Spiced Pumpkin Cottage Bagels

Name: Spiced Pumpkin Cottage Bagels
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup cottage cheese; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 egg (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Family Baking Recipes

I absolutely love baking bagels, and when I discovered the delightful combination of pumpkin and spices, I knew I had to create a recipe for Spiced Pumpkin Cottage Bagels. These bagels come out soft and fluffy, perfectly capturing the essence of fall in every bite. With the fragrant notes of cinnamon and nutmeg blended with creamy cottage cheese, they're not just tasty but also a wholesome breakfast option. I can’t wait for you to try them; they’ll make your mornings feel a little more special!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-25T16:53:35.050Z

Baking these Spiced Pumpkin Cottage Bagels was an experiment that turned out to be a delightful surprise. I combined my go-to bagel recipe with pureed pumpkin and cottage cheese, which not only added moisture but also infused the bagels with a complex depth of flavor. The addition of spices really transports me to a cozy autumn morning.

What truly amazed me was how the bagels held their shape while baking, inflating beautifully and creating a chewy outer crust. I recommend letting the dough rest adequately; it really helps with the texture. Each bagel becomes a little piece of fall magic!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A wonderful blend of pumpkin and warm spices for a cozy flavor
Soft and fluffy texture, thanks to the cottage cheese
Perfect for breakfast or a snack, bringing a cheerful start to your day

Creating the Perfect Dough

The foundation of these Spiced Pumpkin Cottage Bagels is the dough, which benefits significantly from the creamy texture of cottage cheese. This ingredient not only adds moisture but also contributes to the bagels’ unique softness. When combining the dry ingredients, be sure to mix them thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors; this will give you those cozy, spiced tastes that shine through.

After mixing the ingredients, you may feel the dough is a bit sticky, which is typical with doughs containing pumpkin puree. If you find it too challenging to work with, sprinkle in a little extra flour, just a tablespoon at a time, until it's manageable. Kneading should be done until the dough is smooth and elastic, usually about five minutes. This step is crucial for developing the gluten structure.

Boiling for a Chewy Texture

Boiling the bagels is a critical step that differentiates them from other baked goods like breads. This simmers the bagels in water, which helps to set their shape and create that characteristic chewy crust. Aim for a rolling boil; a pot large enough should allow for the bagels to float freely without overcrowding, which could lead to uneven cooking. You can add a tablespoon of honey or malt syrup to the water for extra flavor.

When boiling, keep an eye on the timer for about 1-2 minutes on each side to ensure they’re fully cooked. You want them slightly firm to the touch and just starting to puff up; this will result in a perfect chewy bite once baked. After boiling, place them on a parchment-lined tray, ensuring they’re not touching, which helps them brown nicely during baking.

Elevating the Bagels with Toppings

Once your bagels are boiled and brushed with an egg wash, consider adding toppings to elevate their flavor profile. Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt can add a delightful crunch and visual appeal. Alternatively, for an autumn twist, you could mix in chopped nuts or crushed pumpkin seeds directly into the dough, creating a delightful texture variation.

Storing your bagels properly is key to maintaining their freshness. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days, but if you want to extend their shelf life, freeze them in an airtight container. To enjoy later, just pop them in the toaster when you're ready for a delicious breakfast or snack. For serving, they pair wonderfully with cream cheese or a simple spread of butter and cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients

For the Bagels

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the pumpkin puree and cottage cheese, mixing until a dough forms.

Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Then, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.

Shape the Bagels

After the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center to form a bagel shape.

Boil the Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the bagels, boiling them for 1-2 minutes on each side, then remove and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Beat the egg and brush it over the bagels. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try experimenting with different spices like ginger or cloves in your bagel dough. Also, feel free to top your bagels with seeds like sesame or poppy for extra texture.

Tips for Substitutions

For those looking to make a dairy-free version of these bagels, you can easily substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based yogurt or a silken tofu blended until smooth. This will retain the moisture and add a slight creaminess similar to cottage cheese. Furthermore, if you're avoiding sugar, consider using a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave to replace the granulated sugar, though you may need to adjust the amount since they are liquid sweeteners.

If you're preparing these bagels for a gluten-free diet, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep in mind that the dough's consistency might vary slightly, and you may need to add additional liquid to achieve the right texture during kneading.

Storage and Freezing Tips

To store your Spiced Pumpkin Cottage Bagels, let them cool completely before placing them in a sealed container at room temperature. For longer storage, vacuum-sealing them or using a resealable plastic bag before freezing will help preserve their texture and flavor. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible; this prevents freezer burn and maintains their freshness for up to three months.

When ready to enjoy a frozen bagel, there’s no need to defrost them; simply pop them into a toaster directly from the freezer. A few minutes on medium-high heat will revive their soft and fluffy interior while giving them a freshly baked crust. You can also reheat them in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes for an added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Spiced Pumpkin Cottage Bagels warm, straight from the oven or reheated, with an array of toppings to complement their hearty flavor. A smear of cream cheese mixed with a bit of maple syrup or cinnamon can enhance the pumpkin spices beautifully. Add slices of smoked salmon or turkey for a filling breakfast option that pairs well with coffee or chai tea.

Looking for a unique snack option? Slice a cooled bagel in half and toast it before topping it with apple butter or pumpkin butter for a delightful afternoon treat. These bagels are not only a great breakfast choice but also versatile enough to enjoy throughout the day, making them a favorite for any time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure to puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth before using it in the recipe.

→ How do I store leftover bagels?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I make these bagels gluten-free?

Certainly! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to replace the regular flour in the recipe.

→ What can I serve with these bagels?

These bagels are great with cream cheese, butter, or even pumpkin spice spread for an extra indulgent treat.