Like the more familiar cinnamon raisin flavor, only with a richer, spicier chai twist. The secret to this bagel is that it lets the raisins bring the sweetness—no sugar added.
Chai Raisin Bagels
Makes 12 bagels
Ingredients
- 7 cups (889 grams) bread flour
- ⅔ cup (85 grams) raisins
- 2 tablespoons (18 grams) kosher salt
- 4 teaspoons (8 grams) chai spice
- 1¾ teaspoons (5.25 grams) instant yeast
- 2⅓ cups (560 grams) warm water (120°F/49°C to 130°F/54°C)
- ½ cup (170 grams) plus 2 tablespoons (42 grams) barley malt syrup, divided
- 8 cups (1,920 grams) plus 1 tablespoon (15 grams) water, divided
- 1 large egg white (30 grams)
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whisk together flour, raisins, salt, chai spice, and yeast by hand. Add 2⅓ cups (560 grams) warm water and 2 tablespoons (42 grams) barley malt syrup, and beat at low speed until a shaggy dough forms, about 1 minute. Switch to the dough hook attachment. Beat at low speed until dough pulls away from sides and bottom of bowl, about 8 minutes. (Dough will be elastic but may not look completely smooth.)
- Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and shape into a smooth ball. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place dough in bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Place a large sheet of parchment paper in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C); dust parchment with flour.
- Divide dough into 12 portions (about 114 grams each). Shape each portion into a ball. Place 1 ball in your hand. Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch a hole in center of ball, and stretch hole to about 3 inches wide. Place on prepared parchment. Repeat with remaining dough. (Once dough contracts, the hole should be 1 to 1½ inches wide.) Cover and let rise until puffed, 15 to 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
- In a large stockpot, bring 8 cups (1,920 grams) water and remaining ½ cup (170 grams) barley malt syrup to a very low simmer over medium-low heat. (Do not boil.) Carefully drop bagels, 1 to 2 at a time, into water. Cook for 10 seconds per side; immediately transfer to prepared pans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg white and remaining 1 tablespoon (15 grams) water. Brush dough with egg wash.
- Bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool on pans for 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
these sound so delicious and I am hoping to make them soon
I’m making the bagels now and the dough tastes way too salty. Is 2 Tbsp salt correct?
Hi Cathy!
Thanks for reaching out! Keep in mind that weight varies per volume depending on the salt that you are using. This recipe calls for 18 grams, and was developed with Diamond Crystal kosher salt. Just as an example, Morton Kosher salt weighs almost twice as much as Diamond kosher salt. We recommend always weighing salt to ensure the correct flavor profile.
Where do you get malt barley?
Hi Anne,
Thanks for your question! Barley malt syrup can typically be found at specialty grocery stores, or ordered online through sites like Amazon. If you can’t find it, bakers often have success substituting honey 1:1 by volume.
Hope this helps, and happy baking!