Butternut Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butternut squash puree (cooked and mashed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the butternut squash puree, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
4. Combine Mixtures:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If you’re using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this point.
5. Scoop Cookies:
   Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can use a cookie scoop for uniformity.
6. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Be careful not to overbake.
7. Cool:
   Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve:
   Enjoy your butternut cookies with a glass of milk, tea, or coffee!

Tips:

• You can use canned butternut squash puree for convenience or make your own by roasting and mashing fresh butternut squash.
• Adjust the spices to your liking; you can add more cinnamon or even a pinch of ginger for extra flavor.
• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.

Enjoy your baking!