Blueberry bagels are a sweet morning treat that bursts with juicy blueberries. They’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, bringing a fruity flair to your day!
There’s something special about biting into a fresh bagel and finding those delightful blueberry surprises. I love to toast mine and spread a little cream cheese on top—yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This type of flour gives bagels their chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour but the texture won’t be as chewy.
Active Dry Yeast: You need this for the dough to rise. If you have instant yeast on hand, you can use that instead without needing to dissolve it in water.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are delicious, but you can use frozen ones too! Just remember, don’t thaw them before adding to the dough. It keeps the dough from getting too wet.
Sugar: Granulated sugar helps feed the yeast. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you could use honey or agave syrup instead. Just use a bit less than what’s called for.
Vegetable Oil or Butter: This is for a golden finish on the bagels. If you skip this step, that’s totally fine. The bagels will still taste great!
How Do I Knead the Dough for Perfect Bagels?
Kneading is the key to developing the gluten, giving bagels that chewy texture we love. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- After mixing your dough, turn it onto a lightly floured surface.
- Press the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, then fold it back towards you.
- Give it a quarter turn, and repeat the process for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth and elastic.
Don’t rush—if it feels sticky, sprinkle a little flour as needed, but try to avoid adding too much, which can make the bagels dense. Happy kneading!
How to Make Delicious Blueberry Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
For Optional Toppings:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter (optional, for brushing)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Cream cheese (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise. After that, you’ll need around 25-30 minutes to boil and bake the bagels. In total, expect to spend about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get your delicious blueberry bagels ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means your yeast is active and ready to help your bagels rise!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar, and salt. Mix it well so that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the foamy yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture. Stir it until you see a rough dough begin to form. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy at this stage—that’s perfectly fine!
4. Knead the Dough:
Now it’s time to knead! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic in texture. If it’s sticky, sprinkle a tiny bit of flour as needed.
5. Add the Blueberries:
Gently fold the blueberries into your dough. Be careful not to crush them too much, as you want those lovely pockets of blueberry goodness to remain intact!
6. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens—the dough will become light and fluffy!
7. Shape the Bagels:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and stretch it to about 2-3 inches in diameter to form your bagel shape.
8. Let Them Rest:
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to rest and rise for another 10-15 minutes while you get your oven ready.
9. Preheat and Prepare to Boil:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. This step is essential for getting that perfect bagel texture!
10. Boil the Bagels:
Boil the bagels in batches for 1 minute per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Boiling the bagels helps create a beautiful, chewy crust!
11. Optional Topping:
If you want a golden finish, brush the tops of the bagels with vegetable oil or melted butter before baking. This step is completely optional but adds a nice touch!
12. Bake the Bagels:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and deliciously aromatic!
13. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch, and serve with cream cheese for spreading!
Enjoy your freshly baked blueberry bagels filled with delightful blueberry pockets! Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for bread flour, but the texture will be denser. You may need to add a bit more water to the dough since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
How Can I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. They can be reheated directly from frozen in the toaster or microwave!
Can I Add Other Ingredients Besides Blueberries?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative! You can add chocolate chips, cinnamon, or even poppy seeds to the dough for different flavors. Just be mindful of the moisture content if you’re adding wet ingredients.
What Should I Do If My Dough Isn’t Rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, check that your yeast is fresh and that your water temperature wasn’t too hot or too cold. Ideally, the water should be around 110°F (43°C). If all else fails, give it a warmer spot to rise, like inside an oven that’s turned off but has the light on.
