Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 ½ cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pkg semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
½ cup walnuts or pecans (optional)

Preset the oven to 350 degrees, and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the pumpkin, egg, and vanilla and beat just until blended. Mix in the dry ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips or chunks and nuts, if using.
Drop the batter by heaping tablespoons 1 inch apart on the baking sheets. Bake the cookies for 13 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.