Ho ho ho! The holidays are quickly approaching, which means it’s time to start planning all those festive treats. If you’re looking to spread some extra cheer this season, these Santa Bagels are sure to do the trick!
Not only are these Santa bagels absolutely adorable, but they’re wonderfully easy to make at home. The dough comes together quickly in a stand mixer then gets divided and hand-shaped before boiling and baking. I love letting my kids help assemble Santa’s sweet little faces too – it’s a fun family activity for a cozy weekend morning.
And the best part is how versatile these festive bagels can be. Fill them with smoked salmon and cream cheese for a savory twist, or spread with strawberry jam for a fruitier breakfast. You could even shape them into wreaths or Christmas trees with some green dough for more diverse December dining.
As soon as I took my first bite of these cheer-filled Santa bagels, I knew they’d be a new staple in our Christmas countdown. So gather your friends and family in the kitchen this season to spread some smiles with this merry recipe. I can’t wait for you to enjoy!
Contents
Why You Will Love This Santa Bagels Recipe
Festive and Whimsical: Our Santa Bagels are shaped like jolly Santa Claus figures, adding a touch of holiday cheer to your table. They’re perfect for capturing the magic of the season and bringing smiles to both kids and adults.
Creative Activity: Crafting these Santa Bagels can be a fun and engaging activity for family and friends. Shaping Santa’s accessories and decorating each bagel allows for personalization and creativity.
Delicious and Nourishing: Beyond their charming appearance, our Santa Bagels are made with wholesome ingredients like flour, yeast, and spices. You can choose healthier variations, such as using whole wheat flour and incorporating nutritious toppings for a balanced treat.
Thoughtful Gift Idea: These Santa Bagels are not only delightful to enjoy but also make for a thoughtful and edible gift. Wrap them up beautifully and give them to loved ones as a unique and homemade holiday present.
Instagram-Worthy: Capture the beauty of your Santa Bagels on camera, as they are sure to be a hit on social media. Share your creations and spread the holiday joy with friends and followers.
Santa Bagels Ingredients and Equipment
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Small Dough
Small Black Dough
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Santa Bagels Instructions
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 Step 13: Shape Santa’s Body
Roll one end of the dough inwards and wrap it around to form Santa’s body. |
 Step 14: Create Santa’s Head
Use the white dough to shape Santa’s head. |
 Step 15: Make Accessories
Craft additional accessories such as Santa’s hat, mustache, nose, eyes, and belt. Attach them using water as glue. Allow them to set for half an hour. |
 Step 16: Boiling Bagels
In a pot, bring 1000ml of water and 50g of sugar to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low. Place the Santa bagels into the simmering water, cooking for around 20 seconds on each side. |
 Step 17: Bake the Bagels
Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C). Cover the bagels with tinfoil and bake for 20 minutes. |
 Step 18: Enjoy Fresh Santa Bagels
Your Santa Claus bagels are now freshly baked and ready to be enjoyed! |
Santa Bagels Serving Suggestions
Serving Suggestions
- Festive Breakfast Spread: Arrange the Santa Bagels on a platter, and place Santa’s hat and accessories neatly beside each bagel for a charming presentation.
- Family Brunch: Serve Santa Bagels as the centerpiece of a delightful family brunch, accompanied by a variety of toppings and spreads.
- Kids’ Holiday Party: Create a fun activity for kids by setting up a bagel decorating station with colorful and healthy toppings.
- Gift Exchange Gathering: Offer Santa Bagels as a delightful and edible gift for guests to take home from your holiday party.
- Holiday Snack: Slice the Santa Bagels into bite-sized portions for a festive snack that can be enjoyed throughout the day.
Topping and Spread Suggestions
- Cream Cheese and Berries: Spread light cream cheese on the bagel and top with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
- Peanut Butter and Banana: Spread natural peanut or almond butter on the bagel and add banana slices for a satisfying combination.
- Avocado and Egg: Top the bagel with mashed avocado and a poached or scrambled egg for a nutritious and savory option.
- Hummus and Veggies: Spread hummus on the bagel and add thinly sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers for a refreshing twist.
- Yogurt and Honey: Spread Greek yogurt on the bagel and drizzle with a touch of honey. Add granola or chopped nuts for crunch.
Beverage Pairings
- Hot Chocolate: Serve Santa Bagels with a warm cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Festive Smoothie: Blend up a red and green holiday-inspired smoothie with berries, spinach, yogurt, and a touch of honey.
- Spiced Chai Tea: A spiced chai tea latte pairs wonderfully with the cozy flavors of Santa Bagels.
