These Mini Cranberry Orange Bagels are a fun and tasty treat! With bright orange flavor and sweet cranberries in every bite, they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Making these bagels is super easy and they smell amazing while baking. I love to toast mine and slather on some cream cheese for an extra yummy touch. Who can resist that combo?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for the bagels to rise. If you only have instant yeast, you can use it in the same quantity without needing to dissolve it first.
Warm Water: The temperature is crucial for activating the yeast. If you have a thermometer, aim for 110°F (43°C). If not, the water should feel like warm bath water—definitely not hot!
Granulated Sugar: Sugar helps activate the yeast and adds sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, honey or maple syrup can also work, just use a little less since they’re sweeter.
Bread Flour: This gives the bagels their chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but they might be a bit softer.
Dried Cranberries: They add a lovely tartness. If you prefer, you can substitute with raisins or chopped dried cherries for a different flavor.
Walnuts/Pecans: These nuts add extra crunch. You can easily replace them with sunflower seeds or skip them altogether if there are nut allergies.
How Do I Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading is key to developing the gluten that gives bagels their chewy texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Use just enough flour to keep the dough manageable.
- Use the palms of your hands to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat the push and fold for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
- Don’t be afraid to add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky, but use it sparingly!
After kneading, the dough should spring back when poked, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
How to Make Mini Cranberry Orange Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 large orange
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (for dough)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing)
For Boiling and Topping:
- 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling water)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, and you’ll need about 1 hour for the dough to rise. After shaping the bagels, allow an additional resting time of 20 minutes before boiling and baking. The total time including baking is around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Perfect for a delightful breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Mix the Dough:
Once the yeast is frothy, add the granulated sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and salt to the mixture. Stir well to combine. Gradually add the bread flour, mixing until you have a firm dough.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. Don’t forget to gently knead in the chopped dried cranberries until they’re evenly mixed in.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Bagels:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove air. Divide the dough into about 10-12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Then, poke a hole through the center with your finger and gently stretch it to create the classic bagel shape with a 1-2 inch diameter hole.
6. Rest and Prepare for Boiling:
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a towel and let them rest for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven.
7. Boil the Bagels:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and add the honey. Boil the bagels a few at a time for about 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the baking sheet.
8. Add Egg Wash and Toppings:
Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the bagels. Sprinkle them with chopped walnuts or pecans and extra dried cranberries if you like.
9. Bake the Bagels:
Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sounded hollow when tapped. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before serving. They’re best enjoyed fresh, warm, and deliciously citrusy!
Enjoy your fresh, citrusy, and slightly sweet Mini Cranberry Orange Bagels!
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried?
Fresh cranberries can be used, but they are much more tart and will require additional sweetening. If you prefer fresh berries, consider adding a bit more sugar or honey to balance the tartness.
What Should I Do If My Dough Isn’t Rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to the yeast being inactive. Check that your yeast is fresh and the water temperature was right (not too hot or cold). If it’s been longer than an hour and your dough hasn’t doubled, you may need to start over with fresh yeast.
How to Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply toast them straight from frozen or thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Can I Make These Bagels Without Orange Zest?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orange zest or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with lemon zest or simply leave it out. The bagels will still taste delicious with the cranberries!
