There’s nothing better than warm, freshly baked bagels on a lazy weekend morning! But if you’re bored of the usual everything or plain varieties, it’s time to switch things up with these crazily delicious Black Tea Milk Bagels. They’ve got a subtle floral tea flavor that takes bagels to the next level.
In this recipe, we reimagine the beloved bagel by infusing it with the subtle sophistication of black tea. The process is a journey of transformation, as the bagels evolve from simple dough to delectable treats that are as visually appealing as they are satisfying to the palate.
the comforting aroma of steeping black tea leaves, mingling with the dough’s ingredients to form a harmonious union. The result is a batch of bagels that boasts a delicate tea-infused flavor, evoking memories of tranquil teatime moments. With each bite, the bagels reveal their chewy interior, perfectly balanced by a slightly crisp exterior.
These Black Tea Milk Bagels invite you to embrace tradition in a new and exciting way. Whether enjoyed with classic spreads or innovative toppings, these bagels are a testament to the remarkable synergy of ingredients and the joy of culinary exploration. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates both the familiar and the unexpected.
Contents
Why You Will Love This Black Tea Milk Bagels
Uniquely Flavored – The black tea infuses with a subtle floral aroma and gentle bitterness that perfectly balances the hint of sweetness in the dough. It’s a flavor you won’t find in typical bagels.
Beautifully Browned – Witness the subtle transformation as the bagels adopt a gentle hue from the tea infusion. The visual allure is a precursor to the delightful experience that awaits when you bite into the bagels’ crisp exterior.
Perfectly Chewy – The bake process results in a chewy, dense interior contrasted by that slightly crispy milk-kissed crust. Bagel perfection!
Easy to Make – Even though these taste gourmet, our recipe is super simple. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll look like a pro bagel baker.
Endlessly Versatile – Enjoy these bagels on their own, with butter or jam, or use them to sandwich eggs and cheese for an elevated breakfast sandwich.
Black Tea Milk Bagel Ingredients and Equipment
| Ingredients | Equipment |
|
|
Black Tea Milk Bagel Instructions
Step 1Mash and foam the black tea, then heat and brew the milk. Let it cool for later use. |
Step 2Mix all the ingredients except for the sugar water. Knead the mixture until it becomes a smooth dough without any lumps. |
Step 3Divide the dough into six equal portions and shape them with the seam facing down. Cover them with plastic wrap and let them rest for 15 minutes. |
Step 4Cut six squares of Non-Stick Parchment Paper Sheet about ten centimeters long. |
Step 5After resting, roll each portion with the smooth side facing up, into an oval shape about 15 cm long. |
Step 6Flip over the dough and roll it up sideways, pinching it tightly. |
Step 7Use a rolling pin to roll out the thicker end of the dough. |
Step 8Wrap the rolled end around the other end and pinch it closed in the same direction as the previous closed end. |
Step 9:Place the dough seam side down on the prepared oiled paper. |
Step 10Place a bowl of hot water in the oven, turn on the fermentation function, and set it for 30 minutes until the dough rises to 1.5 times its original size. |
Step 11Boil the sugar water and add 50 grams of white sugar to 1000 milliliters of water. Cook the dough in the sugar water for 30 seconds on each side. Then remove and place on a baking tray. |
Step 12Preheat the oven to 350F degrees on both the middle and lower racks, then bake the bagels for 20 minutes. Check halfway through and cover with foil if necessary. |
Step 13The black tea milk bagels look so beautiful with their unique color! |
Step 14Ready to take a bite? Yum! |
Step 15The bagels have a strong milk tea flavor and are super fragrant. |
Black Tea Milk Bagel Serving Suggestions
Classic Creaminess: Spread a generous layer of velvety cream cheese on a toasted Black Tea Milk Bagel. The creaminess of the cheese complements the bagel’s tea-infused flavors for a timeless combination.
Honeyed Harmony: Drizzle a touch of honey over your bagel for a sweet contrast that enhances the tea’s nuanced earthiness. The interplay of flavors is a symphony of indulgence.
Berry Bliss: Top your bagel with a medley of fresh berries – strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The burst of fruity sweetness harmonizes with the bagel’s subtle tea undertones.
Savory Sophistication: Elevate your bagel with layers of smoked salmon, thinly sliced red onion, and capers. The bagel’s tea-infused notes provide an unexpected yet delightful backdrop to this classic combination.
Whipped Herb Butter: Prepare a compound butter by mixing finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives into softened butter. Slather this herb-infused butter on your bagel for a fragrant burst of flavor.
