Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

For the cookies:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream shortening, butter, sugars and pumpkin on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs and mix well until thoroughly combined and creamy.

Reduce mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Drop cookie batter by heaping tablespoons onto prepared cookie sheets. Flatten tops slightly. Bake for 13-15 minutes. Let cookies cool on cookie sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the cream cheese frosting:

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream butter and cream cheese on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar. Add in vanilla and pumpkin pie spice, if using, and blend until moistened. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat frosting for 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.

Frost cookies as desired.