Deluxe Nutmeg-Pumpkin Cookies

Deluxe Nutmeg-Pumpkin Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg or
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
2 cups white baking pieces (12 ounces)
Pecan Halves - optional

Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the brown sugar, nutmeg, and baking soda. Beat until combined. Scrape the bowl occasionally. Beat in the pumpkin, egg, and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour. Stir in the white baking pieces. Drop the dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. If desired, press a pecan half gently onto each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 14 minutes or until the edges are firm. Cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack. Let cool. Makes about 60 cookies