Ingredients

1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened

1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin

2 large eggs, slightly beaten

2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Non-stick cooking spray

Optional garnishes: raisins, dried cranberries, sliced or slivered almonds, peanuts, chopped dried plums or apricots

Preparation

Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes

Cook Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, beat brown sugar and butter until creamy. Add pumpkin and eggs; beat well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg; stir into pumpkin mixture, mixing until dry ingredients are moistened. Lightly spray 2 baking sheets with cooking spray. Drop dough onto prepared pans by rounded measuring tablespoonfuls. If desired, smooth tops of the dough with the back of a spoon and decorate with dried fruits or nuts. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.