Chocolate Bagels: Your New Favorite Snack

Alright, let’s talk about something that’ll tickle your taste buds and make your brunch game seriously next-level: chocolate bagels! Imagine a chewy, delicious bagel, but with a rich chocolate twist. Sounds amazing, right? Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be saying goodbye to plain old bagels for good. And what’s even better? I’m going to walk you through a super simple recipe that’ll make your kitchen smell like a cocoa wonderland. 🍫🥯

So, grab your apron, because I’m diving into why you’ll love this recipe and how to whip these bad boys up in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of ingredients and instructions, let’s quickly cover why you’re going to adore making these chocolate bagels:

• Unique Flavor: They’re not your typical bagels—chocolate brings a sweet twist that makes every bite exciting.
• Versatile Toppings: You can top them with cream cheese, chocolate spread, or anything your heart desires—hello, brunch perfection!
• Fun to Make: Baking is a blast, and making bagels at home is an impressive skill to show off (even if your friends never have to know how easy it really is).
• Perfect for Kids: If you’ve got little ones running around, they’ll love helping you mix, shape, and sprinkle these yummy treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list! Grab these goodies to get started:

• 400 g bread flour (100%)
• 32 g cocoa powder (8%)
• 2.5 g instant dry yeast (0.6%) for overnight version
• 4 g instant dry yeast (1%) for the same-day version
• 24-40 g sugar (6-10%) depending on how sweet you prefer it
• 8 g salt (2%)
• 12 ml oil (3%)
• 280-288 ml water (70-72%)

Optional Ingredients

• Chocolate salt bread bagels: 20 g butter + 20 g chocolate per 125-130 g bagel dough
• Cream cheese and chocolate: ~25 g cream cheese + 20 g chocolate per 125-130 g bagel dough
• Chocolate chips: 25 g chocolate per 125-130 g bagel dough

How to Make Chocolate Bagels (Step-by-Step)

Ready to turn that list into something scrumptious? Let’s break this down into easy steps!

STEP 1: Preliminary Notes

If you’re planning to make these overnight, use the first version of instant yeast (2.5 g). If you’re a “make it now” kinda person, go for the 4 g instant yeast.

STEP 2: Make the Dough

In a bowl, combine your flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. It’s like making a chocolatey cloud! Then mix in the yeast.

STEP 3: Stand Mixer Method (Preferred)

Once your dry ingredients are ready, add in the water and oil. Mix for about 8–10 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough. You can totally do this by hand, but hey, who doesn’t love the ease of a stand mixer?

STEP 4: By Hand Method

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can knead the dough by hand for about 12–15 minutes. Just make sure it’s smooth and elastic. Trust me, you’ll feel accomplished!

STEP 5: First Fermentation

Get a clean bowl, lightly oil it, and toss in your dough. Cover it up and let it sit for about 1–2 hours or until it doubles in size. Feel free to binge-watch a show while you wait. 😉

STEP 6: Divide & Pre-Shape

Now comes the fun part: punch down that dough! (It’s oddly satisfying.) Then divide it into 8–10 equal pieces, depending on how big you want your bagels. Shape each piece into a ball, then let them rest for a few minutes.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Give It Time: Just like wine, good things take time. Let your dough ferment for the best flavor.
• Bagel Shapes: Make sure your bagels are bagel-shaped (circle with a hole!). You want that signature look, after all!
• Boil for Texture: Boiling your bagels before baking creates that nice crust—don’t skip this step!
• Experiment Boldly: Feel free to add more chocolate or different toppings according to your taste buds!

Fun Variations & Topping Ideas

Variations:

• Nutty Chocolate: Toss in some nuts for a bit of crunch!
• Swirly Goodness: Make a chocolate and hazelnut swirl—“fancy” isn’t a requirement but it’s a fun look!

Toppings:

• Cream Cheese: The classic—mix in some cocoa powder with cream cheese for a chocolatey kick.
• Nut Butters: Almond or peanut butter pair surprisingly well with chocolate!
• Fruits: Slices of banana or fresh strawberries = instant happiness.

Storing and Reheating

You’ll want to keep your bagels fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
• Reheat: Pop them in the toaster or microwave for a quick heat-up—and fancy your plate if you’re feeling extra!

Leftover Ideas

What do you do with those leftover bagels? Here are a couple of ideas:

• Chocolate Bagel French Toast: Slice ‘em up, dip in egg and milk, and cook like French toast—hello, brunch winner!
• Bagel Sandwiches: Use them for sweet or savory sandwiches. Cream cheese with veggies? Yes, please!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if my dough isn’t rising?

If you’re in a cold kitchen, try placing it near a warm oven. Yeast loves warmth!

Can I freeze these bagels?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re wrapped tightly. Freeze them, and when you’re ready, thaw and reheat.

How do I know when my bagels are done baking?

When they’re golden brown and sound hollow when you tap them, you’re golden (pun intended).

Conclusion

So there you have it—the perfect recipe for chocolate bagels that’ll brighten your mornings (or afternoons… no judgment here!). 🥯💕 Whether you choose to enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or as a tantalizing dessert, these bagels are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Now, go ahead and whip up a batch, and when you do, I’d love to hear all about your chocolate bagel adventures! Don’t forget to drop a comment and give this recipe a rating. Happy baking!