Pumpkin Cookies

1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups cooked or canned pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon lemon extract
2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup raisins (optional)
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs, mixing well. In a separate bowl, blend pumpkin with salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Fold pumpkin mixture into the butter mixture. Add lemon extract; mix well.

Sift together flour and baking powder; add to batter and mix until smooth. Add raisins and nuts; mix well. Drop batter by teaspoonsful onto greased baking sheets. Bake in a preheated 400 degree F oven for 13 to 15 minutes, checking for doneness after 13 minutes. Transfer to racks to cool.

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