Black Russian Bagels {Pumpernickel Everything Bagels} are the favourite-in-perpetuity around our house. We love buying them at Wegman’s, but we love making them at home just as much… Visit our Bread Recipes page for more fantastic homemade breads!
To say that I love bagels might be the understatement of the century. They are on a very short list foods against which I am utterly powerless at all times with no exceptions. All bagels are not created equal, though… Sweet bagels are better than a kick in the pants, but my preference is for a pumpernickel or a salty, seedy, garlicky, oniony, popping with flavour Everything Bagel. And even better than either of those are my all-time best-beloved Black Russian Bagels. Black Russian Bagels are deep, dark Pumpernickel Everything Bagels. Holy swoon, Batman.
I ran into these for the first time a few years back at my closest Wegman’s. I brought four home (with the remaining dozen being regular Everything Bagels) thinking it was a sure-fire way to guarantee I got two bagels out of the bunch. My kids are stalwart Everything Bagel boys and they always scrunched their noses up a bit when I had my pumpernickel ones. Somehow, one of them grabbed one of the Black Russian Bagels and before I knew it, there were rapturous boys proclaiming their undying love for pumpernickel-plus-everything. I ordered one of them to give me a bite since I clearly wasn’t going to get to enjoy an entire bagel by myself.
Wowza.
I was hooked and hard just like the kids. The trouble is that the nearest Wegman’s is a thirty minute drive in either direction, so the Black Russians were a rare treat for us. I picked them up when I did my monthly shopping trip (and when other Black Russian Bagels aficionados hadn’t cleaned out the basket before I got there.)
Then I visited King Arthur Flour’s Baker’s Education Center last spring and picked up a bag of the Pumpernickel Artisan Bread Flavor. It languished on my shelf until two weeks ago, when I picked it up and read the label: “Takes bread from average to Artisan in one easy step.” and my brain screamed, “BLACK RUSSIAN BAGELS!”
Sure enough, King Arthur Flour had a recipe for pumpernickel bagels on the site, and -like you can count on King Arthur’s recipes to be- it was practically perfect in every way.
I bumped up the amount of pumpernickel flavour just by a smidge to get it super dark and bursting with pumpernickel and crusted the top with homemade Everything Bagel topping* to make Black Russian Bagels that have cured me of the need to burn an hour’s worth of gas and time.
*If you’re not keen on making your own, King Arthur Flour also sells jars of pre-mixed Everything Bagel Topping.
My kids are nutty over them. My hubby is nutty over them. I am BONKERS over them. People, we’ve had Black Russian Bagels five mornings in the last two weeks, and I don’t see signs of it slowing anytime soon.
Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never made bagels before today. The dough is very forgiving and is sturdy enough that you don’t feel like its going to rip every time you look at it. It’s a great baking project whether you’re beginner-to-intermediate or a full-blown expert.
Black Russian Bagels {Pumpernickel Everything Bagels}
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1/3 cup plus1 tablespoon King Arthur Flour Pumpernickel Artisan Bread Flavor or 2 ounces by weight
- 3 3/4 cups Unbleached Bread Flour 1 pound by weight
- 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water 10 ounces
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
To Boil the Bagels:
- 2 quarts water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or raw sugar
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Everything Bagel Topping:
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 3 tablespoons dried minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon pretzel salt or coarse sea salt
Instructions
To Make the Everything Bagel Topping:
- Add all of the ingredients to a pint jar, screw a lid on tightly, and shake to combine. Store in a cool, dark place and use as needed.
To Make the Dough:
- Mix all of the dough ingredients together in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on low speed then allow the mixer to knead it for 10 minutes. Do not crank the speed above low unless you'd like to damage your machine! If you do not have a stand mixer, use a sturdy spoon to combine the dough ingredients before turning it out onto a clean counter and kneading it for 15 minutes. Either way, the dough will be quite stiff... Don't be tempted to add water to loosen it up.
- Remove the dough from the stand mixer bowl and oil it (or oil another mixing bowl). Put the dough in, flip it once, then cover the bowl with a clean, dry tea towel and let it rest and rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour to 90 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
- Turn the dough out onto clean work surface, divide into 8 equal pieces, and roll each piece into a smooth ball. This is easiest to do if you roll it around on the countertop in a repetitive circular pattern with your hand cupped gently over it. Let the dough balls rest, covered with a clean towel, for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- While the dough rests, combine the bagel boil ingredients in a large, high-sided skillet over high heat. When the sugars have dissolved and the water is at a gentle boil (not a full, rolling one) turn your attention to the rested dough.
