Start by warming up your milk and adding it to a small bowl with the yeast and a couple of tablespoons of sugar. Give it a quick stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, egg, softened butter, and the remaining sugar. Whisk until everything is smooth and delicious.
Once your yeast mixture is all puffed up, pour it into your pumpkin mix. Give it a good mix until combined.
Now, add the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
Use a rubber spatula to fold these in until you have a thick, well-mixed dough.
After an hour, transfer the dough to a floured surface and give it a knead for a few minutes. It should feel firm and bouncy.
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball.
Cut a long piece of thick string and tie it around each dough ball, wrapping it like a present. This will create those adorable pumpkin indentations.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While the donuts are frying, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Once the donuts are done frying, let them cool on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled and the excess oil has dripped off, cut the string away. Pop them in the oven for another 5-8 minutes to make sure the centers are fully cooked.
Roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re completely coated.
Stick a cinnamon stick in the center of each donut to create a cute little pumpkin stem.
Serve your pumpkin donuts warm and watch as everyone swoons over these fall-inspired treats!