These Chocolate Chip Bagels are a fun twist on the classic! Imagine biting into a warm bagel filled with gooey chocolate chips. It’s the breakfast treat you didn’t know you needed!
I love to toast mine and spread a little cream cheese on top, because why not? It’s like dessert and breakfast all in one! You’re definitely going to want seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This is essential for giving the bagels their chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly softer.
Instant Yeast: This type of yeast works quickly and doesn’t need to be proofed. If you only have active dry yeast, you can still use it—just proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the dough.
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: I love dividing them between the dough and the top for extra chocolatey goodness. If you prefer less sweetness, dark chocolate chips are a great alternative. You can also use chopped chocolate bars for a gourmet touch!
Honey/Sugar for Boiling: This adds a bit of sweetness and helps achieve a lovely crust. You can easily swap honey for sugar or even maple syrup if you’re looking for a different flavor.
How Do You Get That Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping bagels can seem tricky, but it’s easier than it looks! The goal is to achieve that classic bagel shape with a hole in the middle. Here’s how to do it:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Divide it into 8 equal portions. This helps achieve even-sized bagels.
- Shape each piece into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole in the center.
- Gently stretch the hole to about 2 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if it looks a bit rough— it gets better with practice!
- Let them rest for 15 minutes before boiling. This helps hold the shape during cooking.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional, for greasing)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (for boiling water)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes for prep, plus 1 to 1 1/2 hours for the dough to rise, and another 20-25 minutes for baking. In total, expect to spend around 2 hours making these delicious chocolate chip bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by mixing the dry ingredients! In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir everything together until well blended. This will be the base for your bagels.
2. Add Warm Water:
Slowly pour the warm water into the dry ingredients. Mix it all together until you form a rough dough. It should still be a little sticky but manageable.
3. Incorporate the Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time to add the fun part! Fold in 1 cup of the chocolate chips into the dough and knead gently until they are evenly distributed. If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle some extra flour on top as needed.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface, and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. You want the dough to feel smooth and elastic—this will help give your bagels that perfect texture!
5. Let the Dough Rise:
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Patience is key here—let it do its thing!
6. Shape the Bagels:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Shape each piece into a ball, and then poke a hole in the center with your finger. Gently stretch this hole to about 2 inches in diameter.
7. Rest the Bagels:
Place your formed bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them and let them rest for 15 minutes. This helps them relax before boiling!
8. Preheat the Oven:
While the bagels rest, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s hot and ready once the bagels are boiled.
9. Boil the Bagels:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add honey or sugar. This sweetening agent will help achieve a beautiful crust. Boil the bagels in batches (2-3 at a time) for about 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to flip them carefully.
10. Add More Chocolate Chips:
Once boiled, remove the bagels and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top while they’re still wet, gently pressing them in.
11. Bake:
Now it’s time for the oven! Bake the bagels in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
12. Cool and Enjoy:
Remove the bagels from the oven and cool them on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them fresh or toasted for a delightful treat with melty chocolate goodness!
This recipe yields about 8 soft, chewy chocolate chip bagels with a golden crust and gooey chocolate chips inside and on top. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour, but the texture may be slightly softer. Bread flour contains more protein, which helps create that perfect chewiness in bagels.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
To store leftover bagels, place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them by individually wrapping them and storing them in a freezer bag. Just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the toaster when you’re ready to enjoy!
What Can I Use Instead of Honey or Sugar for Boiling?
If you don’t have honey or sugar on hand, you can use maple syrup or even malt syrup. These alternatives will still help achieve that lovely crust on your bagels.
Can I Add Other Mix-ins to the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can mix in nuts, dried fruits, or even spices like cinnamon. Just remember that additional ingredients may affect the dough’s hydration and texture, so adjust as necessary.