- Poke your index finger down through the center of each dough ball to the counter. Pick the dough ball up and gently stretch the hole you made until it is about 2 inches in diameter. Take care not to deflate the dough too much. Place it back on the mat and repeat with the remaining dough. Once they're all done, lower one bagel at a time into the water (lowering the side that was facing up on the countertop into the water first.) Do not overcrowd the pan. Each batch for boiling should be no larger than 4 bagels. Boil those 4 bagels for 2 minutes on the first side, carefully flip the bagels and boil the second side for 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bagels to a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet. They will not expand greatly while they bake, but should still have a little space between them to allow heat to circulate well. Repeat with the remaining bagels.
- Whisk together the water and egg white until frothy. Brush the boiled bagels then generously crust the top of the bagels with the Everything Bagel Topping. Bake for 25 minutes. The internal temperature of a finished bagel should be at least 190°F.
This post was originally published December 7th, 2013.
sharon taylor says
I have never made bagels from scratch but would love to try and pumpernickel is my all time favorite flavor. I hope I win this prize cause these would be my go to when friends are here.
Rebecca says
Oh, make some bagels, Sharon! You’ll be so happy you did!
Lynne Stockwell says
My wish list would be WAY too long! I have been a huge KAF fan for years…attended a baking demo when they were in Northern Michigan and made sure to visit their campus when we were on vacation in Vermont. Bagels…. pumpernickel rocks!
Rebecca says
Did you go in their store, too, Lynne? Ooof… I didn’t want to leave!
Jennifer says
These look fantastic! We love pumpernickel bread but haven’t tried the bagels. We are big English muffin fans, so I would like to try King Arthur’s mix and ring set.
As a bonus, we are traveling the many miles needed to get back to family in the Midwest for Christmas. My dad would swoon over the bagels.
Rebecca says
I know my dad was drooling over the phone while I talked to him about working on this recipe. Do all dads love pumpernickel?
MotorCityMich says
I love pretty much everything on King Arthur Flour’s website, but I especially love with the snowflake shortbread pan right now… so lovely!
I tend to love oatmeal-ish bagels, but have never made my own. Perhaps it’s time to rise to the challenge! The idea of the pumpernickel ones has captured my imagination!
Rebecca says
Man. I love toasted oatmeal bagels with strawberry freezer jam on them. Now I’m drooling!
MotorCityMich says
I have strawberry jam…. so now you’ve got me wanting bagels. *sigh*
And… forgot to give you total props for the LOTR/bagel mash up!
MaryAnne W. says
My KAF wish list is too long to put here! I have never been disappointed by one of their products. I have made bagels from scratch (as well as bialys) and my absolute favorite flavor is everything.
Rebecca says
Oh gosh. I love bialys, too. Now I know what I’m making this afternoon!
Deitan says
I love pumpernickel and everything bagels…and then you go and put them together!! Brilliant! I’ve been meaning to try my hand at making bagels for a while now, this might just be the catalyst, thank you 🙂
Rebecca says
Oh do it! It’s crazy how easy they are and how the payoff is so huge! And you are very welcome!
Wendy says
I like ALL bagels 🙂 As for KAF … it’s like the Sears Christmas catalog for bakers. So many glorious things!
Rebecca says
I know. It is my sit with a cuppa tea catalog. Boy, how I love them.
Rie says
That’s it Wendy!!!!! I love the KA catalog too. When I read your comment it took me back. Instead of the Sears Christmas Catalog, it’s any KA one.
Brittany B says
Everything Bagels are by FAR my favorite, but I feel like these bagels would steal that spot pretty quickly!
Rebecca says
They sure stole the spot quickly for me!
Kathy Pittman says
I love all things KAF. Would love a dough bucket!
Rebecca says
Let me tell you this… their store is a very dangerous place to be with a credit card.
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps says
Whaaaaaaa why have I never heard of black russian bagels??? I am ridiculously obsessed with everything bagels, and pumpernickel comes in at a close second, so I’ve definitely been missing out. We don’t have a Wegmans within five hours of us, so now that I know these exist I must make them. Like as soon as possible.
