Pumpkin Pie Donuts

Preparation

For the dough:
Combine, warm water, 1 teaspoon sugar, and yeast in a liquid measuring cup; set aside for 5 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, warm milk, remaining sugar, butter, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and egg. Add 1 cup of the flour to the liquid mixture; beat on medium speed until blended. Gradually stir in remaining flour until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. Turn the dough out onto a well floured surface; knead several times. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store in a warm place for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, make the filling. Combine the sugar, cornstarch, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Slowly stir in the milk. Cook over medium heat until mixture begins to boil, about 6 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Beat egg yolks in a separate bowl until thick and pale. Gradually add 1/4 of the hot pumpkin mixture to the yolk and stir vigorously after each addition. Add tempered egg yolks back into the remaining hot mixture, stirring constantly. Bring mixture back to a boil over medium heat, and cook for 3 minutes. Stir constantly.

Remove from heat and stir in butter. Pour mixture into a container, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.

Punch the dough down. Roll dough to 1/2 inch thickens, and cut with a 2 1/2 inch circle biscuit cutter. Do not cut a hole in the center, you will be filling these donuts. Place donuts onto a lightly floured surface. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Fill a Dutch oven 2 to 3 inches full with canola oil. Heat oil to 375 F degrees. Cook only 4 to 5 donuts at a time, being careful not to over crowd the pot. Cook donuts for about 1 minute on each side. Then remove them from the oil using a spatula and place donuts on paper towels to drain. Repeat frying the rest.

Make the glaze, combine all ingredients for the glaze in a bowl and mix until well blended. Dip the top of each donut into the glaze while the donuts are still warm. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Remove filling mixture from refrigerator and stir in whipped cream. Using a pastry bag fitted with a small piping tip, fill each donut with filling. Just stick the tip into the center of the donut and pipe a bit of filling.

Make the icing, combine all ingredients for the icing in a bowl and mix until well blended. Using a pastry bag fitted with a small piping tip, pipe the icing across the top of each donut.