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As autumn paints the world in warm hues and crisp air fills our mornings, there’s a certain magic that unfolds in my kitchen. Recently, the scent of pumpkin spice wafted through the air, rekindling childhood memories of holiday gatherings. This inspired me to create a special treat: Homemade Pumpkin Bagels with Honey Pecan Cream Cheese. These delightful bagels, infused with rich pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and a hint of pumpkin pie spice, capture the essence of fall in every bite.

Imagine waking up to a perfect bagel—chewy, golden, and slightly sweet—prompting you to savor each moment. The addition of fluffy honey pecan cream cheese elevates this simple comfort food into a celebratory dish, whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast or hosting friends. The ease of preparing these bagels makes them not just a seasonal indulgence but also a fun kitchen adventure. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that promises to fill your home with all the warmth and flavors autumn has to offer!

Why love making Pumpkin Bagels at home?

Homemade Magic: Crafting your own pumpkin bagels allows you to customize flavors and ingredients to fit your preferences.
Fall Flavors: This recipe bursts with rich pumpkin spice that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
Easy to Make: With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll create delicious bagels that impress everyone.
Perfectly Pairs: Serve them with coffee or spiced tea for a cozy breakfast experience that warms the soul.
Nutty Indulgence: The honey pecan cream cheese adds a delightful twist, transforming breakfast into a special treat.
Indulge in these tasty pumpkin bagels that are sure to become a fall favorite!

Pumpkin Bagel Ingredients

• Bring the delightful world of Pumpkin Bagels to your kitchen with these simple ingredients!

For the Bagels

Warm Water – Activates yeast; use water around 115°F (46°C) for optimal yeast activation.
Active Dry Yeast – This leavening agent is essential for bagels; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise!
Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture and a rich flavor; homemade puree works wonderfully as a substitute.
Brown Sugar – This sweetener helps with fermentation; light brown sugar can be used for similar results.
Bread Flour – Provides structure and chewiness; substituting with all-purpose flour is possible but may alter texture.
Cinnamon – A warm spice that adds depth; feel free to increase the amount for a spicier flavor.
Pumpkin Pie Spice – This blend heightens fall flavors; can easily be homemade or store-bought as needed.
Coarse Kosher Sea Salt – Enhances flavor balance; you can opt for regular table salt in a pinch.
Baking Soda or Malt Extract – Used during boiling for that chewy bagel crust; baking soda is a more common choice.
Egg White + Water – Creates a shiny glaze for the bagels pre-baking.
Unsalted Butter – Adds a lovely flavor to the topping; it can be left out for a lighter version.
Brown Sugar (Optional) – For a touch of sweetness on the topping.

For the Honey Pecan Cream Cheese Spread

Cream Cheese – Serves as the rich base for the spread; consider using light cream cheese for a lower-calorie option.
Honey – Adds the perfect hint of sweetness; maple syrup can serve as a delicious alternative.
Vanilla Extract – This enhances the cream cheese flavor; it’s optional if you’re aiming for simplicity.
Chopped Pecans – Contributes a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; walnuts can replace these, or simply omit for a nut-free version.

Gather these ingredients and prepare yourself for the magical experience of making your very own Pumpkin Bagels that evoke the warmth of fall!

How to Make Pumpkin Bagels

Proof Yeast: Start by mixing warm water, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes; this means your yeast is active and ready to go!
Combine Ingredients: In a stand mixer, blend pumpkin puree and brown sugar until smooth. Carefully add the yeast mixture to ensure a well-combined base for your bagels.
Make Dough: Gradually incorporate bread flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt into the mix. Knead with a dough hook until you achieve a sticky dough, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
First Rise: Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, covering it with a clean towel. Wait patiently for 1-2 hours until the dough has doubled in size.
Shape Bagels: Once risen, gently punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ring, making sure to form a nice hole in the middle.
Chill: Let the shaped bagels rest for 10 minutes. If you want extra flavor, you can chill them in the refrigerator for about 8 hours.
Preheat Oven: Place an oven-safe dish filled with water at the bottom of the oven and preheat it to 450°F (232°C). This will create steam for a perfect crust!
Boil Bagels: Boil each bagel in water with baking soda for 45 seconds on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they puff up slightly.
Bake Bagels: Brush the top of each bagel with the egg wash. Optionally, sprinkle some brown sugar on top for extra sweetness. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cream Cheese Spread: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Stir in honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and chopped pecans until well combined.

Optional: Serve with a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Pumpkin Bagels are perfect for busy mornings when you need a homemade touch with minimal effort! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, allowing it to rise in the refrigerator, which not only saves time but also enhances the flavor. Simply shape the bagels and chill them overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy them, boil and bake as directed, achieving the same deliciousness without the morning rush. Additionally, the honey pecan cream cheese can be made up to 3 days ahead. Just refrigerate it in an airtight container, and give it a good stir before serving, ensuring your breakfast remains just as delightful!

