Heat water to 105°F* and pour into a large bowl. Add the pumpkin, sugar, cream, eggs, shortening, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt. Mix with a whisk.
Transfer mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment and add the flour and yeast. Knead the dough on medium low speed until combined and a smooth and soft dough forms. The dough should not be sticky.
Transfer dough to a clean bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let rest in the refrigerator overnight.
Place two layers of cheesecloth on a flat surface and dust generously with flour. Set aside.
Turn the risen dough onto a clean flat surface and roll out to ¼-inch thick. Cut out shapes using a Mickey Mouse or pumpkin cookie cutter**. Unused scraps can be combined and re-rolled for additional cuts. Transfer the shapes onto the cheesecloth. Cover loosely with a dish towel and let rest for 1 hour.
During the last 10 minutes, heat 3-inches of oil over medium heat to 300°F***, as measured by an instant-read thermometer. Once the temperature has reached 300°F, use a metal spatula to gently lift the beignets and transfer into the oil. Let the beignets float to the surface and watch carefully as they begin to inflate. After a few seconds of inflating, flip the beignet over and fry until golden brown. Flip the beignet again if more time is needed to achieve a golden brown exterior on the first side.
Transfer the beignet to a paper towel-lined cooling rack. Let cool for 5 minutes, just until warm. Toss in a bowl of powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Notes
*I heated the water in a microwave-safe bowl for 20 seconds and checked the temperature with an instant-read thermometer. It’s important to not exceed 105°F so that the yeast cells do not get destroyed. **Alternatively, a sharp knife can be used to cut out squares or a biscuit cutter can be used to cut out rounds. ***The temperature will continue to rise. The optimal frying temperature is 350°F. If the beignets brown too quickly, check the temperature and adjust accordingly to lower the heat