Pumpkin Cookies

1 C. shortening
3 C. sugar
2 eggs
2 C. canned pumpkin
2 tsp. vanilla
5 C. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg

Cream shortening and sugar together. Beat in eggs, pumpkin, and vanilla. Sift the dry ingredients together, add to mixture, then mix well. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Optional frosting (Note--our family loves the cookies plain. Try both and see what your preference is!):

1 package (3 ounce/85g) cream cheese, softened.
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 box (1 lb.) powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients together until creamy. Frost pumpkin cookies. If desired, decorate cookies.