- Fruit Infused Water: Offer guests a refreshing beverage option by serving fruit-infused water with slices of citrus fruits and herbs.
- Coffee or Tea: Classic choices like coffee or tea provide a comforting and familiar beverage option to accompany the bagels.
Santa Bagels Cooking Tips and Tricks
Proper Kneading
Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops gluten, which is crucial for the bagels’ structure.
Gradual Mixing
When mixing in the kitchen machine (stand mixer), start with a low speed before increasing to medium. This ensures thorough incorporation of ingredients without overworking the dough.
Proofing Time
Allow the dough to proof for the recommended time. This allows the yeast to ferment and the dough to rise, contributing to a lighter texture.
Attention to Accessories
Pay attention to crafting Santa’s accessories like the hat, mustache, and belt. These details contribute to the bagels’ festive appearance.
Use Water as Adhesive
When attaching accessories, use water as an adhesive. It’s simple and effective.
Boiling Technique
While boiling the bagels, gently flip them with a slotted spoon to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Preventing Stickiness
Flour your hands and surfaces lightly when working with the dough to prevent sticking.
Mind the Oven
Make sure the oven is preheated to the specified temperature. If baking multiple trays, rotate them halfway through baking for even results.
Tin Foil for Browning
Cover the bagels with tinfoil during baking to prevent excessive browning, especially on the decorations.
Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before enjoying. This helps set the texture and prevents condensation from making them soggy.
Santa Bagels Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage and understanding the shelf life of your Santa Bagels are important to maintain their freshness and taste. Here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Santa Bagels are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked. If you plan to consume them within a day or two, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store Santa Bagels for a longer period, it’s recommended to refrigerate them. Place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to prevent them from becoming stale or absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
- Freezing: For even longer storage, you can freeze Santa Bagels. Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn and allows you to thaw only the number of bagels you need.
Shelf Life
- Fresh at Room Temperature: Santa Bagels are best when consumed on the day they are baked. They may remain fresh at room temperature for up to 1-2 days, but their texture might start to deteriorate after the first day.
- Refrigerated: When stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, Santa Bagels can maintain their freshness for around 3-4 days.
- Frozen: Santa Bagels can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. However, for the best quality, it’s recommended to consume them within the first month of freezing.
Thawing and Reheating
- From the Refrigerator: To enjoy refrigerated Santa Bagels, simply let them come to room temperature before consuming, or lightly toast them to restore their texture.
- From the Freezer: When thawing frozen bagels, allow them to defrost at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight. To refresh their texture, you can toast them in a toaster or warm them in an oven.
Keep in mind that the actual shelf life may vary based on factors like the ingredients used, humidity, and storage conditions. Always use your judgment and sensory cues like appearance, smell, and taste to determine the freshness of your Santa Bagels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Activated Charcoal Powder Safe to Consume?
A: Yes, food-grade activated charcoal powder is safe to consume in small amounts and is often used for its black color in recipes.
Q: Is Red Yeast Rice Powder Safe to Consume?
A: Red yeast rice (RYR) powder is a traditional Chinese dietary supplement that has been used for centuries as a flavoring agent and for its potential health benefits. It’s made by fermenting rice with a specific type of yeast called Monascus purpureus. Red yeast rice powder has gained attention for its potential to help lower cholesterol levels.
Q: Where can I get Activated Charcoal Powder and Red Yeast Rice Powder?
A: You can find activated charcoal powder and red yeast rice powder at various places, both online(such as amazon.com)and offline (some Chinese food super markets).
Q: Can I Use Natural Food Coloring?
A: Absolutely! Natural food coloring from fruits or vegetables can be used to achieve vibrant colors for the accessories.
Q: What kind of flour works best for this recipe?
A: We recommend using bread flour or all-purpose flour. The higher protein content helps the bagels develop a nice chewy texture.
Q: How long do the boiled bagels need to boil for?
A: Just 20-30 seconds per side. Boiling them briefly before baking helps develop their signature bagel crust.
Q: Do I need a stand mixer to make these?
A: No, you can mix and knead the dough by hand but using a stand mixer makes things easier.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance, store it refrigerated in an airtight container, then shape and boil the bagels before baking.
Q: What’s the best way to shape the Santa faces?
A: Roll small balls of white dough for the eyes, nose, and mustache. Cut strips of black dough for the belts. Attach with a bit of water before baking.
Q: How do I make the bagels shiny?
A: An egg wash made with 1 beaten egg + 1 tbsp water, brushed before baking, gives them a nice sheen.
Q: How long does this recipe take from start to finish?
A: With proofing time, it takes 3-4 hours to make the Santa bagels from start to finish.
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