Step 1

Add 2 inches of oil to a medium saucepan. Bring to medium heat (about 335-350°F). If you prefer to make the baked version of these donuts, you will find the instructions in the notes section.

Step 2

Add flour and pumpkin to a large mixing bowl. Mix with a spatula until flour is completely incorporated with the pumpkin and a dough forms. The dough should be a little sticky but you should be able to roll the dough between your palms.

Step 3

Scoop dough using a 1 tbsp cookie scoop. Roll dough between palms until it forms a smooth round ball. Set aside on a sheet of parchment paper and repeat with remaining dough.

Step 4

Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, gently place a few donut balls into the hot oil. I recommend cooking the donuts in 2-3 batches if you are using a medium saucepan so that the donuts don't get overcrowded. Cook donuts until both sides are evenly browned (you will need to flip the donuts halfway through to get both sides evenly cooked) and donuts are cooked. Remove donuts from oil. Place cooked donuts onto a plate lined with paper towel.

Step 5

When donuts are cool enough to touch, add toppings if desired. I rolled mine in cinnamon sugar. Donuts are best consumed within a few hours after they are fried. If you have leftovers, I recommend reheating them before eating.