Rebecca says
I felt the same way the first time I saw Black Russian Bagels. Make ’em! Make ’em!!!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
Seriously Rebecca I gasped when I saw this! You just took my breath away . THAT’s how much I love everything bagels…and pumpernickel…and you…you…you just made me a happy lady! I have dragged my feet on making homemade bagels (why?) but I think you just gave me the motivation I needed because these will haunt me in my dreams until I taste one. Dramatic? Maybe. But truer words were never spoken. 😉 xoxo- K
Rebecca says
I knew we were kindred, Katrina. 😀 I always dragged my feet, too… I think because somewhere along the line I tried a homemade bagel recipe that WAY overcomplicated the issue and I was soured on it. The truth is, these are some of the best bagels I’ve ever had AND THEY WERE SO EASY! I hope you love them the way I do!
Krystal Ray says
I’ve always wanted to try the cheese powder and fiori di sicilia
Christopher Sorel says
everything bagels are the best but never had one made with pumpernickel. Love to get some espresso powder and some of the flour to make these
Elizabeth says
I have never made Bagels from scratch, but there’s always a first time=) Thanks for the recipe…those Black Russian Bagels look divine…will have to try! I always buy King Arthur Organic Flour.
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says
You are speaking my love language, what with all the “everything” and “pumpernickel” married so beautifully together. Pumpernickel always reminds me of my grandmother, for whom I was named. I think I’ll make these for Christmas morning to enjoy with a cup of her favorite tea, so that it’ll be as if she still with us.
As far as my KAF wish list goes, I’m currently stalking the baker’s couche.
Patricia says
Oh, how timely that you posted this this morning! I was longing for a bagel, but it’s about 27 degrees here (that’s COLD for Austin!) and I just couldn’t bear to send the Dear One out into that to hunt bagels.
Nope, I’ve never made them, but I’d love to try! Thanks for the giveaway, and fervent thanks for not using Rafflecopter, an application that I am finding increasingly annoying.
Sandy N says
I’ve never made bagels before, but would love to try them. I’ve never had a pumpernickel bagel but I love pumpernickel bread. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Debbie D says
I love making bagels. It is a fun thing to do early in the morning with company helping. Great way to pass along a recipe to a younger generation.
Karen D says
My fav are everything bagels…have yet to try everything pumpernickel…but we do love our pumpernickel…. better get baking! I have made bagels from scratch. I’m a sucker for kitchen gadgets…love K.A. products.
Carol Mackey says
Thank you for the recipe! “Everything” Bagels are my favorite, with a touch of Parm. Add a schmear of lox and cream cheese, or cream cheese and chives; heaven! The Pump will be a neat treat. KAF has a permanent place in my Bookmarks-I realy like their ‘no yeast sourdough starter’. Makes yummy bread.,
Brandy says
I totally want the donut hole pan from the catalogue! I have made bagels from scratch before with the help of my awesome bread maker! It did all the work for the dough. I shaped/boiled/baked the bagels myself. Mind were a little rough around the edges (they looked honemade:)). The family favorite flavor would be cinnamon raisin, but I love plain old whole wheat! Your sound amazing, I may have to give them a try.
Tanya Perrin says
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe as well as the source of King Arthur’s flour! I’ve made bagels before playing around with onion, and everything flavors- which by the way your everything topping ‘recipe’ is going to be tried this afternoon! The original recipe was one from my bread maker which turns out surprisingly well. My wallet does NOT thank you for links to the King Arthur site, catalog or Face Book page however LOL. I could go crazy in the pan section…especially for the Italian loaf and baguette pans! Thank you again for the recipe- these do look incredible!
Katie says
I have never made bagels from scratch!
Fernie says
Love King Arthur!!!
to long for the wish list.. but love Pumpernickel and love bagels never made them though. should be fun
Amy S. says
I’ve never made bagels from scratch but I’d love to try!
Denise says
I use the King Arthur white flour almost daily. So that’s probably my fav by order of usage but I drool over their catalog whenever I can get my hands on one!
NYC lox says
I am also obsessed with Black Russian bread. I couldn’t believe it when I received your new post! King Arthur wish list: Would like a bunch of dough buckets and one yogurt maker —oh and one of those Brot forms! I look forward to getting posts from you. The kimchi is another favorite along with the habanero jelly. You also gave me advice about airpots for coffee and hot chocolate. You prove That food is fun! Thanks for sparking the creativity!
LindaB says
I love all bagels, especially Everything. But these look like they would become my favorite! Yum!! And I love King Arthur products. It’s the only flour I buy. As far as a wish list? One of everything would be just fine!!!
Martha Brown says
I LOVE pumpernickle bagels!!!!
I will be trying these as soon as I can find the flour.
I’ve never been to the King Arthur website, but I’m going there right now. If this is an example of what they sell, my wish list will be LONG !
