These strawberry bagels are a fun twist on a classic breakfast treat! Soft and chewy, they’re packed with sweet strawberry flavor that makes every bite delicious.
You can enjoy them plain or toasted with cream cheese or butter. Trust me, spreading some strawberry jam on top is like a little piece of morning joy! 🥯😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for making your bagels rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead; just skip the proofing step with warm water and mix it straight into your dry ingredients.
Bread Flour: It gives bagels their chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly less chewy. I’ve done both, and the results are still tasty!
Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder: This adds great strawberry flavor and color. If you can’t find it, you can use regular strawberry puree but might need to add more flour to balance moisture. I’ve tried both methods!
Honey/Sugar for Boiling: Both work fine for the boiling stage. Honey gives a bit more depth in flavor. I usually prefer honey as it adds a nice touch to the bagels.
Strawberry Glaze: Fresh strawberry puree really makes the glaze vibrant. If strawberries aren’t available, raspberry or other fruit purees can work well too. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly.
How Can I Knead Dough Effectively?
Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives bagels their structure. Here’s how to do it right:
- Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
- Push the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, then fold it back over itself. Rotate the dough, and repeat.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Alternatively, use a stand mixer on medium speed with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes.
Don’t rush this step! Proper kneading leads to a wonderful chewy bagel texture. If you’re unsure, just keep checking. The dough should spring back a bit when poked. Happy baking!
How to Make Strawberry Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bagels:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder or finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries (optional for strawberry flavor)
For Boiling:
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
For The Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh strawberry puree (or strained strawberry juice)
- 1 tbsp milk or water
Garnishes:
- Fresh or freeze-dried strawberry slices
- Optional: crushed freeze-dried strawberries or edible gold flakes for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This strawberry bagel recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 1 hour and 30 minutes for rising and baking. So, you’re looking at roughly 2 hours from start to finish, including baking and glazing. Perfect for a fun morning treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy—this means the yeast is active! While that’s happening, in a larger mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and the optional freeze-dried strawberry powder. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mix and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use that instead to save some elbow grease! Once kneaded, put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and leave it in a warm spot for about an hour to double in size.
2. Shape the Bagels:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release some air and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your thumb, gently stretching it to form a hole about 2 inches wide. Place the formed bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them. Let them rise again for another 20-30 minutes until they puff up a bit.
3. Boil the Bagels:
While your bagels are rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water and the honey or sugar to a boil. Once boiling, add the bagels in batches—boil each for 1-2 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bagels and place them back on the baking sheet. This step gives the bagels a chewy texture.
4. Bake the Bagels:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the boiled bagels in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown. Once done, take them out and let them cool on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh strawberry puree, and milk or water until smooth. If your glaze is too thick, add a little more liquid; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you achieve a thick but pourable consistency.
6. Glaze and Decorate:
Once the bagels are completely cool, dip the tops into the strawberry glaze or use a spoon to drizzle it over the bagels. While the glaze is still wet, you can sprinkle some freeze-dried strawberry slices, fresh strawberry pieces, or edible gold flakes on top if you’re feeling fancy. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your beautifully glazed strawberry bagels with a fresh fruity flavor and charming presentation! They’re perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of the day!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Absolutely! You can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast by mixing it directly into your dry ingredients. Just skip the proofing step with warm water; the dough will still rise beautifully!
What If I Don’t Have Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder?
No worries! You can substitute it with regular fresh or frozen strawberry puree. Just remember to adjust the flour in the dough slightly to maintain the right consistency, as the puree will add extra moisture.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
To store leftover bagels, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw and toast when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make These Bagels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the bagels, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before boiling and baking. It’s a great way to save time!