Print

Homemade Pumpkin Bagels Recipe

Homemade Pumpkin Bagels Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

These Homemade Pumpkin Bagels are a delightful seasonal treat, combining the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices in a chewy, golden bagel. Perfect for fall breakfasts or brunch, they feature a soft cream cheese spread with honey, vanilla, and toasted pecans, adding a sweet and crunchy contrast. This recipe includes a slow rise and a water boil step to achieve the ideal bagel texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup warm water (about 115°F / 46°C)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 1/4 tsp coarse kosher sea salt

Boiling

  • 1 tbsp baking soda (or malt extract)

Finishing Ingredients

  • 1 egg white + 1 tbsp water (whisked)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
  • 6 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for brushing)

Cream Cheese Spread

  • 6 oz original cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch coarse kosher sea salt
  • 2 tbsp chopped pecans (toasted)

Instructions

  1. Proof the yeast: Fill a glass measuring cup with 3/4 cup warm water at about 115°F (46°C). Add the active dry yeast and a pinch of brown sugar, then let it sit until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a stand mixer’s bowl, combine pumpkin puree and brown sugar. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until fully combined.
  3. Combine dry ingredients and form dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together bread flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture on low speed. When the dough becomes sticky, fit the mixer with a dough hook and knead on the lowest speed for 5 minutes until smooth.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
  5. Shape bagels: Punch down the dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces (approximately 3 3/8 oz each). Shape each into a ball, pinch the bottom closed, then press a hole through the center and gently stretch to form bagels.
  6. Rest and chill: Arrange shaped bagels on a parchment-lined sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 10 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to develop flavor and texture (this step can be skipped but is recommended).
  7. Prepare oven: Place an oven-safe dish with 3 cups water on the bottom rack. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
  8. Boil bagels: Remove bagels from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Bring a large pot of water with baking soda (or malt extract) to a boil. Boil bagels two at a time for 45 seconds per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on prepared sheet.
  9. Brush and bake: Brush boiled bagels with the egg white and water wash. Optionally brush with melted butter and sprinkle brown sugar. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
  10. Make cream cheese spread: In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until fluffy, about 1 minute. Add honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt, mixing another minute. Gently fold in toasted pecans.

Notes

  • Refrigerating the shaped bagels overnight enhances the flavor and texture, but it can be skipped if pressed for time.
  • Using malt extract in the boiling water instead of baking soda creates a more traditional bagel flavor but baking soda is a common and accessible alternative.
  • Make sure your water is not too hot when proofing yeast to avoid killing it.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, but texture and flavor will vary.
  • Extra brown sugar brushing adds a sweet caramelized crust but is optional for a less sweet bagel.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bagels, homemade bagels, pumpkin spice bagels, fall breakfast, pumpkin puree bread, cream cheese spread

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/homemade-pumpkin-bagels-recipe/