jerusha’s pumpkin cookies

My mind drifted to our old apartment, the one back in Brooklyn, while driving Virginia to school today. Sometimes I feel like a stranger peeking into someone else’s life when I visit these old memories. I recognize the girl in them, but can’t quite connect to her anymore. Funny, how life can feel so short, and so long at the same time.

In a recent Esquire interview, Patti Smith said she’s on Life Four. I often feel that way, too. I remember telling a friend that my life doesn’t feel like chapters, all part of the same story of Me. My childhood, my years with Mikey, my life as a newly minted widow, and my life now—they all feel like separate stories.

Speaking of Patti, I can’t believe that this time tomorrow I’ll be on my way to NYC to see her at The Beacon with an old friend. Tomorrow, November 10th, marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Horses. I had the chance to take Isabella to her book signing in D.C. last month. Such a powerful moment to have her meet her, and walk off stage with Isabella whispering to me, “Mommy, she’s so beautiful”.

Much like the way my mind wanders, so do my words. The real reason I popped in today is to share a recipe for the best pumpkin cookies I’ve ever tasted. I didn’t really expect to be so wowed by them. Not because I didn’t trust the high praise Virginia gave when she first tasted them. It’s just…they’re pumpkin cookies. How exciting can a pumpkin cookie really be?

Her violin teacher baked a batch, and brought them in for her students at Woodstock Day School right around this time last year. I forgot what I was testing a few weeks ago, but it left me with a half can of pumpkin puree sitting in the fridge. I remembered how much Virginia loved those cookies, and luckily still had the recipe Jerusha sent in my email (sometimes clutter comes in handy!).

Later that evening, Virginia put on her apron, and mostly made the cookies on her own. So, there’s that too—the best pumpkin cookies ever, and so easy a seven year old can make them.

One Bowl Pumpkin Cookies | www.injennieskitchen.com

The ingredients sound pretty basic, but don’t be fooled. These soft, chewy cookies burst with all those flavors you expect from a fall cookie. Perhaps it’s the magic of tasting my first treat baked by my little girl. Maybe Jerusha’s email had a helping of good vibes as a secret attachment. Or maybe, and this is more likely the case, the secret is, as my guy says—it’s love. Love is the secret ingredient. Always.

Here’s to my Life Four.

Six Years Ago: Golden Ricotta Pumpkin Fritters

Five Years Ago: Crisp Chocolate Chip Cookies

Four Years Ago: Chocolate Chess Pie

Three Years Ago: Coconut Custard Pie

Two Years Ago: How to Measure Flour

One Year Ago: Homemade Bagels

 

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16 Comments

  • Jennifer Perillo

    Good question, Sue. My experience has taught me that coconut oil is a little heavier. I think it could work, but you might need less (maybe try 25% less, and see how they come out). Let us know if you try.

  • Cynthia A.

    Your present is my past since both my kids are in college now. Seeing a 7-year-old, who is probably standing on a stool, with a mixing bowl in her hands is a sweet reminder of what my kitchen used to look like. The nice thing for me is that the first place they head for when they come home is the kitchen.

  • Mallory

    Oh these sounds so great – love the idea of adding toffee chips and using sweet potatoes (this could be because I have a few lingering on my counter).

  • farmerpam

    I still have my Patti Smith “Horses” album. Love her, I saw her in concert waaaay back when and was able to take some amazing photos at a small concert in the Catskills. Sheesh, has it been that long ago…my first life. I will be roasting pumpkins today to use up, thanks for the recipe!

  • grace costa

    first I have to tell you I enjoy your page and blog along with some great receipes. I have a question on one of your cookies – I made the chocolate snap cookie which was delicious however it was not a crisp cookie t was soft. did I do something wrong? I love the cookie and I even sandwiched two cookies with ganache but I wanted it to be crisp like the original again the flavor was awesome..thank you!

  • Sally

    I have a recipe that is very similar to this. Like the original recipe, it calls for butter instead of oil and also 1 cup each of granulated and brown sugar. I think they’re very good with butter instead of oil.

    The recipe I have is a variation of Libby’s Great Pumpkin Cookie recipe. The original of that recipe uses raisins and walnuts in the cookie dough and the cookies may be frosted and decorated with more raisins, walnuts, chocolate chips or candies to look like pumpkins.

  • Kristin P

    I made these earlier this week and they were a huge hit at work. I used half butter and half oil. My butter wasn’t quite soft enough since it was cold in my kitchen so I ended up using my mixer because a whisk wasn’t going to do the job. Flavor was great but I might use all oil or melt the butter next time because the butter stayed kind of chunky which looked weird as a batter but baked up fine.

    My biggest adjustment was using dried cranberries instead of chocolate chips. They were a great addition and paired nicely with the pumpkin and oatmeal. This will definitely be a mainstay in my fall baking rotation, or even beyond!

  • Jennifer Perillo

    Hmm. Can you tell me a little more about how you made the cookie, Grace? Did you follow the recipe exactly, or did you make an substitutions? Even minor changes can make a major difference. I’ve made them plenty of times and they always come out crisp.
    -Jennie

  • Bethany

    I just made these last night and I think I ate half of them. The other half came to work and were promptly devoured by my fellow teachers. Thank you so much for sharing.

    @Bebegetswordy

  • Melissa

    My 12 year old just whipped up a batch of these. The whole apartment smells heavenly and they’re fantastic. We added in white chocolate chips. Next time I might also consider adding in a little ground ginger.

  • Kim

    I just made these with coconut oil. I used 25% less like you suggested. I also added 1/2 a cup of chocolate chips. They are really good! I’ll definitely make them again.