Homemade Soft Bagels

h2>Homemade Soft Bagels

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm water (plus more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon oil (for greasing)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Coarse salt or sesame seeds for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add warm water gradually and knead until a smooth dough forms.
3. Cover and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Divide the dough into equal pieces and shape them into balls.
5. Use a tool or your fingers to make holes in the center of each ball to form bagels.
6. Place the bagels on a floured tray, cover, and let them rest for 15 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
8. Brush each bagel with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt or seeds.
9. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!