Grandma’s Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

It’s funny, but I don’t remember my grandma baking cookies. Like…ever.

I remember her making homemade tortillas without a recipe. I remember her teaching me to add sugar to my “healthy” cereals to make them taste better. I remember her house always had nuts and we would have so much fun using the nutcracker to open them. But I do not remember cookies.

When I was visiting my family last week my mom asked if I was going to make Grandma’s pumpkin cookies this fall. I looked at her and said “Huh? ” I mean, I know I have a recipe for pumpkin cookies. And yes, I have it handwritten from my mother. But…these are Grandma’s cookies? How did I not know that?!

We don’t get to see my grandma very often, maybe once a year or so, and it’s always a little bittersweet. Her memory is going and it can be hard for everyone. She’s always remembered my sister and I when we visit, but that’s not always the case with the other cousins. We often end up having the same conversation over and over again, and I think she asks me if I have a boyfriend on average 12 million times. It’s always funny the things she holds on to though. Last time it was the rip in my jeans: “Can’t your mother afford clothes that don’t have holes in them?!” Or Dad’s hair that was longer than normal: “Did you get a perm??”

These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies have always been a fall favorite of mine, but now that I know the recipe comes from Grandma? They’re even more special. I’m headed to Salt Lake City this weekend and am hoping I’ll get to stop in and see her. Maybe I’ll bring some cookies to share with her too and we can talk about how I’m still too young to date.

~Stephanie

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies (Grandma Lujan)

• 2 c flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/2 c shortening
• 1 c sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 c canned pumpkin
• 1 c chocolate chips (or raisins, walnuts, etc.)

1. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and spices in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. Cream shortening and add sugar, beating until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then add pumpkin. Mix until combined.
4. Slowly add in dry ingredients.
5. By hand, stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet.
7. Bake 12-15 minutes at 350