Name: Pumpkin Brioche Bagels with Sesame Seeds Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 and 1/4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour; 5 tbsp (75 ml) warm milk; 2 and 1/4 tsp (7 g) instant yeast; 1 tbsp (15 g) sugar; 1 egg (room temperature); 3/4 cups + 1 tbsp (180 g) pumpkin puree (canned or homemade); 1 tsp (5 g) salt; 2 tbsp (30 g) olive oil; 4 tbsp (50 g) unsalted butter (softened, spreadable); 2 tbsp (15 g) black and white sesame seeds (optional); Extra milk for brushing before baking

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I am absolutely thrilled to share this delightful Pumpkin Brioche Bagels with Sesame Seeds Recipe with you! These bagels boast a rich and fluffy brioche dough, generously enriched with velvety pumpkin puree and layers of butter that melt into every bite. Twisted into charming shapes and adorned with sesame seeds, they bake up golden and inviting, making them an irresistible treat whether you want something sweet or savory. I find these bagels to be a beautiful autumnal twist on a classic favorite that always brings a little warmth to my kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Pumpkin Brioche Bagels with Sesame Seeds Recipe

What makes this recipe so special to me is the incredibly soft and buttery texture, thanks to the brioche method combined with pumpkin puree. The pumpkin not only adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color but also keeps the bagels wonderfully tender inside. The delicate balance of flavors—the slight nuttiness from the sesame seeds and the rich buttery layers—makes every bite an absolute joy. I love how the taste feels both cozy and elegant at the same time, perfect for elevating your usual breakfast or snack.

Another thing I adore is how straightforward the preparation is. Even if you’re new to baking bagels, this recipe is incredibly approachable. The steps allow you to appreciate the process without feeling rushed, and I love how the dough doubles as it rises, promising that soft texture. Plus, these bagels shine on so many occasions — whether it’s a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or just a treat to impress friends. I always find that they turn heads and get compliments, making them stand out in a sea of ordinary baked goods.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a wooden board with nine unbaked dough rings arranged in three rows. The dough rings are light brown with a rough texture, each having a small hole in the center. The wooden board has a few spots of white flour dusted around the dough rings. To the left side, a white towel with gray stripes is partly visible. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Pumpkin Brioche Bagels with Sesame Seeds Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color you’ll love. From the creamy richness of butter to the natural sweetness and moisture of the pumpkin puree, every element comes together like magic.

Quick Tip

All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for these soft but sturdy bagels.

Warm milk: Feeds the yeast and helps achieve a tender crumb.
Instant yeast: Ensures a reliable and quick rise for airy dough.
Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and boosts yeast activity.

Egg: Enriches the dough, contributing to that beautiful brioche softness.
Pumpkin puree: Adds moistness, flavor depth, and a lovely seasonal color.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Olive oil: Keeps the dough supple and adds a slight fruity note.

Unsalted butter: Creates delicate layers and adds unbeatable richness.
Sesame seeds: Offer a delightful crunch and nutty aroma for topping.

Directions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 2: Add the pumpkin puree, warm milk, egg, and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir and then knead the dough either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment until it becomes soft, elastic, and no longer sticky. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Shape the dough into a ball and place it into a clean bowl lightly coated with oil. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 60 to 90 minutes, until it has doubled in size and is puffy to the touch.

Step 4: Punch down the risen dough gently to release air bubbles and transfer it onto a lightly oiled surface. Roll it out into a 16 by 12 inch (40 by 30 cm) rectangle.

Step 5: Spread half of the softened butter evenly over two-thirds of the rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds by bringing the unbuttered side over the buttered part, then folding the remaining side over so you have a compact folded rectangle.

Step 6: Rotate the folded rectangle 90 degrees, roll it out again to the same size, and repeat the butter spreading and folding with the remaining butter. This layering process creates those luscious buttery pockets inside the bagels.

Step 7: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Take each piece, twist it twice, then bring the ends together and press them firmly to seal, shaping them into bagels. Place the formed bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let them rise again for about 20 to 40 minutes until they puff up noticeably.

Step 8: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 9: Before baking, brush the bagels lightly with some extra milk and sprinkle generously with black and white sesame seeds, or any toppings you love.

Step 10: Bake the bagels for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown on top. Let them cool briefly before digging in, or enjoy them warm for maximum comfort and flavor.

