Soft Honey Wheat Yogurt Bagels

Name: Soft Honey Wheat Yogurt Bagels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 bagels
Ingredients: 3 cups whole wheat flour; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1/4 cup honey; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup warm water; 1 egg (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Sugar & Whisk

I absolutely love making these Soft Honey Wheat Yogurt Bagels at home. They are so easy to prepare and bring a delightful aroma that fills my kitchen. The combination of honey and yogurt creates a subtle sweetness and a soft texture that's irresistible. I often enjoy them fresh from the oven with a light spread of cream cheese or butter. Whether for breakfast or a snack, these bagels have quickly become a family favorite that I love sharing with friends.

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2026-02-16T03:13:36.013Z

When I first decided to make these Soft Honey Wheat Yogurt Bagels, I was amazed at how simple the process was. The yogurt not only adds moisture but also helps the dough come together beautifully without requiring a lot of kneading. I like to mix my ingredients in a large bowl, ensuring everything is well incorporated before moving on to shaping the bagels.

After baking, the bagels emerge golden and soft, with a hint of sweetness from the honey that elevates their flavor profile. One tip I've learned is to allow them to cool slightly before slicing; this helps preserve their soft texture and prevents them from getting gummy inside.

Why You'll Love These Bagels
Soft, fluffy texture that stays fresh longer
A touch of honey sweetness enhances the flavor
Homemade bagels that impress family and friends

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of whole wheat flour not only enhances the nutritional profile of these bagels but also contributes to their unique flavor and texture. Whole wheat flour has a higher fiber content than all-purpose flour, giving the bagels a hearty quality and a slight nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of honey. If you're short on whole wheat flour, you can substitute up to half of it with all-purpose flour; however, keep in mind that this may alter the final texture and flavor.

Yogurt acts as a key ingredient in this recipe, providing moisture and richness to the dough. The acidity in yogurt helps to create a tender crumb while also activating the baking soda, which contributes to the bagels' fluffy texture. For a dairy-free option, you can use plant-based yogurt; just ensure it has a similar consistency to plain yogurt to maintain the dough's texture.

Kneading and Shaping Tips

When kneading the dough, aim for a glossy, smooth surface that springs back slightly when poked. If the dough feels too sticky, incorporate a small amount of additional flour, but be cautious not to overdo it, as too much flour can lead to dense bagels. Knead for about five minutes; you’ll know it’s ready when it becomes elastic and smooth, which is crucial for achieving that light and fluffy consistency that makes these bagels irresistible.

Shaping the bagels correctly is essential for their unique appearance. After rolling each piece into a ball, use your thumb to create a hole in the center, ensuring it is wide enough (about 2 inches) since the bagels will puff up during boiling and baking. This technique not only gives bagels their iconic shape but also helps them cook evenly. If you find that the bagels are shrinking back, let them rest for a few minutes before boiling.

Ingredients

For Bagels

3 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup warm water
1 egg (for egg wash)

Optional Toppings

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine yogurt and honey, then gently mix the dry ingredients with the wet until a dough forms.

Knead and Shape Bagels

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, rolling each into a ball and then shaping into a bagel by poking a hole in the center.

Boil and Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and boil each bagel for 1 minute on each side. Place them on a baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with toppings if desired.

Enjoy

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing and enjoy with your favorite spread.

Enjoy Your Bagels!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add poppy seeds or sesame seeds on top before baking. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Boiling Process Explained

Boiling the bagels before baking is a crucial step that creates their distinctive chewy texture and shiny crust. The brief boiling time—just one minute per side—helps set the outer layer of the bagel, ensuring it retains its shape when placed in the oven. If you're looking to enhance your bagels further, adding honey or baking soda to the boiling water can impart a richer flavor and darker crust.

Make sure the water is at a gentle boil, not a rolling boil, to prevent the bagels from being tossed around and losing their shape. Using a wide pot will make it easier to boil multiple bagels at once, allowing for even cooking and reducing the total time spent boiling.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Soft Honey Wheat Yogurt Bagels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To extend their freshness, consider freezing them. After baking, let the bagels cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, and you can easily reheat them by toasting directly from the freezer for the best texture.

For serving, I recommend slicing the bagels while still warm and spreading a layer of cream cheese or butter. You can also add fresh herbs, smoked salmon, or sliced avocado for a twist on the classic bagel experience. Feel free to experiment with toppings like sesame seeds or everything seasoning before baking to give your bagels an extra flavor boost.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used, but the texture will be lighter and less nutty.

→ How long do these bagels last?

They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or frozen for longer storage.

→ Can I make these bagels vegan?

You can substitute yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use a flax egg instead of the egg wash.

→ What spreads go best with these bagels?

Cream cheese, butter, or even avocado spread pairs wonderfully with these bagels.