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Fluffy Heart-Shaped Bagels to Love Easy Homemade Recipe for Beginners

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These fluffy heart-shaped bagels combine a soft, tender crumb with a classic chewy crust, perfect for cozy breakfasts, romantic brunches, or special occasions. Made with simple ingredients and boiled before baking, they deliver authentic bagel flavor with a fun twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • Water for boiling
  • 2 tablespoons malt syrup or honey (optional but recommended for boiling)
  • Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add honey, oil, salt, and about 3 cups (360g) of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup (60g) flour as needed and knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes or with a stand mixer for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Shape the dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces (about 120g each). Roll each into a ball and shape into hearts by flattening slightly, pinching one end to a point, and making a small indentation at the top center.
  6. Place shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add malt syrup or honey.
  8. Boil bagels in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until they float and develop a shiny skin. Remove with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place back on the baking sheet.
  9. Sprinkle toppings if desired while bagels are still wet.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Bagels should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  11. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use water at about 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast properly. Knead dough until smooth and elastic but not dry. Boiling bagels before baking is essential for authentic chewy crust. If dough is sticky, add flour sparingly. Check bagels at 18 minutes if oven runs hot to avoid over-browning. Malt syrup in boiling water adds authentic flavor and shiny crust but honey can be used as a substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: heart-shaped bagels, fluffy bagels, homemade bagels, easy bagel recipe, beginner baking, malt syrup bagels, sweet bagels, chewy bagels

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