Chocolate Chip Protein Bagels

Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown bagel that's not only soft and chewy but also packed with protein to fuel your morning or post-workout recovery. These Chocolate Chip Protein Bagels combine the comforting texture of traditional bagels with the nutritional boost of vanilla protein powder, all studded with melty semisweet chocolate chips. Finished with a silky peanut butter drizzle that adds richness and a touch of indulgence, these bagels prove that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious. Whether you're rushing out the door or taking time to savor breakfast, this recipe delivers nourishment without compromise.

Save to Pinterest

The beauty of these protein bagels lies in their versatility. The bread flour creates that classic chewy bagel texture, while the vanilla protein powder seamlessly blends into the dough, adding 15 grams of protein per serving. The traditional water bath with honey or brown sugar gives the exterior that signature glossy, slightly crisp crust that bagel lovers crave. And the best part? You can customize them endlessly by swapping chocolate chips for dried fruit, using plant-based ingredients, or adding your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250 g) bread flour
• 1 cup (100 g) vanilla protein powder
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp instant dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter (plus more for brushing)
• 1/2 cup (90 g) semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 quarts (2 liters) water
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 g) creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour, protein powder, sugar, yeast, and salt until well combined.

Step 2: Mix wet ingredients

Add warm water and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the dough

Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 6–8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Add chocolate chips

Gently knead in chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: First rise

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 30–40 minutes or until nearly doubled in size.

Step 6: Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape the bagels

Punch down dough and divide into 6 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and gently stretch to form a bagel shape.

Step 8: Prepare water bath

Bring 2 quarts water and honey or brown sugar to a gentle boil in a wide pot.

Step 9: Boil the bagels

Boil bagels in batches for 30 seconds per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to prepared baking sheet.

Step 10: Brush and bake

Brush bagels lightly with melted butter. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 11: Cool

Cool slightly on a wire rack before adding the drizzle.

Step 12: Make the drizzle

For the peanut butter drizzle, whisk peanut butter, milk, and maple syrup or honey until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over cooled bagels before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, ensure your water temperature is around 110°F when activating the yeast — too hot will kill it, too cold won't activate it properly. When kneading, the dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky; add a tablespoon of flour if needed. Don't skip the water bath step, as this is what gives bagels their characteristic chewy texture and shiny crust. Make sure the water is at a gentle boil, not a rolling boil, to prevent the bagels from breaking apart. Allow bagels to cool for at least 10 minutes before adding the peanut butter drizzle so it doesn't melt off completely.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your dietary needs and taste preferences. Substitute chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks for a more intense chocolate flavor, or use dried cranberries or blueberries for a fruity twist. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based protein powder, dairy-free butter or coconut oil, and almond or oat milk in the drizzle. You can also make these vegan by replacing the butter with vegan butter and the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup. For extra texture, sprinkle the tops with chopped peanuts, sea salt flakes, or cinnamon sugar before baking. Try different nut butter drizzles such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for variety.

Serviervorschläge

These Chocolate Chip Protein Bagels are delicious served warm, fresh from the oven with the peanut butter drizzle on top. For a complete breakfast, pair them with fresh fruit such as sliced bananas or strawberries, and a glass of cold milk or your favorite smoothie. They also make an excellent post-workout snack alongside Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for additional protein. For a more indulgent treat, slice them in half and spread with cream cheese or more peanut butter, then sandwich together with sliced bananas. Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen bagels in the toaster or oven for that fresh-baked taste.

Save to Pinterest

These Chocolate Chip Protein Bagels with Peanut Butter Drizzle prove that wholesome, protein-packed foods can be just as satisfying as traditional baked goods. With their soft, chewy interior, chocolate-studded crumb, and creamy drizzle, they're a breakfast or snack you'll actually look forward to. Whether you're fueling up before a workout, recovering after one, or simply craving something delicious and nourishing, these bagels deliver on all fronts. Make a batch this weekend and enjoy homemade goodness that supports your health goals without sacrificing flavor.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I achieve chewy bagels?

Boiling the shaped dough briefly in a honey-sweetened water bath before baking creates that classic chewy crust and tender interior.

→ Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Yes, dark chocolate chunks or dried fruit work well as alternatives for different flavor profiles.

→ What protein powder works best?

Vanilla-flavored protein powder complements the chocolate and peanut butter flavors nicely but plant-based options can be used too.

→ Is the peanut butter drizzle necessary?

While optional, the drizzle adds a creamy sweetness and enhances the overall flavor and texture balance.

→ How can I store leftover bagels?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer freshness.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Use plant-based protein powder, dairy-free milk, and vegan butter substitutes to adapt this to a vegan-friendly version.