Chocolate chip bagels are a fun twist on your classic bagel! Soft, chewy, and filled with sweet chocolatey goodness, they make the perfect breakfast or snack.
Trust me, these bagels will brighten your day. I love to toast them and spread a little cream cheese on top. Who can resist chocolate for breakfast? 🍫🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This is crucial for bagels, giving them that lovely chewiness. If you don’t have bread flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but the texture may be less chewy.
Sugar: I use sugar to help activate the yeast and enhance flavor. If you prefer a less sweet bagel, you can cut it down to 1/2 tablespoon or use honey or agave syrup instead.
Instant Yeast: Instant yeast is convenient since you can mix it directly with dry ingredients. If you only have active dry yeast, just dissolve it in warm water first before adding it to the flour mixture.
Chocolate Chips: Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips are my favorite for even distribution. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try dark chocolate chips or even dried fruit like cranberries or raisins!
Honey or Malt Syrup: This sweetener adds depth to the boiling water. If you don’t have either, brown sugar or even regular sugar works as a substitute.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping bagels can be tricky, but it’s easier than it seems! Follow these steps for a great bagel form:
- After dividing your dough, roll each piece into a ball. Make sure they are smooth and tight.
- Use your thumb to poke a hole in the center—don’t worry if it’s not perfect!
- Gently stretch the hole to form a ring, making sure it’s about 1-1½ inches wide, as it will shrink slightly during boiling.
- Place them on a parchment-lined sheet and let them rest before boiling.
Taking your time with this step will help each bagel hold its shape beautifully while they boil and bake!
How to Make Delicious Chocolate Chip Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 4 cups bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon honey or malt syrup (for boiling water)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 1 hour to let the dough rise, and then another hour for boiling and baking. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 2 hours to enjoy your freshly made bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Make sure they’re mixed well so that the yeast can work its magic. Then, slowly add the warm water while stirring the mixture. You want to form a soft dough.
2. Kneading:
Now, it’s time to knead! If you prefer doing it by hand, knead the dough for about 10 minutes. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead for about 6-7 minutes on medium speed, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Adding Chocolate Chips:
Once your dough is nice and stretchy, gently incorporate the mini chocolate chips by kneading them in. You want them evenly distributed throughout the dough, so take your time!
4. Letting It Rise:
Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for fluffy bagels!
5. Shaping the Bagels:
After rising, lightly punch down the dough to release any air. Divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use your thumb to poke a hole through the center. Gently stretch the hole to create the classic bagel shape.
6. Resting Before Boiling:
Place the shaped bagels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This brief rest will help them hold their shape during boiling.
7. Preparing to Boil:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, bring a large pot of water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the honey or malt syrup to the water; this adds flavor to the bagels.
8. Boiling the Bagels:
Carefully boil each bagel for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them back on the baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
9. Topping and Baking:
While the bagels are still wet, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top. Then, pop them into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and look delicious!
10. Cooling and Enjoying:
Once baked, take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Allowing them to cool will make them perfect for slicing and toasting!
Enjoy your fresh, chewy chocolate chip bagels! They are perfect for breakfast or as a delicious snack any time of the day!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the bagels may not have that same chewy texture. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps create the classic bagel chewiness.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They should stay fresh for about 2-3 months.
Can I Make These Bagels Without Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! You can omit the chocolate chips entirely or substitute them with other add-ins like dried fruits, nuts, or seeds for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind the weight of the add-ins should be similar to maintain the dough consistency.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be because the yeast is expired or the water was too hot or too cold. Make sure the water is around 110°F (45°C) to activate the yeast properly. If you suspect the yeast is inactive, a quick test is to mix it with warm water and a pinch of sugar; if it bubbles after a few minutes, it’s good to use!
