “I have to try this one!” I’m glad I did. When I served them to some family members everybody raved how good they were and several even asked for the recipe. When I told them whose recipe it was, my brother remarked, “Yep, this tastes like Auntie Flo’s.” So, if you like nice soft cookies with a hint of pumpkin flavor, try this recipe from my Auntie Flo.
Auntie Flo’s Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 c. shortening
- 1 c. sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 c. pumpkin
- 1 t. vanilla
- 2 c. flour
- 1 t. soda
- 1/2 t. salt
- 1 t. baking powder
- 1 1/2 t. cinnamon
- 1/2 – 1 c. chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 c. chopped dates (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir ingredients together until well-mixed, then drop on lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Bake in 375 degree oven for 8-10 min (do not overbake).
- When cool, frost with browned butter frosting (see recipe below).
Old-Fashioned Browned Butter Frosting
Ingredients
- 6 T. butter
- 2 c. sifted confectioners sugar
- 1 t. vanilla
- Enough hot water to make it spreading consistency
Instructions
- Heat butter and stir over low heat until golden brown.
- Then confectioners sugar, vanilla, and hot water (add enough water to make it spreading consistency).
- Mix well, remove from heat and let cool slightly before icing pumpkin cookies.
Editor’s Note: Shelley first shared this recipe in 2007. It has become a fall favorite around the Lehman’s office.
Those recipe books are the best ones. I have picked up many along the way and always refer to them first. One of them has no measurements to speak of, just a pinch of this, a pat of that. Thanks for sharing this recipe. I love pumpkin cookies, although I will opt out of the dates and ‘shake’ in some chocolate chips!
Old recipes are to be TREASURED. I am lucky enough to have my great-grandmother’s recipe binder with recipes in her hand as well as HER mother’s. Gr-Grandma had both a sweet tooth and a love of good meatlof – there are at least a dozen different meatloaf recipes in that binder! I love reading it and trying the dishes she most likely served to my grandfather, and probably my father too, when he was a little boy. Thanks Shelley!
Omg those look delicious ?
Sounds delicious. I sent to my daughters as well. My Grandma, Florence, we called Mom. Mom was a great cook. Especially pot roast and chili This recipe will become a part of our pumpkin lovers desserts Can’t go wrong with these scrumptious ingredients. Thank you
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