Homemade Bagel Recipe

Title: 🥯✨ Homemade Bagel Recipe ✨🥯 Introduction: 👋 Rise and shine to the aroma of freshly baked bagels! 🌟 Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, making homemade bagels is a rewarding adventure. 🚀 With this simple recipe, you'll create golden-brown, chewy delights that rival your favorite bakery. So, grab your apron and let's embark on a journey to bagel bliss! 💪 Ingredients: 1. 🌾 3 ½ cups of bread flour 2. 🍯 2 tablespoons of honey 3. 🧂 1 ½ teaspoons of salt 4. 🥤 1 ¼ cups of warm water 5. 🥚 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash) 6. 🥯 Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning Instructions: 1. 🌊 In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, honey, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients. 2. 🥤 Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a shaggy dough forms. 3. 🥣 Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. 4. 🕰️ Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. 5. 🔥 Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 6. 🍩 After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball.