Pumpkin Doughnuts

[COOK TIME: 5 MIN]

Ingredients
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 large egg
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup canned pure pumpkin
Canola or Peanut Oil (for deep-frying)

Toppings:
1 cup sugar
3 teaspoons cinnamon
powdered sugar

Directions
Whisk first 8 ingredients in a medium bowl to blend well; set aside.
Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat sugar and butter in large bowl until well blended (mixture will be a bit grainy).
Beat in egg, then yolks, then vanilla.
Gradually beat in buttermilk, then beat in pumpkin, in four additions.
Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture in 4 additions, blending gently after each.
Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours.
Lightly flour two baking sheets.
When dough is well-chilled, lightly flour a work surface.
Starting with about 1/3 of dough, gently press it out to a round that is 1/2- to 2/3-inch thick.
Using a 2 1/2-inch-diameter round cutter, cut out dough rounds.
Using 1-inch-diameter round cutter, cut out center of each dough round to make doughnuts and doughnut holes.
Arrange doughnuts and holes on the baking sheets as you go.
Gather dough scraps.
Press out dough and cut out more dough rounds until all dough is used.
If dough is very sticky, dip the round cutters into flour before cutting each doughnut.
Line two baking sheets with several layers of paper towels.
Pour oil into large deep skillet or dutch oven to a depth of 1 1/2 inches.
Attach a deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot and heat oil to 365°F to 370°F. Fry doughnut holes in 2 batches until golden brown, turning occasionally, about 2 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain.
Fry doughnuts, 3 or 4 at a time, until golden brown, adjusting heat to maintain temperature, about 1-2 minutes per side.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer doughnuts to paper towels to drain. Cool completely.

While doughnuts are cooling, mix sugar and cinnamon. Roll doughnut holes in the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
Lightly dust doughnuts with powdered sugar, if desired.

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Perfect in the morning with a cup of coffee
these are a cake-like doughnut with just the right amount of sweet and a hint of spice =]