Pumpkin-shaped bagel lovers, this one’s for you. These adorable bagels are more than just cute—they’re soft, chewy, and perfect for fall gatherings or cozy mornings at home. Shaped like little pumpkins and made with rich, golden dough, each pumpkin-shaped bagel brings together fun presentation and bakery-style flavor.
You’ll learn how to color, shape, and boil them to get that perfect glossy finish. Whether you’re new to bagel-making or just want something seasonal and fun, this step-by-step recipe breaks it down for you. Get ready to impress guests or treat yourself with this festive take on the classic bagel.
Table of Contents
Bringing the Pumpkin-Shaped Bagel to Life
A Homemade Pumpkin-Shaped Bagel Story
The first time I made a pumpkin-shaped bagel, I didn’t expect it to become a fall tradition. It started one chilly October when I was looking for a creative way to bring some autumn spirit to our breakfast table. I had made bagels before, but turning them into pumpkins with twine, food coloring, and a little imagination? That was new—and instantly charming.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting something both delicious and adorable. These bagels hit the sweet spot. They look like they belong on a festive table setting, yet they’re humble enough for a cozy Sunday morning with cream cheese and coffee.
If you’re someone who enjoys baking projects that double as art, you’ll love making these. Shaping the orange dough, adding the green “stem,” and watching the grooves form during the rise and bake—each step brings the pumpkin-shaped bagel to life. It’s hands-on, kid-friendly, and a great way to get the whole house smelling like fall.
Inspired by other seasonal treats like my Pumpkin Spice Sandwich Cookies and rustic Zucchini Apple Pie, this recipe became a must every autumn. And honestly, once you see how excited people get when they bite into one, you’ll be hooked too.
Why You’ll Love This Bagel Recipe
This isn’t just about how it looks. The dough is rich thanks to warm milk, butter, and honey, making each bite tender and flavorful. Boiling the bagels in honeyed water adds a classic chew, while the egg wash gives them that warm bakery shine. Every pumpkin-shaped bagel is a little bundle of fall comfort—and once you make a dozen, you’ll be tempted to make them every weekend.
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Pumpkin-Shaped Bagel Recipe – 1 Fun Trick for Festive Baking
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bagels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fun and festive pumpkin-shaped bagels with soft, chewy texture and golden crust. Perfect for fall breakfasts or brunch spreads.
Ingredients
1 cup warm milk
4 Tablespoons soft butter
2 Tablespoons honey (plus ½ cup for boiling)
1 egg (white for dough, yolk for brushing)
½ teaspoon salt
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
3½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornmeal (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix warm milk and honey. Sprinkle yeast and let foam (5 mins).
2. Add softened butter, egg white, salt, and flour. Mix until combined.
3. Separate ¼ cup dough; color green. Color rest of dough orange. Knead both until smooth.
4. Let both doughs rise 1 hour, covered.
5. Divide green dough into 12 logs. Divide orange into 12 balls, folding edges under.
6. Make a center hole in orange dough, insert green dough.
7. Wrap loosely with cord to shape pumpkins. Let rise 1 more hour.
8. Boil water with ½ cup honey. Boil bagels 1 minute per side.
9. Dip bottoms in cornmeal (optional). Brush tops with egg yolk + water.
10. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes until golden. Cool completely before cutting cords.
Notes
Use gel food coloring for best results.
Don’t wrap cords tightly—bagels need room to expand.
Add cinnamon or pumpkin spice for extra fall flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Boil and Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: pumpkin-shaped bagel, fall baking, festive bagels
Dough and Coloring – Shaping the Pumpkin Magic
How to Make the Perfect Pumpkin Bagel Dough
Making the dough for a pumpkin-shaped bagel starts with ingredients that add softness and subtle sweetness. Warm milk, butter, and honey blend beautifully, creating a dough that’s not only easy to work with but also flavorful. You’ll sprinkle in active dry yeast and wait until it turns bubbly—that’s when you know the magic’s starting.
Next comes flour, egg white, and a pinch of salt. Mix it until everything comes together into a soft, pliable dough. This is where the fun begins. To create the iconic pumpkin look, you’ll divide the dough: a small piece gets tinted green for the “stem,” while the larger portion is colored orange for the pumpkin body.
Don’t rush the mixing—kneading helps develop the gluten structure that gives your pumpkin-shaped bagel its signature chew. A dough hook will save you time, but kneading by hand works just as well. After the color’s fully incorporated, let the dough rest until it’s doubled in size.
Coloring Tips for a Bright Pumpkin Finish
Food coloring is optional, but if you want your bagels to truly pop, orange and green make all the difference. Gel food coloring works best because it’s concentrated and doesn’t water down the dough. Start with a few drops—you can always add more.
While the dough rests, you’ll notice the colors brighten even more. This recipe’s visual appeal reminds me of the vibrant touches in recipes like these Zucchini Pizza Bites or Blueberry Zucchini Bread. Those pops of color aren’t just fun—they make the whole process feel festive.
