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Cozy Pumpkin Bagels Recipe with Easy Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Spread

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A tender, chewy pumpkin bagel recipe infused with warming spices and paired with a sweet brown sugar cream cheese spread. Perfect for cozy fall mornings or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 g), plus extra for dusting
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (about 240 g), canned or homemade
  • 1/2 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (50 g), light or dark
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the pumpkin puree and activated yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
  5. First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl, place dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the bagels: Punch down dough, divide into 8 equal pieces (~100g each), roll into balls, poke a hole in center and stretch to form bagels.
  7. Second rise: Place shaped bagels on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy but not doubled.
  8. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Optionally add honey or baking soda to water.
  9. Boil bagels: Drop 2-3 bagels at a time into boiling water, boil 1-2 minutes per side, remove with slotted spoon and return to baking sheet.
  10. Bake bagels for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and firm, rotating halfway through.
  11. Cool bagels on a wire rack completely before spreading with cream cheese mixture.
  12. Prepare brown sugar cream cheese spread: Beat softened cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and fluffy. Chill until ready to use.

Notes

Boiling the bagels before baking is essential for the classic chewy texture. Use warm water (not hot) to activate yeast properly. For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum. For vegan, use plant-based cream cheese and substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup. Store bagels in airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bagels, fall recipe, brown sugar cream cheese, cozy breakfast, pumpkin puree, homemade bagels, autumn snack

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/cozy-pumpkin-bagels-recipe-with-easy-brown-sugar-cream-cheese-spread/