Tonia says
I have made bagels from scratch — so good! Been awhile though, but it looks like I’ll need to make these! If I don’t have the KAF pumpernickel stuff what would be a good substitute? Oh, and anything from KAF would be lovely! 🙂
mo says
Wow. Just beautiful.
I buy Queen Guinevere cake flour and the artisan seed mix online. I buy KA organic bread flour from Whole foods here. Love KA.
Haven’t made bagels in years. I need to.
AppleHillCottage says
I always bought King Arthur whole wheat and unbleached. And then I started to cut down on my gluten intake. I’m not completely gluten free; I love real bread too much to give it up totally. The “other” KA flours aren’t available where I shop, so I’d have to say I’d order some of their other flours. But pumpernickel everything bagels — mmmm they are the reason I’m not completely gluten free…. 🙂
Virginia says
I love everything KAF! This year I am wishing for a sour dough crock and sone starter.
Deanna Berkemeier says
I’ve never made a bagel in my life, but after reading this it does not look too hard. I may just have to give it a try! 🙂
Debi Deason says
I LOVE pumpernickel and can’t find it where I live. Would love to win this!
Tracy says
I have made bagels from scratch. My favorite changes. I couldn’t get enough pumpkin bagels in November. And KAF could bankrupt me. Love, love, love.
Judith M. says
I’ve never made bagels from scratch, my favorite is the ‘Everything’ bagel and I hope Santa brings me the Cucina Rosato Butcher Block Table from the KAF catalog.
AKing says
I’ve never made bagels but these look outstanding. I just might have to give them a try when I have some time off for the holidays!
Rie says
OMG…..where do I start with my King Arthur wish list. I LOVE KA and was on their site just before I came over here. KA wish list……rye flour, a dried fruit mix that I use for granola, donut hole maker, of course the pumpernickel flour, a few pie, cake and bread pans…….I could go on and on. I did try to make bagels once. Didn’t go too well. Will be giving this recipe a try though..
Kel says
I made bagels once – they turned out too dense.
My wish list at KAF – would like to try their vanilla!
Jen B says
Bagels are on my list of things I really want to try! You make them look so easy. My favorite bagel flavor is cinnamon raisin..no it’s plain…no it’s…oh lets just say I like them all!!
Now for my wish list from King Arthur Flour. Do you have a year? My wish list is pretty long. I’ve been drooling over the catalog for a couple of weeks.
I’d like (I feel like a kid giving Santa my list):
Exclusive Shortbread Pan (my grandparents are Scottish and we made shortbread all the time.)
Well then there are all of their flavors…eggnog flavor, boiled cider, lemon, you get the picture.
I also love the flours. The rye is one of our favorites. Ok I’ll stop now.
Anne says
I love a salted caramel bagel with apricots. I’ve made whole wheat and honey bagels. My wish list from King Arthur Flour would include the fruitcake mix and all the fixings to make a homemade recipe for a side by side tast test.
jana says
I’ve made bagels as a teenager, but I do not think they were as nice as these looked. Maybe its time to try again. And I love pumpernickel!
Daina says
I LOVE homemade bagels!! I’ve made them a bunch of times and let me tell you, nothing impresses the co-workers more than to bring in a paper sack full of warm bagels and tell them that you made them yourself! My method is a bit different than yours, and I roll mine into ropes then form into circles rather than poking a hole into a ball and stretching it. Doesn’t matter – nothing better than homemade bread-food. 🙂 My favorite flavor is either cinnamon raisin, or everything (heavy on the garlic and onion). Mmmmm!
Hannah says
Bagels are my biggest weakness! Asiago cheese, in particular!
Debbie Bray says
sesame is my favorite
sara says
I have never made bagels but it is on my bucket list.
endwillnev says
I would love to get some pumpernickel flour to try these bagels! I wouldn’t say no to some buckwheat flour either…
gina says
I want the square biscuit cutters
Anne Weber-Falk says
Really? You don’t want me to have to make a wish list from them because I purposely get the paper catalog so I can lay in bed at night with the catalog and a pen for circling and x-ing. I start reading and drooling and running through what I will use/make from the catalog. Right now I really need to get some clear asst size bread bags and some malt powder for my bagel making.
Gina Guthrie says
I have never made bagels before. I love everything bagels the best, though those pumpernickel bagels look great.
Kathy - Panini Happy says
I’ve only made bagels once, but they were awesome! I’d love to try these pumpernickel ones. 🙂
Danielle says
Pumpernickel bagels are literally my favorite!! Thank you for this great recipe!!
Michelle S says
I have made bagels from scratch, but never everything pumpernickel ; those sound awesome!!