Storage Tips for Pumpkin Bagels

Room Temperature: Keep bagels in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This ensures they stay fresh and delicious.
Fridge: If you want to extend their life, refrigerate bagels in an airtight container for up to 7 days, but they may lose some chewiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze pumpkin bagels in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: Reheat bagels in the toaster or oven to restore their chewy texture and warmth, making them feel freshly baked!

Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bagels

Temperature Matters: Ensure the water is around 115°F to activate the yeast properly. Too hot or too cold can yield poor results.
Knead Time: Don’t rush the kneading; aim for about 5-7 minutes to develop gluten, resulting in a chewy texture in your pumpkin bagels.
Don’t Skip the Boil: Boiling the bagels before baking is essential for creating that signature chewy crust. Avoid over-boiling each side to prevent dense bagels.
Flavor Boost: Feel free to increase the cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a more intense fall flavor. Adjusting these can make a world of difference!
Chill for Flavor: Consider chilling your bagels for 8 hours; this step enhances the flavors and creates a better bagel texture.
Customize Cream Cheese: Experiment with different nuts in the cream cheese spread for a unique twist. Pecans add a lovely crunch, but walnuts work great too!

What to Serve with Pumpkin Bagels with Honey Pecan Cream Cheese?

Imagine creating a breakfast feast that warms your heart and fuels your day while featuring the delightful pumpkin bagels you just made!

Fresh Fruit Medley: A colorful mix of apples, pears, and grapes adds a refreshing contrast to the rich bagels, brightening your breakfast.
Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai complement the pumpkin flavor beautifully while wrapping you in cozy comfort.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup enhances the sweetness of the cream cheese spread, adding an irresistible touch.
Crispy Bacon Strips: The savory crunch of bacon offers a delightful textural contrast and balances the sweetness of the bagels perfectly.
Autumn Salad: A salad with spinach, cranberries, walnuts, and feta provides a fresh, tangy counterpoint and captures the essence of the season.
Caramelized Apples: Sautéed apples with cinnamon create a warm, decadent topping that pairs heavenly with your pumpkin bagels.
Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea, like peppermint or chamomile, rounds out the meal and provides a refreshing kick.

Serve these alongside your pumpkin bagels for a delightful and heartwarming breakfast spread!

Pumpkin Bagel Variations

Feel free to get creative and personalize your pumpkin bagels to tantalize your taste buds with delightful twists!

Sweet Surprise: Add dried cranberries or chocolate chips to the dough for a surprising pop of sweetness that complements the pumpkin flavor.
Nutty Substitution: Swap pecans in the cream cheese spread for almonds or walnuts for a different nutty profile, enhancing the creaminess.
Crispy Seeds: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top of the bagels before baking for added texture and a nutty crunch.
Heat It Up: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the dough for a surprising kick that balances the sweetness.
Savory Spin: Mix chopped green onions or herbs like rosemary into the cream cheese spread for a savory contrast to the sweet bagels.
Vegan Option: Substitute plant-based cream cheese and agave syrup for a dairy-free version that doesn’t compromise on flavor, perfect for those on a vegan diet.
Spice It Up: Increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice in the dough for a deeper, more intense fall flavor that envelops each bite.
Fruity Fusion: Blend in zest from an orange or lemon into the dough for a refreshing citrus note that brightens your pumpkin bagels.

Pumpkin Bagels with Honey Pecan Cream Cheese Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Make sure to select pure pumpkin puree without any added spices or sugars for the best flavor. I often use homemade puree for a unique touch, simply by roasting fresh pumpkins, scooping out the flesh, and blending it until smooth!

What’s the best way to store homemade pumpkin bagels?
For optimal freshness, store your pumpkin bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last even longer, refrigerate them for up to 7 days, though they may lose some of their delightful chewiness.

Can I freeze pumpkin bagels?
Yes, you can! Wrap each cooled pumpkin bagel tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them overnight at room temperature before toasting!

What if my bagels don’t rise?
If you notice that your bagels aren’t rising as expected, it might be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated by using warm water around 115°F (46°C) with a pinch of sugar before combining it with the other ingredients. If your yeast mixture doesn’t foam after 5-10 minutes, it’s best to start over with new yeast.

Can these pumpkin bagels be made vegan?
Very! You can easily make these bagels vegan by substituting the egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and a dash of maple syrup for shine. For the cream cheese spread, use a vegan cream cheese alternative and opt for agave syrup instead of honey.

Are these bagels safe for pets?
While pumpkin itself is safe for dogs, be cautious about the pecans and any sweeteners used in the cream cheese spread. Nuts can be harmful to dogs, and sweeteners like xylitol are toxic. It’s best to keep these delicious pumpkin bagels as a treat just for you!