Preheat oven to 350º. Using an electric mixer, beat sugar and butter together in a medium mixing bowl, until light and fluffy. Add egg; mix well. Add pumpkin and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients in a separate mixing bowl. Add to pumpkin mixture, mixing just until moist, using the electric mixer. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. Makes about 3 dozen.