Kim C says
I made a ton of different flavored bagels from scratch when I was in pastry school. I’ve been meaning to do it again on my own because they really are so easy to make and so good!!
Mollie C. says
I love everything about the paper baking pans. How cute! I’ve never made bagels but sounds like my next project and I love all bagels. I like the onion and everything bagels… Yum!
Rebecca says
I love a good everything bagel, toasted with butter. Or better yet, a pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwich on a wheat bagel!
Dani says
I used to live fairly close to King Arthur Flour and my husband would be bring me there to binge shop for my birthday and mother’s day. I so miss being able to do that! I’ve made some of their other bagel recipes before,and would love to try this one.
Jennifer B. / Brooklyn says
Oh YUM! My two favorite bagel flavors are everything and pumpernickel; those two together? Outta this world. I’ve been tempted to try my hand at making bagels before, but I’ve never gotten around to it (I live in Brooklyn, NY – I can get some decent bagels!) but now…I may just have to make these!
Karsten says
These look amazing! Love King Arthur flour….the whole wheat white is the best. Never made bagels from scratch…the everything is a favorite around here.
Amy S. says
I’ve never made bagels, but they are on my to-do list. I love Asiago cheese bagels, everything bagels, cinnamon bagels… If it’s a bagel, chances are I’m going to love it!
Nora Charles says
There are so many gadgets I like from King Arthur’s catalog. Special shortbread pans, a madeleine pan — I could fill up my kitchen. Probably tops is the red bread baking crock/dutch oven.
I made bagels once. I was fourteen years old and had only ever made brownies from a mix or scrambled eggs before, but I decided I could take on bagels. Mistake one of many: I figured my mom’s White Lily flour (soft flour for biscuits) would work just fine. I ended up throwing the results over the fence to the neighbor’s dog, who sniffed them once, then scrupulously avoided them. I think I may be ready to try bagels again, twenty-eight years later.
Jacky says
I Love all King Arthur products and have one of their cookbooks and love it.. I have never made bagels but would love to try these for starters !!!!!
Sara says
I love those black russian bagels too and for some reason so does my 3 year old picky eater. They are our sunday breakfast after my grocery shopping. Your recipe looks pretty easy, I can’t wait to try it.
Kelly says
I would love to try King Arthur’s Toasted Almond Flour, i’ve made bagels from scratch once… they were edible but I could use some more practice!
Jen says
My family and I love bagels!! Our favorite bagels are from NYC but sadly we leave in MA where. We’ve found some good bagels, but they don’t have the same chew as the ones from NYC. I’ve tried to make my own and they were good, but still not quite right. My girls and I love pumpernickel bagels so I can’t wait to try your recipe! They look DELICIOUS. 🙂
Rachel says
I have never made bagels before but this is inspiring me. I think I need to dig into my Jewish roots and start bagelmaking. These look amazing!
Maegan says
I’ve never made bagels before but i can’t wait to try!
Ellen Renee says
I have never made bagels before – but would be willing to give it a try. We have a local family owned bakery and I do adore an occasional everything bagel – made into an egg sandwich of some sort.
Desta R says
I have made bagels before, but it has been a long while. Time to try them again!
Marisa says
I haven’t made bagels for a few years. These pumpernickel bagels look good!
Karen D. says
I have never made bagels since we have an excellent bagel shop in the neighborhood, but they do not make Black Russian bagels. I am a sucker for Pumpernickel. They are my favorite. The whole fam loves everything bagels. I would love to try making these.
Peggy in MN says
I have just started reading your blog and really enjoy it—I have made your kimchee and my family is now waiting for the next batch. I want to try bagels because my family loves pumpernickel. My husband is diabetic and his Dr. told him pumpernickel was the best choice for diabetics. Bonus!! My wish list includes the English muffin baking set, and I always drool over the Kitchen Aid mixers on the King Arthur site. I’m not much of a baker, but I love to cook. For what I have spent buying used Kitchen Aid mixers at yard and estate sales, I probably could have bought a new one.
Sarah Beth says
wish list – english muffin bake set
favorite flavor – cinnamon sugar
never made them homemade!
mollie says
I love cinnamon raisin bagels
cyndi says
I love just plain bagels with lots of different cream cheeses
Julie says
I have never made bagels before
thanks for the giveaway
KirstenInCO says
I have never made bagels before but would love to try! My favorite are also everything bagels, usually with home made chive cream cheese. I also have an afinity for Black Russian bread, marble rye, anything with that yummy dark bread in it. I regularly bake this recipe of bread so I’m looking forward to trying your bagel recipe too! http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/black-bread-recipe.html.
