Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl beat together pumpkin, sugar, egg, oil, and vanilla. Mix well until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients; flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
Add the flour mix to the mixing bowl with the pumpkin, mixing on medium speed for 1-2 minutes or until well blended.
Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (optional) until evenly combined.
Using a cookie scoop drop 1 tablespoonful size dough balls about 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 1 -2 minutes before moving them to a rack to cool the rest of the way.
Notes
Gluten Free
Substitute in your favorite gluten-free flour mix or make your own. 1 part Rice Flourto 2 parts Tapioca starch is a good place to start.