Homemade Pumpkin Bagels
Experience the cozy flavors of autumn with our homemade pumpkin bagels. Infused with real pumpkin puree and a blend of aromatic spices, these perfectly chewy bagels offer a delightful balance of savory and sweet—ideal for a hearty breakfast or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
- 500 g Bread Flour: high-protein bread flour or strong all-purpose flour
- 100 g Pumpkin Puree: ensure it’s 100% pumpkin puree
- 200 mL Warm Water: no more than 110°F
- 1 ½ tsp Yeast: instant or active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar: plus extra for boiling water, if desired
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Spice Blend: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice
- 1 tsp Salt: kosher or equivalent
- Optional Toppings: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, cream cheese, or cinnamon sugar for finishing.
Instructions
Activate Yeast:
- Warm water (200 mL) to 110°F and combine with pumpkin puree (100 g), yeast (1 ½ tsp), and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Let sit (if using active dry yeast) until frothy (5–10 minutes).
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift together 500 g bread flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pumpkin spice blend.
Mix Ingredients:
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Autolyse (Optional):
- Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to hydrate the flour.
Knead:
- Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes (by hand or using a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
First Rise:
- Shape the dough into a ball, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
Divide & Shape:
- Punch down the dough, divide into 8 equal pieces, and form each into a ball. Poke a hole in the center of each to create a bagel shape.
Rest:
- Let the shaped bagels rest for 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface.
Boil:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil; add a little brown sugar or honey. Boil each bagel for 45–60 seconds per side.
Bake:
- Transfer the boiled bagels to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
Cool & Serve:
- Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before serving.