Homemade Pumpkin Bagels
There’s something magical about the smell of warm pumpkin spices filling the kitchen. These Homemade Pumpkin Bagels bring everything you love about fall — the cozy aroma, the deep orange hue, and that perfect chewy texture that only a bagel can deliver.
Made with real pumpkin purée, a touch of spice, and no complicated steps, this pumpkin bagel recipe is a must-bake. Whether you enjoy them toasted with butter, loaded with cream cheese, or turned into a breakfast sandwich, they fit perfectly into your fall baking routine.
Let’s bring your autumn cravings to life — one golden, chewy bagel at a time.
🛒 Ingredients for Pumpkin Bagels

For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups bread flour (or all-purpose)
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
For Boiling
- 6 cups water
- 1 tbsp molasses or honey (for shine)
Optional Toppings
- Pumpkin seeds
- Cinnamon sugar
- Brown sugar oat crumble
- Coarse sea salt
👩🍳 How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Bagels
Step 1: Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Stir in yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Love Food? Try My 21-Day Weight-Loss
Meal Prep Plan.
Step 2: Mix Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and spices. Add pumpkin purée and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead
Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if too sticky.
Step 4: Rise
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Step 5: Shape Bagels
Punch down dough, divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll into balls, poke a hole in the center, and gently stretch into bagel shape.
Step 6: Boil & Bake
Bring water and molasses to a boil. Boil bagels 1 minute per side. Place on a lined baking sheet, add toppings, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Let cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm or toasted.
🌟 Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bagels
| 💡 Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 🎃 Real Pumpkin Flavor | Made with pure pumpkin purée and warm spices. |
| 🍞 Chewy & Satisfying | Boiled and baked like traditional bagels for texture that holds up. |
| 🍂 Cozy Fall Vibes | Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or seasonal gifting. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family Favorite | Kid-friendly and great for weekend baking together. |
| 📦 Freezer-Friendly | Make ahead, toast later — great for busy fall mornings. |
🍁 Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Spread
Take your homemade pumpkin bagels to the next level with this creamy, dreamy seasonal topping:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp pumpkin purée
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Dash of nutmeg or clove
How to Make It:
Whip all ingredients together until smooth and fluffy. Keep chilled and spread generously on warm bagels.
This works great for breakfast, brunch boards, or even as a dip for fruit or crackers. Perfect pairing with the cozy flavors in your pumpkin bagels.
❓ FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie mix?
No — use pure pumpkin purée only to avoid added sugar and spices.
Can I make these gluten free?
You can try with a GF bread flour blend, but texture may vary. For true GF versions,
Do they taste sweet or savory?
These are lightly sweet with spice — great with butter or sweet spreads, but also amazing as sandwich bagels.
How long do they keep?
3–4 days in an airtight container, or freeze sliced for up to 2 months.
Can I make them smaller?
Yes — divide dough into 10–12 for mini bagels. Reduce baking time by 4–5 minutes.
🍽️ More Fall-Inspired Homemade Bagel Recipes
Craving more bakes like this? Try these next:
- 🥯 High Protein Bagels – Clean ingredients, gym-approved, and meal prep friendly
- 🌾 Gluten Free Bagels – No yeast and safe for allergy-friendly baking
- 🧈 Keto Bagels Recipe – Low carb with almond flour and optional cheese-free method
Perfect for pairing with soups, fall salads, or cozy coffee mornings.
🤝 Why This Recipe Works (And Why You’ll Love It)
We tested this recipe with homemade and store-bought pumpkin purée, several flour types, and both traditional and air fryer bake methods. The result is a bagel that’s as dependable as it is delightful.
With chewy bite, deep flavor, and an aroma that screams fall baking, these pumpkin bagels are built to impress — whether you’re serving them warm with cream cheese or gifting a batch wrapped in parchment and twine.
This is comfort baking, made easy.
🫶 Final Thoughts

Pumpkin season is short — so make it count. These Homemade Pumpkin Bagels are a cozy, crowd-pleasing bake that delivers flavor, texture, and that nostalgic autumn feeling in every bite.
Make them part of your weekend baking routine, gift them to neighbors, or keep them in your freezer for chilly mornings that need a little extra warmth.
📌 “Baking with pumpkin is a hug in edible form. These bagels are your new favorite fall ritual.” 🍂
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy recipes, seasonal bakes, and pumpkin-packed favorites!

Homemade Pumpkin Bagels
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups bread flour or all-purpose
- 1 cup pumpkin purée not pumpkin pie mix
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water 110°F
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- For boiling: 6 cups water 1 tbsp molasses or honey
- Toppings optional: pumpkin seeds, cinnamon sugar, oat crumble, coarse sea salt
Method
- 1. In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Stir in yeast and let sit for 5–10 mins until foamy.
- 2. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and spices. Add pumpkin purée and yeast mixture. Mix to form dough.
- 3. Knead on floured surface for 8–10 mins until smooth. Add more flour if too sticky.
- 4. Place in greased bowl, cover, and rise 1 hour or until doubled.
- 5. Divide into 8 balls, poke center holes, and shape into bagels.
- 6. Boil each bagel 1 min per side in water with molasses. Place on lined sheet.
- 7. Top as desired. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 mins until golden. Cool before slicing.
