Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing a medium-sized baking dish. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, pumpkin puree, and milk until well combined. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the dry ingredients.

In a separate medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the shortening (or your preferred substitute) into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures that the shortening is evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture and gently fold the ingredients together until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough biscuits. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently 3-4 times until a soft dough forms.

Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. With a biscuit cutter or a cup/jar (if you don't have a biscuit cutter), cut out circles from the dough. Place the biscuits in the greased baking dish, making sure they're touching each other slightly. This will help them rise evenly and create softer sides.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the biscuits for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade pumpkin biscuits with butter, honey, or your favorite toppings!