Citrus Zest: Enhance your bagel’s complexity by grating a bit of citrus zest – lemon, orange, or grapefruit – onto the cream cheese. The citrus brightness beautifully contrasts with the bagel’s warm tones.
Avocado Elegance: Mash ripe avocado with a sprinkle of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. Spread this creamy goodness on your bagel for a luxurious twist.
Nutty Delight: Smear almond or peanut butter on your bagel for a rich, nutty complement to the tea-infused dough. Top with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch.
Chocolate Infusion: For an unexpected treat, spread a thin layer of chocolate-hazelnut spread on your bagel. The marriage of chocolate and tea flavors is a delightful surprise.
Yogurt Oasis: Create a refreshing breakfast or snack by topping your bagel with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. The yogurt’s tanginess pairs exquisitely with the bagel’s subtle tea essence.
Black Tea Milk Bagel Storage and Shelf Life
Preserving the delectable freshness of your Black Tea Milk Bagels is essential to extend their enjoyment. Here’s how to store them for optimal taste and texture:
Short-Term Storage (1-2 Days): If you plan to enjoy your bagels within a day or two, simply store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the bagels from drying out.
Refrigeration (Up to 5-7 Days): For longer shelf life, place your bagels in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag, and store them in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their freshness for up to a week. To revive their texture, you can briefly toast or warm the refrigerated bagels before eating.
Freezing (Up to 2-3 Months): To enjoy your Black Tea Milk Bagels over an extended period, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped bagels in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator before reheating.
Thawing and Reheating: For frozen bagels, allow them to thaw either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you can refresh their texture by reheating them. Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C) and bake the bagels for a few minutes until they’re warm and slightly crisp. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bagels soft.
Quality Check: While properly stored bagels can remain safe to eat beyond the recommended storage times, their taste and texture might gradually change. If you notice any signs of mold, an off-putting odor, or significant staleness, it’s best to discard them.
Note: Homemade and artisanal baked goods often lack the preservatives found in commercial products, so it’s ideal to consume them within a reasonable timeframe for the best experience.
Black Tea Milk Bagel Cooking Tips and Tricks
Tea Infusion Mastery
Steep the black tea leaves in warm milk until it’s fragrant and rich. Allow the tea to cool before incorporating it into the dough. This step ensures that the bagels carry the nuanced flavor of the tea.
Dough Consistency is Key
While kneading the dough, maintain a balance between a smooth, elastic texture and the slight graininess that comes from the tea leaves. Adjust the milk or flour if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
Patient Proofing
Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. This step ensures a light and airy interior, creating the classic chewiness of bagels.
Boil Wisely:
Boiling the bagels before baking gives them their distinctive texture. Boil them for about 30 sec per side in gently simmering water. You can add honey or malt syrup to the boiling water for extra flavor and shine.
Baking at Its Best
For a beautifully golden and chewy crust, bake the bagels on a preheated baking stone or steel. Place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create steam, which enhances the bagels’ texture.
Test for Doneness
To ensure the bagels are fully baked, tap the bottom – they should sound hollow. Adjust the baking time if necessary, considering your oven’s characteristics.
Cooling Gracefully
Let the freshly baked bagels cool on a wire rack before slicing or serving. This prevents moisture accumulation and maintains their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any type of black tea for the infusion?
A: While traditional black tea varieties work well, it’s best to opt for loose-leaf tea rather than tea bags. Choose a quality tea with a robust flavor to ensure a rich tea infusion.
Q: Can I use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk for the tea infusion?
A: Absolutely! Plant-based milk alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk can be used for the tea infusion, providing a delicious dairy-free option.
Q: How do I know when the dough has risen enough during proofing?
A: The dough should roughly double in size during proofing. To test, gently press your fingertip into the dough. If the indentation slowly springs back, the dough is ready.
Q: My bagels turned out dense. What could be the cause?
A: Dense bagels can result from over-kneading the dough or insufficient proofing time. Be mindful not to overwork the dough and ensure it has adequate time to rise.
Q: Can I make the bagel dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise, shape the bagels, and then refrigerate them. Let the bagels come to room temperature before boiling and baking.
Q: How do I prevent the bagels from deflating when boiling them?
A: Handle the bagels gently while transferring them into and out of the boiling water. Also, make sure they’ve had sufficient time to rise before boiling.
Q: Can I halve or double the recipe?
A: Yes, the recipe can be scaled up or down. Keep in mind that adjusting quantities might affect the timing slightly, so closely monitor the dough’s consistency and the bagels’ rise and bake times.
Try our other Bagel recipes?
Please find them from HERE
You might also be interested in below Recipes