Fancy Valentine’s Day Bagels

Name: Fancy Valentine’s Day Bagels
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons); 1 ½ cups warm water; 1 tablespoon baking soda; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1-2 tablespoons beet juice; 2 tablespoons honey; Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)

Highlighted under: Festive Holiday Recipes

I love creating festive treats that bring a special touch to any occasion, and these Fancy Valentine’s Day Bagels are always a hit! Inspired by the love that fills the air on this day, I decided to transform ordinary bagels into heart-shaped delights. Using a simple recipe, I infused them with a hint of sweetness and topped them with vibrant pink cream cheese. It’s such a fun and easy way to celebrate love, whether it’s with friends, family, or that special someone in your life.

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2026-01-15T11:53:31.015Z

When I first made these Fancy Valentine’s Day Bagels, I was amazed at how quickly they became the centerpiece of our brunch table. The heart shape isn’t just cute; it enhances the overall presentation, making everything feel more festive. To get that perfect shape, I used a cookie cutter, which I found works better than trying to shape the dough by hand.

One of my favorite parts is the pink cream cheese spread, which I made by mixing plain cream cheese with a bit of beet juice. It not only gives a beautiful color but also adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the bagels. This simple touch transforms an ordinary breakfast into a themed celebration!

        Why You'll Love These Bagels
        Delightfully soft and chewy texture that pairs well with any spread.
Eye-catching heart shape that adds a romantic touch to celebrations.
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and flavors.

      

Understanding the Heart Shape

Creating the heart shape for these bagels can be a fun challenge, especially if you’re new to shaping dough. When rolling the dough into a rope, aim for an even thickness to ensure it bakes uniformly. Remember that both ends should be twisted tightly to form a clear heart shape. If your dough is sticky, lightly flour your hands or the surface to prevent it from clinging. This technique not only gives them a delightful shape but also helps maintain the bagel's tender texture during boiling and baking.

When you shape the bagels, it’s important to remember the dough will rise slightly, making the heart shape puff up a bit in the oven. To achieve a good definition in the shape, don’t hesitate to use your fingers to refine the heart outline before boiling. A well-shaped bagel not only looks great but also provides a perfect canvas for your decorative cream cheese spread.

The Role of Beet Juice

Beet juice is a fantastic natural coloring agent in this recipe. When adding it to the cream cheese, start with a small amount and gradually increase it. This allows you to control the depth of color without overpowering the flavor. Beet juice adds a subtle earthiness, enhancing the taste without being too intrusive, making it an ideal addition for a pleasant creamy spread.

If you’re looking for alternatives to beet juice due to dietary preferences or unavailability, consider using pomegranate juice for a similar color effect, or even a few drops of red food coloring if you want to avoid taste variations. Just remember, the key is to adjust the sweetness by balancing with a little extra honey in the mix if using a different liquid sweetener.

Ingredients

For the Bagels

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 ½ cups warm water
1 tablespoon baking soda

For the Cream Cheese Spread

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1-2 tablespoons beet juice
2 tablespoons honey
Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Gradually add warm water and mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12 inches long, then shape it into a heart by forming a loop and twisting the ends together.

Boil the Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add baking soda. Boil each bagel for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.

Prepare the Spread

In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, beet juice, and honey until well combined. Adjust the beet juice to achieve the desired color.

Serve

Spread the pink cream cheese on the cooled bagels and decorate with sprinkles if desired. Enjoy your Fancy Valentine’s Day Bagels!

Pro Tips

To make these bagels even more special, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits to the dough for added flavor. You can also experiment with different toppings on the cream cheese, such as crushed nuts or fresh herbs.

Storage Tips

These Fancy Valentine’s Day Bagels can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days once cooled completely. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them. To freeze, wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months, and you can toast them directly from frozen to revitalize their chewy texture.

To reheat the bagels, simply take out what you need and bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain their soft interior and crispy exterior. If you've already spread them with cream cheese, opt to reheat them without the spread and add it afterwards to avoid altering the texture.

Customizing Your Bagels

These bagels are incredibly versatile. While the pink cream cheese is beautiful for a Valentine’s Day celebration, feel free to experiment with flavors. Adding herbs like chives or dill to the cream cheese can make for a savory twist. You could also mix in a variety of flavored extracts, such as vanilla or almond, for a sweet spread that complements a breakfast bagel feast.

For a more substantial breakfast option, consider topping your bagels with additional ingredients like smoked salmon, avocado, or fresh fruit. These add-ons not only enhance the flavor but also provide a nutritious boost. Use your creativity to adapt to what’s available in your pantry or to suit your guests’ preferences!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these bagels ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the bagels and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

→ What if I don’t have beet juice?

You can use food coloring or simply leave the cream cheese plain – it’ll still taste great!

→ Are these bagels good for breakfast?

Absolutely! They make a fun and festive breakfast option that everyone will love.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture might be denser.