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1
For the cookies: Whisk the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt together in a medium bowl.
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2
Beat the butter in a large bowl with a handheld mixer until fluffy.
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3
Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the sugars, and continue beating until light, about 3 minutes.
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4
Add egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
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5
Gradually add the dry ingredients while mixing slowly to make a smooth dough.
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6
Divide dough in half and press each half into a disk.
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7
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour.
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8
Transfer 1 disk of dough to a floured work surface and roll about 1/4-inch thick.
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9
Cut into cookies with a pinched tuna can (see below).
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10
Transfer cookies with an offset spatula to a nonstick or silicon lined baking sheet.
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11
Cut out eyes and a mouth with a pastry tip, fat straw, or a knife.
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12
Press the lollipop sticks into the narrow end of each cookie, if using.
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13
Repeat with remaining dough.
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14
Press excess dough together, roll and cut into cookies.
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15
Refrigerate cookies for at least 30 minutes.
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16
Evenly space the racks in the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Put the candies in a small plastic bag and hit with a rolling pin to break into little pieces.
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17
Bake the cookies just until they are set, about 20 minutes.
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18
Remove baking sheets from the oven and carefully sprinkle the broken candies into the eyes and mouth of the cookies.
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19
Continue to cook until the candy liquefies, about 3 minutes more.
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20
Cool cookies on pan for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
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21
Cool cookies on a rack.
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22
For the icing: Whisk the water, egg white powder and orange extract in a medium bowl until foamy but smooth.
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23
Gradually whisk in the confectioners' sugar to make a smooth icing.
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24
Spread a layer of icing over the entire surface of the cookies with the back of a teaspoon.
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25
Let rest until the icing sets, about 30 minutes.
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26
Serve or store in a covered container for up to 3 days.
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27
Cook's Note: Remove the top and bottom of the tuna can and discard.
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28
Wash and dry well.
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29
Pinch the sides of the can together to make a skull-like shape.
