Ginger Cookies (With Pumpkin)

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 cup trans fat-free margarine spread , room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg *
• 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin (solid pack pumpkin in a can), room temperature
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°.

In a small bowl, mix together the flour, spices, salt and baking soda. In a large mixing bowl, beat the margarine spread, sugar, egg and pumpkin until smooth and fluffy. Add the molasses. Slowly, add the dry ingredients to form a smooth, soft dough.

Prepare the topping by mixing the cinnamon and sugar together into a small bowl.

Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. With a teaspoon or your fingers, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping over each cookie before baking.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. For crispier cookies, bake a little longer.

Cool on wire racks.

* For chewier cookies, add an additional egg.