The Skinny: same aisle, same trip, not the same results
The Backstory: Actually noticed as a last-minute grab during the same trip that discovered these muffins, I picked up these intriguing cookies thinking that they might be good for a little late-night sustenance after a long day of running around Disney’s theme parks.  Besides, I’d already gathered selections to cover both the chip and cracker categories – all that was left was something to cover the cookie option and my snacking varieties would be good to go!
Except…: Except for the fact that these little puppies taste absolutely nothing like pumpkin.  I even double-checked the ingredients list afterwards to be sure and although “Pumpkin Spice Powder” is specifically listed, to me these were nothing more than gingersnaps with orange sprinkles on top … which for snacking purposes still ended up being perfectly fine and I most certainly managed to finish the whole container in roughly a week’s time, but all in the same, you may have noticed that I kind of have a thing for pumpkin and in that regard, these autumn cookies were nonetheless not up to par.

Initial Reaction: a bit of surprise, as I don’t really expect to see much more with regards to pumpkin-oriented products on the shelves this time of year
Origin: Where else?  Super Target!
Good Find?: Well … maybe. Despite my poor assumption that these would be just like any other granola bar, but pumpkin-y, they definitely live up to their description at fruit and grain bars, which are much different from the traditional Quaker Chewy Granola Bars that I tend to enjoy.  The “fruit topping” is definitely very pumpkin-ish – about the consistency of maybe the pumpkin butter that I sampled earlier this year, which was ok – but the pecans on top I could’ve done without.
Ultimate Verdict: A bit too grainy for me, and the pumpkin fruit topping just isn’t enough to help me limp past that.  It wouldn’t surprise me if it takes quite a while to work through the remainder of this box…

Aside Plea to the Fine Folks at Quaker: This is your opportunity to fill a much-needed niche market!  Just take one of your regular chewy granola bars, splash some pumpkin-y goodness into the recipe, and presto – instant success, at least with this pumpkin fanatic, anyways!  Something to think about, guys…

Origin: Where else?!  Super Pumpkin, errr, Target
Influence: Despite having grown up in the Boy Scouts, the chances of finding me out on the open trail with nothing but a hiking stick and a bag of mixed nuts are about as good as the chances of us finding such a wild array of pumpkin delicacies like these the rest of the year!  Still, I can’t blame the nuts themselves for the fact that I’m no longer an outdoorsman, so I thought I’d give these a shot.
Flavor: Like nearly all trail mix, some pieces were certainly better than others – I, for one, could do without the “graham squares” and “yogurt raisins” in this one, but as for the pumpkin slice almonds?  Heavenly.
Marketing Note to Target: How about a festive, holiday jar of nothing but the almonds for this pumpkin-lover’s stocking next season?

Origin: another Super Target super-find … sort of
Prospective Ease of Creation: easy
Actual Ease of Creation: not so much
Explanation: This kit is presented as a very simple, out-of-the-box-type recipe – you know, just add water, but unfortunately when your recipe consists of 90% flour and 35% other dry goods, just water doesn’t exactly make for easy mixin’!  I finally ended up just diving in and kneading it with my hands after nearly breaking a wooden spoon in the mixture, but even then, this was a pain in the butt.  Prepare to get messy…
Enjoyability: Despite constructive difficulties, this pumpkin-y version of the old favorite still tasted quite good out of the oven, however once allowed to cool even the microwave couldn’t soften them back up – the entire batch definitely needs to be enjoyed by four or five friends fresh from the oven.  I didn’t end up making the suggested Powdered Sugar Glaze because they already seemed pretty fattening as it was.
Flavor?: I think the mix itself smelled more of pumpkin than the final product, but the spice was still decent in the bread, too.

Purchased From: the same Target as the last three posts…
Delicious-ness Factor: moderate
Notable: These are the first true pumpkin cookies that I’ve seen this season, meaning that they actually taste like pumpkins and not simply resemble them.  Not too shabby!
Flavor to Beat: My Mom makes a killer pumpkin cookie that puts even the best to shame – they not only taste like pumpkins, but I’d be a monkey’s uncle if they didn’t look like them, too.  Unfortunately, I can’t buy Mom’s cookies at Target for $1.99 / box … yet.