Once your dough is ready and beautifully colored, you’re all set for shaping. And trust me, that’s where the pumpkin magic really begins.
Shaping and Stringing Your Pumpkin-Shaped Bagel
Creating That Iconic Pumpkin Form
Once your colored dough has risen, it’s time to shape each pumpkin-shaped bagel into a tiny autumn masterpiece. Begin by dividing the orange dough into 12 equal portions. Flatten each into a ball, folding the edges underneath to create a round, plump shape. This technique helps the bagels bake evenly and hold their structure.
With your finger, gently poke a hole in the center of each dough ball—this is where the “stem” goes. Roll your green dough into 12 small logs and insert one into each center hole. It’s a fun, hands-on step that even kids love helping with. These little stems bake up perfectly, giving your bagels their final pumpkin personality.
How to Wrap the Twine (Without Overdoing It)
The magic detail that transforms these into pumpkin-shaped bagels is the string. You’ll use kitchen-safe twine or cord, wrapping each dough ball loosely from top to bottom, rotating to make six to eight segments. Tie it gently underneath—don’t pull too tight, or the dough won’t rise properly.
After shaping, let the bagels rest one more time so the gluten relaxes and the grooves form naturally. This helps create those round, plump pumpkin ridges once baked. If you’ve ever tried detailed recipes like these Churro Cheesecake Bars or Cottage Cheese Bread, you already know that a little extra time and attention makes a huge difference.
Shaping these is like carving pumpkins—but way more rewarding when you get to eat the results. After this rise, you’re ready to boil, bake, and bring your festive fall creations to life.
Boiling, Baking, and Serving Pumpkin-Shaped Bagels
The Boiling Step for That Classic Chew
Before baking, your pumpkin-shaped bagel needs one more important step—boiling. This is what gives a bagel its shiny crust and signature chewiness. Boil water in a large pot and stir in ½ cup of honey. The honey adds a subtle sweetness and helps the crust turn golden in the oven.
Carefully lower each bagel into the water. Let it simmer for one minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to flip them gently. As they boil, you’ll notice the dough begin to firm up. Remove the bagels and let them dry on a wire rack. This quick bath sets their shape beautifully.
(Optional but recommended: dip the bottoms in cornmeal for extra crunch and rustic appeal.)
Final Bake and Serving Ideas
Now it’s time for the grand finale. Preheat your oven to 400°F with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. While it heats, whisk your reserved egg yolk with a tablespoon of water and brush the tops of each bagel. This egg wash gives them that glossy, golden finish.
Bake for about 15 minutes or until your kitchen smells like cozy fall mornings. Let the bagels cool completely before gently snipping off the cords. What you’re left with is a tray full of gorgeous, golden pumpkin-shaped bagels—crackly on the outside, soft on the inside.
Serve them simply with cream cheese, apple butter, or a dollop of whipped cinnamon ricotta. For more fall baking inspiration, check out our Snickerdoodle Banana Bread or Christmas Eve Custard Pie—both perfect companions to your pumpkin creations.
Whether for a brunch table, lunchbox surprise, or just a cheerful breakfast, these pumpkin bagels are guaranteed to draw smiles.
Conclusion
Making a pumpkin-shaped bagel is more than just baking—it’s crafting something joyful, festive, and absolutely delicious. From the soft, buttery dough to the creative shaping and golden bake, each bagel is a mini celebration of fall. Whether you’re surprising your family at brunch or prepping for a cozy seasonal gathering, this recipe delivers both style and flavor.
Once you make your first batch, you’ll see why it’s worth the little extra effort. And with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this is a project that’s as approachable as it is impressive. So grab some twine, warm up your kitchen, and enjoy the fun of baking these charming, chewy pumpkin bagels.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin-Shaped Bagels
Does Panera have a pumpkin bagel?
Yes, Panera Bread does offer a pumpkin bagel seasonally, typically during the fall months. It’s sweet, spiced, and often paired with pumpkin cream cheese. However, it’s not shaped like a pumpkin—so making your own pumpkin-shaped bagel at home adds a creative and festive twist that Panera can’t match.
Do pumpkin bagels taste like pumpkin?
Most pumpkin bagels have a mild pumpkin flavor that’s enhanced with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. In this homemade pumpkin-shaped bagel recipe, there’s no pumpkin purée—so the flavor comes more from honey and golden crust. You can easily customize the dough with pumpkin spice or add pumpkin purée for a richer taste.
What is a za’atar bagel?
A za’atar bagel is a savory Middle Eastern-style bagel topped with za’atar seasoning, a mix of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. While it’s not related to the sweet, festive flavor of a pumpkin-shaped bagel, both styles show just how creative you can get with bagels—whether you go sweet, savory, or seasonal.
What toppings go on pumpkin bagels?
Pumpkin bagels pair well with sweet and creamy toppings. Try whipped cream cheese, honey butter, maple walnut spread, or apple cinnamon jam. For a fall-inspired combo, pair your pumpkin-shaped bagel with spiced chai tea or a pumpkin spice latte. The presentation is cute—but the flavors are comforting and real.