Jack O'Lit-ern Cookies

I named my blog Creative Day Café, but despite telemarketers' popular opinion, I don't actually own a café. It's a metaphor, people! Today, however, I shall share a recipe I created for Nashville's Southern Living Showcase Home cookie contest.

Jack O'Lit-ern Pumpkin Chip Cookies
(or family-friendly name: Pumpkin Chip Cookies)

1 cup butter (2 sticks - no substitutes)
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 can (15 ounce) canned pure pumpkin
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ounces Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey Liqueur
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups quick cooking oats
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspooon salt
2 cups (12 ounce package) milk chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Using a mixer, beat butter until smooth. Slowly beat in the white and brown sugars, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time, then mix in vanilla, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey Liqueur, and pumpkin.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.

Slowly beat the flour mixture into the batter in thirds.
Stir in the milk chocolate chips (semi-sweet chocolate chips take away from the pumpkin flavoring)

Scoop the cookie dough in heaping tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies are browned around the edges.
Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.

ENJOY!
This recipe makes a bunch of cookies - perfect for a huge holiday gathering.