On my King Arthur wish list is (now this pumpernickle mix, but also…) a dough whisk, a rising bucket, a new kitchen thermometer and I’ve always wanted to try the Vermont cheese powder. Thank you for this opportunity!
Nutmeg Nanny says
These bagels look SO good! I can’t wait to try this 🙂
Robby says
I love Everything bagels and pumpernickel. How have I missed these before!? Can’t wait to try this out. Thanks!
rob says
Your demos are so helpful, thank you. I’ve never made bagels, but I did go on a class trip in 2nd grade (1972 maybe?) to H&H bagels. As any NY-er knows, H&H is the spiritual heart of bagel-dom. I am finally ready to make my own attempt, lacking only the KA artisan bread flavor per your thoughtful arrangement. Thanks!
Anastacia says
I would love to win the chocolates and the bread and soup kit. Pumpernickel bagels sound pretty scrumptious though.
Lori Scatton says
OMG! I made homemade bagels years ago and I can honestly say they were the best bagels I ever ate. Nothing like homemade. Like I said it’s been years, and I would love to try it again.
Anne says
My KAF baker’s wish list: One of each, please! Seriously, though, I would love to have a high-end bread machine like the Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Home Bakery Supreme, but more realistically, I’m hoping Santa will bring me the Standard Doughnut Pan so I can bake me some doughnuts.
tk says
i’ve never made bagels before but everything bagels are my fave!
Christian Wright says
I consider all the items I have bought from KAF fantastic purchases and the
bagel ingredients top that list. . As a (and maybe the only!) Jew on a small island in Alaska the food of my people is a welcome effort.
Everything can be good but onion is my fave
Stephani D says
I’m a college student who is broke enough to try to make everything from scratch! Have definitely made bagels before. Pretty much covet every single item from King Arthur Flour. Favorite bagel…Whole grain everything! (have never tried pumpernickel though…Maybe a new favorite!)
Rebecca says
You’ve never tried pumpernickel? Oh goodness. You’re gonna love it! (I hope!)
Jym says
I’m made bagels before, but they didnt turn out successful. I’m looking forward to trying these
Rebecca says
You’ll have to let me know how it goes for you, Jym!
Avram Peters says
I’ve never made bagels from scratch, but with the incoming snow, I might have to give it a shot! Thanks for the recipe!
laurasmess says
Seriously amazing. I am going to make these quick smart (and then devour that burger patty and cream cheese filling between two glossy pumpernickel halves!) x
Connie @ Sprig and Flours says
These look great! I never thought to make my own bagels! Now I have to try.
Angel Nicholas says
I have such a huge wish list from King Arthur’s catalogue that it’s a bit embarrassing. Whenever a new one arrives in the mail, I cannot wait to rush inside and thumb through it, with much oohing and aahing and even a bit of drooling.
I like to think I’m a fairly skilled baker, but I’ve never thought to try my hand at bagels. The process sounds intimidating! But hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I’ll try almost anything once.
I love a wide variety of bagels, as do my children. I’m especially fond of dark, rich bread though, so this pumpernickel recipe is immensely tempting. I’ve never seen dark bagels before! I should get out more. 🙂
Jill says
I have made bagels from scratch; my favorite kind are sesame, but you do a pretty good job of selling me on these! I’ll have to give them a try!
Tobi meyers says
I would love the pumpernickel bread flour . My husband loves the Black Russian but would go gaga over seventy thing pumpernickel bagel! We can only get egg everything or Black Russian bagels in Florida!
Ariella says
How are yours so dark? Mine are way lighter! :did you add any coloring at all?
Rebecca says
I use King Arthur Flour’s Artisan Pumpernickel Flavour, but I don’t add colouring! It definitely gives my bagels that great, deep colour.
Rachael Barnett says
Everything bagels are my absolute favourite. My favourite way to eat them is with avocado.
I have to make these!! I just know I will not stop thinking about them until I do.
Thanks for sharing the recipe
Rebecca says
You’re very welcome! And these would be maddeningly delicious with avocado! I need to do that~
Jonette Friend says
Ok I ordered the kaf pumpernickel and there is nothing brown about mine. They barely look like wheat the color is so light. Am I missing an ingredient? I even mixed a bit of water with just the pumpernickel flour from kaf and it looks like wheat. Am I crazy how do you get that brown?
