Rainbow bagels are a fun twist on the classic breakfast favorite! Bright colors swirl together in these chewy bagels, making them perfect for a cheerful morning treat.
When I make these, I can’t help but smile! They’re so pretty, and I love pulling them apart to see all the colors. Spread on some cream cheese, and you’ve got a breakfast winner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water: Warm water (about 110°F / 43°C) is critical for activating the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, just test the water with your wrist – it should feel warm, not hot.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar works to feed the yeast and create a nice rise. You can use honey or maple syrup instead, just keep in mind it might change the flavor slightly.
Bread Flour: This flour gives bagels their chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour can work too, but the texture may be a bit softer.
Malt powder/barley malt syrup: This is optional but adds that classic bagel taste. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use a bit of honey as a substitute.
Food Coloring Gels: Choose your favorite colors to make these bagels pop! If you have liquid food coloring, use less, as it’s more concentrated. You can also skip coloring for a classic bagel.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping your bagels correctly helps them hold together while boiling and baking. Follow these steps for best results:
- After twisting your colored ropes into a single rope, shape it into a circle, overlapping the ends slightly.
- Press the ends firmly together; this ensures they don’t separate during boiling.
- Avoid rolling the dough too thin; it should have enough thickness to hold its shape.
How to Make Rainbow Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 4 cups bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tbsp malt powder or barley malt syrup (optional, for authentic flavor)
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- Food coloring gels (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple) – choose your colors
For Boiling and Toppings:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing bowl)
- 1 tbsp baking soda (for boiling)
- Water (for boiling)
- Sprinkles or toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc. (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and colorful recipe will take about 2 hours total. You’ll spend about 30 minutes preparing the dough and shaping the bagels, then they need 30-45 minutes to rise. The boiling and baking will take an additional 30 minutes. Get ready for some vibrant creations!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, malt powder (if you’re using it), and salt. Once mixed, pour in the foamy yeast mixture. Knead everything together until you get a smooth, elastic dough. If you’re doing this by hand, it will take about 8-10 minutes; if you’re using a stand mixer, it should take about 5-6 minutes.
3. Color the Dough:
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Now it’s time to add some color! Add a few drops of different food coloring gels to each portion and knead just enough to incorporate the color. Be mindful not to over-knead; you want to keep the colors distinct and fun!
4. Shape the Bagels:
Roll each colored portion into a long rope about 12-14 inches long. Then, twist all the colored ropes together to create a beautiful multi-colored swirl. Form this twisted rope into a circle and press the ends together tightly to make it look like a bagel.
5. Let Them Rise:
Place your shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them lightly with a damp towel and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until they are nice and puffy. While they’re rising, you can preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Boil the Bagels:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. This helps give bagels their chewy texture. Gently drop 2-3 bagels into the boiling water. Boil them for 1 minute on each side, then carefully remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain.
7. Bake the Bagels:
Put the boiled bagels back on the baking sheet. If you like, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or seeds on top while they are still wet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and firm to the touch.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool. Now they’re ready to enjoy! Serve them plain, or with your favorite cream cheese or spreads for an extra treat.
Enjoy your vibrant and fun homemade Rainbow Bagels!
Can I Use Different Colors for the Bagels?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any colors you like for a fun twist. Just remember that if you’re using liquid food coloring, use less since it’s more concentrated than gel.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is just warm (not hot) when activating it. Always store unopened yeast in a cool, dry place for longevity.
Can I Make These Bagels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the bagels, then cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. Just remember to let them come to room temperature and rise before boiling and baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw and toast them for a fresh taste!