Servings and Timing

This Pumpkin Brioche Bagels with Sesame Seeds Recipe yields 8 delicious bagels, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, but keep in mind that the dough requires 60 to 90 minutes for the first rise and an additional 20 to 40 minutes for the second rise. Bake time is around 25 minutes, making your total project about 1 hour and 50 minutes from start to finish. The resting periods are key to developing flavor and texture, and I always find that patient waiting pays off beautifully.

How to Serve This Pumpkin Brioche Bagels with Sesame Seeds Recipe

The image shows seven round bagels with a golden brown color and a soft, slightly shiny texture. Each bagel is topped with white sesame seeds giving a slight crunch to the smooth surface. The bagels are placed on a black wire cooling rack which rests on a white marbled surface. A white cloth is gently draped on the left side of the rack adding softness to the scene. The bagels have small holes in the center and one is cut in half showing its light and fluffy inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving these bagels, I love to keep things versatile. They’re fantastic warmed up with a smear of cream cheese or butter, letting that buttery pumpkin flavor shine through. For something sweet, a drizzle of honey or a bit of pumpkin butter elevates the bagels into a cozy treat perfect for chilly mornings. If you’re craving savory, they pair wonderfully with smoked salmon, slices of fresh tomato, or avocado, making them ideal for an impressive brunch spread.

Presentation-wise, the sesame seeds add that lovely speckled texture on top, so I typically arrange the bagels in a rustic basket lined with a linen towel to keep them warm and inviting. Garnishing with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme sprigs, can add an elegant touch that guests will notice. For beverages, a hot chai latte or a spiced pumpkin coffee complements the bagels beautifully, while a crisp white wine or a light sparkling cocktail makes them festive for gatherings and parties.

I find these bagels best served warm or at room temperature, so they showcase their soft crumb and buttery layers. They also travel well, making them a fantastic choice for picnic baskets or as a charming addition to holiday brunch tables. I usually recommend serving one bagel per person, perhaps accompanied by small bowls of your favorite spreads or dips to make the meal extra special.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Pumpkin Brioche Bagels with Sesame Seeds Recipe by swapping out ingredients to fit different tastes or dietary needs. For example, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but I do recommend adding a binding agent like xanthan gum to keep the texture close to the original. For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based milk and vegan butter—though the dough may be slightly less rich, it still turns out wonderfully flavorful.

Flavor-wise, you can mix up the toppings or fillings to suit your mood. Adding cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough deepens the pumpkin spice vibe, while sprinkling poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning on top offers a delicious twist. Some days I like folding in bits of chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a sweet surprise.

For a different cooking method, I’ve even tried pan-baking these bagels in a cast-iron skillet on low heat, covered with a lid, to get a soft crust and tender interior when I don’t want to heat up my whole oven. Whatever approach you take, I encourage you to have fun with it and make the recipe your own!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your freshly baked bagels, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them from drying out, I like to place a piece of parchment or wax paper between bagels. If your kitchen is very warm, refrigerating can help, but be aware it may slightly stiffen the texture.

Freezing

These pumpkin brioche bagels freeze exceptionally well. Just wrap each cooled bagel tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I always prefer warming the bagels in a toaster oven or conventional oven at low heat (around 325°F or 160°C) for 5 to 8 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness and that slight crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving, as that tends to make the bagels chewy or gummy. If you want that fresh buttery melt, consider slicing them and spreading a little butter before warming.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully and is super convenient. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added spices and sugars that could alter the recipe's balance.

Do I need to boil the bagels before baking?

Nope. This particular Pumpkin Brioche Bagels with Sesame Seeds Recipe skips the boiling step, which bagels traditionally have, because the enriched brioche dough and butter layering produce a tender texture you’ll love without it.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before rolling and shaping, and expect a slightly longer rise time for the final proof.

What substitutions can I use for the butter?

If you need a dairy-free option, use a firm vegan butter or margarine that performs well when softened. The butter layers are key for texture and richness, so choose a quality substitute for the best results.

How can I store the bagels to keep them fresh longer?

Store bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them tightly wrapped for extended freshness. When freezing, slice them beforehand if you like to toast individual portions later.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Pumpkin Brioche Bagels with Sesame Seeds Recipe a try because it’s one of those baking projects that feels rewarding and fun every step of the way. With its soft, buttery crumb and that wonderful subtle pumpkin flavor, it’s the kind of bagel that warms your heart and your kitchen. I can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy the twist on this classic, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become a go-to favorite for cozy mornings and special gatherings alike.

Pumpkin Brioche Bagels with Sesame Seeds Recipe

Why You'll Love This Pumpkin Brioche Bagels with Sesame Seeds Recipe