Preheat oven to 375°F, grease cookie sheets.
In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and white sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Stir in the vanilla and pumpkin until well blended.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.
Stir dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture.
Mix in the chocolate chips (optional).
Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes.
Allow to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
