Cream shortening, sugar and egg together; stir in pumpkin and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients together and stir into shortening mixutre. Preheat oven to 350 °F. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet and bake 12 - 15 minutes. Makes 6 - 8 dozen cookies.

Variations; add chopped nuts, or chocolate chips. Frost with cream cheese frosting.