Rebecca says
You’re not crazy. I also mentioned in the post that I used “Pumpernickel Artisan Bread Flavor” from King Arthur Flour which boosts the darkness. It was easy to miss, so maybe you just didn’t see that part? The recipe does mention using it, though, so I’m thinking perhaps you ordered Pumpernickel flour rather than the “Artisan Bread Flavor”?
…That being said, I bet your bagels still tasted great, right? 😀
Jonette Friend says
Yes I TOTALLY missed the word flavor lol. I was too excited to make them to read it properly but I just got the artisan pumpernickel flavor yesterday just took my first batch out of the oven and omgoodness they are every bit as as delicious as they look. New tie for first place of my favorite recipes you’ve posted. Love your site have a great weekend!!
Jonette Friend says
Ok I’m about to cry… kaf no longer carries the pumpernickel flavor!!!! Do you in your infinite wisdom have any idea how to replicate it or know of another company that might carry something similar? I’m scouring the internet and all I’m finding is coffee and molasses but I just don’t think that’s going to come close. I’m seriously dying inside right now!!! Lol any suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance and o hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season!
Rebecca says
Thanks so much, Jonette! I’m going to try to replicate that here in my kitchen because I was crushed that it was gone, too!
Jonette Friend says
I ordered some stuff too and I’m going to play with it over the holiday… I’ll keep you posted if I can get close. I do have about 1/3rd of a bag left. So sad !!!!
Tobin says
King Arthur has, apparently, discontinued the Pumpernickel flavor mix. Any suggestions for a substitute?
Rebecca says
Hi Tobin- I have feelers out to King Arthur Flour to see if they can give me a hint about recreating the pumpernickel flavouring at home.
Mary says
When I found your recipe I about went through the roof and was so anxious to make it. I used to manage a Jewish Deli several years ago and we made these fresh every day. They are my most favorite bagel EVER! I immediately went over to the King Aurthur website to order the Pumpernickel Artisian Bread Flavor to find out they no longer make it. Were you ever able to re-create the King Authur Pumpernickel Artisian Bread Flavor? I would prefer your recipe than theirs. Have you tried KA recipe with the changes they made without using the discontinued ingredient?. Any suggestions….? I really value your opinion! Thank You So Much for your Time…..!!!!!
Rebecca says
Hi Mary! I’m going to get working on this again in earnest. I forgot all about making my own pumpernickel bread flavour, but now I really want some! I’ll check back in when I get it!
Mary says
I Can’t wait to hear back from you. Thank you so very much!
Sunny Drohan says
These sound not so difficult. Haven’t made bagels in a lot of years. Did for the holidays once and made plain. Wish I had had this recipe as the pumpernickel is my most favorite. The only place I can get these is on the east coast of Florida. We are on the sw Gulf side. Brooklyn Water Bagel. They have their own water treatment system to replicate Brooklyn. And they are the best. Actually even better than some I have had in NY. And in season the traffic is crazy and it is at least a 2 hour + ride one way. So we wait until we visit friends there or when they come here and bring them.
Sadelles in NYC had the Pumpernickel Everything when they first opened. Now for some reason do not make them anymore.
Rebecca says
Pumpernickel bagels are the best!! I hope you enjoy these!
Marji says
I was going to make these bagels and when I tried to buy the pumpernickel artisan flour the King Arthur’s website said “Note: Since we no longer carry the pumpernickel artisan bread flavor that we used in developing this recipe, as of 11/14/17 it calls for alternate ingredients.” Has anyone made these without the pumpernickel artisan flour?
Rebecca says
Hi Marji- I am actually in the process of making my own version of the pumpernickel artisan bread flavour as we speak. It will be in my upcoming bread cookbook. In the meantime, I’m going to start putting together a list of people willing to test recipes for the book. If you’re interested, join my little facebook group here and you’ll be among the first to hear about it. The recipe for the pumpernickle flavour will be in the list of recipes to test!
Russ says
You forgot a key ingredient in your recipe ! What makes the bagels black!
You must include Molasses or dark cocoa!
Rebecca says
Hi Russ- No, actually, I didn’t forget any ingredients. When I published this recipe, I used a mix-in from King Arthur Flour called “Pumpernickel Artisan Bread Flavour” It contained caramel colour, rye, and a bunch of other goodies. They no longer carry the product, but I figured out how to make something very similar and the recipe is included in my new bread cookbook. You can find it here. I’ll actually go in and edit this post to reflect that. 🙂
Ruth Cavayero says
Not sure my dough is not dark. What did you add to make yours dark pumpernickel color?
