Christmas Bagels are a festive red and green bagel perfect for serving at Christmas brunch. This homemade bagel can be served with cream cheese, toasted, or your favorite bagel topping.
Divide the warm water and yeast equally in two large mixing bowls. Gently whisk the yeast to mix in the water and let sit for 5 minutes to activate. You’ll know it’s activated when it looks bubbly and foamy.
Add a dime-sized amount of red gel food color to one bowl, and the same with the green to the other. Gently whisky to incorporate with the water.
Add half of the flour to each mixing bowl and use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to mix the dough until it begins to loosely form a ball.
Lightly flour a working surface and knead each ball of dough for 4 minutes.
Lightly coat two medium mixing bowls with oil and place a ball of dough in each. Cover with plastic wrap, or a clean kitchen towel, and let rise until the ball doubles in size. Rising time can vary depending on the temperature, taking 60-120 minutes.
When the dough is ready, punch down into the ball of dough to release some air. Then, divide into 8 equal pieces. Use your hands to gently squeeze and roll each piece into an 8 inch log.
Take one red strip and one green strip: twist them together, bend into a circle and twist the ends together to secure.
Preheat the oven to 425 and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat.
Add the water and honey to a large, wide pot. Bring the water to a boil and then lower to a medium-high heat.
Carefully drop the bagels inside the pot, 2-4 at a time depending on available space. Cook for 1 minute, and then flip over to cook for another minute. Use a slotted spoon to lift the bagels out and place on a baking sheet. Place 4 bagels per sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each.
Use a pastry brush to coat the top and sides of each bagel with the egg wash.
Bake for 20-25 minutes total, rotating the sheets halfway through. Let them sit on the sheet for an additional 20 minutes after removing from the oven and then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Slice, toast, and serve with cream cheese or your favorite bagel toppings!