A fun fall treat the kids will love! American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) shares this braces-friendly Halloween recipe.

Pumpkin Cookie Pops

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup canned or fresh cooked pumpkin
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch salt
20 wooden sticks (tongue depressors or popsicle sticks work best)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine with electric mixer the butter, brown sugar and orange zest. Add the pumpkin, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix.
3. Gradually add the flour and spices. Mix with your hands to create a soft dough. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Divide dough into two pieces. Roll out each piece to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into pumpkin shapes with cookie cutters.
5. Place on ungreased baking sheet and securely insert a wooden stick into the bottom half of each pumpkin cookie.
6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
7. Decorate with favorite frosting.

Makes 20 cookie pops.

Adapted from www.pumpkinnook.com.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists.