Strawberry bagels are a sweet twist on your breakfast favorite! These tasty treats are flavored with real strawberries, giving them a fruity kick that’ll make your mornings brighter.
They are perfect toasted with a smear of cream cheese or even just a bit of butter. I love enjoying them with my morning coffee—it feels like a little celebration every time! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is what makes bagels rise! If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. Just sprinkle it onto the flour without needing to dissolve it first.
Honey: Honey adds a nice flavor and helps with moisture. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar works well too. If you’re vegan, you can skip it entirely!
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh is best for flavor! If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen ones, but be aware they might release more moisture as they bake. Diced strawberries also work great, or try other berries like blueberries or raspberries!
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese gives a nice touch but is totally optional. For a dairy-free version, you could use a vegan cream cheese or a dollop of coconut cream if you like. It adds creaminess to the bagels!
How Do You Knead Dough to Get the Right Texture?
Kneading is crucial for developing the gluten in the dough, which gives bagels their chewy texture. To knead properly:
- Start with a lightly floured surface and place your dough ball in the center.
- Push the dough away from you with the palms of your hands, then fold it over itself.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat—push, fold, rotate.
- Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Don’t rush this step! If the dough sticks to your hands, just sprinkle a little more flour as needed. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back when poked!
How to Make Strawberry Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons honey (divided)
- 3 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
For the Egg Wash and Topping:
- 4 oz cream cheese (optional, for dollops on top)
- 1 tablespoon milk or water (for egg wash)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus about 1 hour for the first rise and an additional 20-30 minutes for the second rise. Finally, you’ll need about 15-20 minutes for baking. In total, expect to spend about 2 hours from start to finish, but most of that time is for letting the dough rise!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the water and stir gently. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is activated and ready for use!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar. Once mixed, add the foamy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of honey into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
3. Knead the Dough:
Mix everything together until a rough dough forms. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra flour as needed if the dough is too sticky!
4. Add the Strawberries:
Gently fold the diced strawberries into the dough. Take care not to mash them too much—just blend them in so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. First Rise:
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape the Bagels:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball, then use your finger to poke a hole in the center and stretch it gently to form a bagel shape.
7. Second Rise:
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them again and allow them to rise for another 20-30 minutes while you preheat the oven.
8. Preheat and Boil:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In the meantime, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of honey to the water. This will give the bagels a beautiful shine and flavor!
9. Boil the Bagels:
Carefully boil the bagels a few at a time for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back onto the baking sheet.
10. Prepare for Baking:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk or water to make an egg wash. Brush this mixture lightly over the surface of the bagels. If you like, you can dollop small bits of cream cheese on top of some bagels for that lovely creamy finish!
11. Bake:
Put the bagels in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and delicious.
12. Cool and Serve:
Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your fresh, homemade strawberry bagels warm or toasted!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just be sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the dough from becoming too soggy.
What If I Don’t Have Bread Flour?
If you don’t have bread flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture may be a little less chewy. For an even better result, you can mix half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour for a different flavor and added nutrition!
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw and toast them for a fresh taste!
Can I Add Other Fruits or Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other diced fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even mix in some chocolate chips for a sweeter treat. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if necessary!