Rebecca says
Hi Ruth- I used Pumpernickel artisan bread flavouring from King Arthur Flour in these, as I mentioned in the post. I am aware that they no longer sell it, but if you’d like to replicate that colour, I have made my own version of it and included the recipe in my new cookbook: “Ready, Set, Dough: Beginner Breads for All Occasions.”
Jenn says
Where do you get the pumpernickel artesian bread flavor? I don’t even see it on the website. Help!
Rebecca says
Hi Jenn- I am sorry to say they no longer offer it! I have put together a homemade version of it which you can find in my cookbook “Ready, Set, Dough! Beginner Breads for All Occasions.” It is worth it if you love dark pumpernickel!
Jason says
Hello – where is this King Arthur Flour Pumpernickel Artisan Brad Flavor? I’ve searched that term and haven’t found a thing. thanks
Rebecca says
Hi Jason- Unfortunately, King Arthur Flour has stopped production of this flavour. I made a homemade version of it, though, and the recipe is in my new cookbook, “Ready, Set, Dough!” That’ll set you up if you’d like to try it!
Jason Jason says
hello – is it on page 269?
Lexi says
Hi, I was wondering do you use dark or light brown sugar?
Rebecca says
Hi Lexi-
I use light brown because it’s what I usually have on hand, but either will work here.
judy says
So why do you show dark brown bagels but don’t include the ingredient that makes them dark brown…They turned out delicious but just look like plain bagels …..note King Arthur adds 1 T cocao, read that after I made these…
Rebecca says
Judy- I did share the ingredient that makes them brown… it’s just that that particular ingredient is no longer sold by KAF. However, I did re-create the ingredient and include the recipe for it in my bread cookbook: “Ready, Set, Dough! Beginner Breads for All Occasions.” It’s available here.
Anne says
Love these bagels! I have them twice. The bagels did not turn out as dark as the bagels in your photo. Is the King Arthur Pumpernickel flour really dark? I used pumpernickel flour from Chicago’s Central Baking.
Rebecca says
Hi Anne- Yes, the King Arthur Flour pumpernickel flavour boost powder had caramel colour in it, but I’m so glad the ones you made taste delicious!!
Diane says
My son is begging me to make these black russian bagels. I CANNOT find this pumpernickel artisan bread flavor anywhere….. Please help me! I can only find pumpernickel flour.
Rebecca says
Hey there, Diane! I can help you!! I actually published a recipe for a homemade version of the pumpernickel artisan bread flavour in my book “Ready, Set, Dough! Beginner Breads for All Occasions.” I’m afraid King Arthur doesn’t sell the mix any more, which is such a bummer! It’s an easy thing to make, you just have to collect a couple of ingredients to make it. The good news is that you’ll have it on hand to make these often (which you will probably want to do. 🙂 )
Jon Weisberg says
We’ll soon move from NYC area (where the russian pupernickle bagels down the street are exceptional) back to Salt Lake City, where locals confuse bagels with donuts (not really, but pretty close). I’ve mastered regular bagel baking but not black pumpernickle bagels. Your recipe mentions King Arthur Flour Pumpernickle Artisian Bread Flavor, which I am unable to find on the King Arthur site. Listed on the site, however, is Organic Pumpernickel Flour. Is that the same ingredient? Please advise. Thank you!
Rebecca says
Hey Jon! I absolutely understand the issue. Bagels outside of NYC are hit or miss and most often miss. 🙂 You are correct that King Arthur no longer offers the Pumpernickel Artisan Bread Flavor. I was beyond sad when I saw that, but decided that I could figure out a replacement, and I did! I included a recipe for making your OWN pumpernickel bread booster in my bread cookbook: “Ready, Set, Dough: Beginner Breads for All Occasions.” You have to mail order a couple of ingredients, but once you have it, you’ll be set for many, many, MANY Russian pumpernickel bagels or 1-hour pumpernickel bread or anything pumpernickel that tickles your fancy!
Here’s a link for the book! https://amzn.to/3uAmrij
Carol says
How did you get them so dark? I used Bob’s Red Mill Organic Dark Rye Flour because the shipping price on the King Arthur Flour was more than the flour. Did I use the wrong flour?
Rebecca says
You used the right flour, Carol! The Artisan Bread Flavour that I used from King Arthur Flour had caramel colour in it which made it so dark! I know King Arthur has since discontinued the product, but I managed to reverse-engineer a solid home-made version of it. The recipe for that is in my “Ready, Set, Dough: Beginner Breads for All Occasions”, if you’d like to get that gorgeous dark chocolate looking pumpernickel hue. 🙂