Cosmic Brownie Bagels
These Cosmic Brownie Bagels bring chocolatey nostalgia to breakfast, topped with creamy chocolate spread and rainbow chips!
July 2025 update: I first shared these Cosmic Brownie Bagels back in May of 2024. I updated the recipe with everything I have learned in my bagel making adventures over the last year. I hope this helps!
👩🍳 Nostalgic Treat Make Into Colorful Bagels–Cosmic Brownie Bagels
As an 90’s kid, Cosmic Brownie Bagels would’ve been a dream come true! Circa 1999, Cosmic Brownies were practically their own food group at my house—I can still picture myself picking off those tiny rainbow chips one by one, savoring the chocolatey goodness as long as possible.
Fast forward to now, as a mom who leans toward wholesome ingredients, I skip the store-bought treats filled with additives. My kids haven’t missed out entirely—First, they are teenagers so good luck keeping junk food away from them and I wasn’t always this “crunchy!” But these days, I love recreating the classics myself, free from preservatives and artificial flavors.
That’s what makes these Cosmic Brownie Bagels so special! They’re a fun, chocolatey twist on bagels, with rich cocoa flavor and chocolate chips baked right in. While they’re not quite as fudgy as a brownie, they’re as close as you can get in a bagel, and they’re topped with those nostalgic mini rainbow chips for that perfect cosmic touch. I didn’t make the rainbow chips from scratch—everything in balance, right? If you’re ready for a playful, delicious, and family-friendly twist, these bagels will bring out your inner kid with every bite!
🛒 Recipe Ingredient List
🥣 Visual Process for Making Cosmic Brownie Bagels
First thing you will want to do is read my post on making perfectly textured bagels. It is like a how to guide for making bakery style bagels. I’ll hit the highlights here but it really is the most comprehensive guide I’ve ever created.
First thing you want to do is activate the yeast. Start by combining the warm water and honey in a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl if you’re using one). Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is ready when it’s foamy and bubbly.
Add olive oil, egg, and cocoa powder to the yeast mixture, stirring gently to combine. Then, add 1 cup of bread flour with the salt sprinkled on top (this keeps the salt from directly touching the yeast, which can deactivate it). Begin mixing on low speed if you’re using a stand mixer, or by hand with a wooden spoon. The dough will start out kinda shaggy.
Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough reaches a soft, workable texture. The dough should feel dense, not soft like sandwich bread dough. Bagel dough is stiff for a reason—it gives that classic chewy bite.
Add your mini chocolate chips to the dough, then knead it by hand or with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and evenly dotted with chocolate chips. To check, press a finger into the dough—it should spring back, showing it’s ready.
Let It Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it risen but not doubled.
Pro Tip: If your kitchen is chilly, place the bowl in a slightly warm oven (around 100°F) to help the dough rise faster.
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then poke your finger through the center and gently stretch to form a bagel shape. Put them on a baking sheet, cover and cold-ferment them over night (8–24 hours).
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Boil each bagel for 30 seconds per side—this step gives bagels that delicious chewy crust!
Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the boiled bagels to the sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until they’re firm and lightly crispy on the outside. Let them cool on a wire rack before adding the chocolate cream cheese and rainbow chips.
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Cosmic Brownie Bagels
Ingredients
For the Bagels:
- 1½ cups warm water (110°F or so)
- 3 tbsp honey (or sugar)
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting surface)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
For the Chocolate Cream Cheese
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream (adjust to reach a smooth, pourable consistency)
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
Topping:
- mini rainbow chips (to mimic the Cosmic Brownie look. You can also use rainbow sprinkles.)
Instructions
Make the Bagels
- In a separate bowl or the bowl of a standmixer, combine 1½ cups warm water with 3 tbsp honey. Sprinkle 2 tsp active dry yeast on top, and let it sit for about 5 minutes to activate.
- Add 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 Large eggs, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder and combine. Add 1 cup of bread flour and then 1 tsp salt on top of the flour. Salt can kill yeast so you want it distributed vs concentrated. Use a wooden spoon to combine until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add ½ cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips. Add the dough hook to your standmixer and knead the dough for 6–7 minutes with a until smooth, stiff, and elastic. Bagel dough should feel firm—not soft or sticky like sandwich bread.
- Form the dough into a ball and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for about 1 to 1½ hours—just until it’s slightly puffed, not doubled. This keeps the texture tight and chewy, not airy or fluffy.
- Gently press down on the dough to release built-up gas. Divide it into 8 to 10 equal pieces. Use a scale if you want perfectly even bagels (roughly 100g each is a sweet spot).
- Roll each piece into a tight ball. Poke your thumb through the center and stretch the hole until it’s about 2 inches wide—it’ll shrink as it rests and bakes. Alternatively, roll into a rope and wrap it into a circle, sealing the ends.
- Place shaped bagels on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and refrigerate overnight (up to 24 hours). This develops flavor and makes the crust chewier and more flavorful. If you’re skipping this, let them rest at room temp for 20–30 minutes instead.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C)and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Boil each bagel for 1 minute on each side (this gives them that chewy crust). Let them drain on a drying rack for a few minutes, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the bagels for 18-20 minutes, or until they are firm and slightly crispy on the outside. Let them cool on a wire rack before glazing.
Make the Chocolate Cream Cheese
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tbsp butter in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Add 2 tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream as needed until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Allow to cool for 3 minutes.
- Add 8 oz softened cream cheese to a medium bowl. Pour in the chocolate sauce and whip until smooth and creamy.
- To serve the bagels: Slice them in half, if desired. Spread the chocolate cream cheese on top, then sprinkle generously with mini rainbow chips or sprinkles.
Video
Notes
Substitutions
Storage
Nutrition
FAQs
What is the best flour for bagels?
Bread flour is the top pick for bagels because of its high protein content—usually around 12 to 14 percent—which means more gluten and a chewier, sturdier bagel. It gives you that classic New York-style texture with a crisp, crusty exterior and a dense, satisfying bite inside.
High-gluten flour takes it a step further, with protein levels around 14 to 15 percent. This is what many pro bagel shops use to get super chewy, ultra-dense bagels that hold their shape beautifully and deliver that authentic, bakery-quality feel.
All-purpose flour works in a pinch, but it’s not ideal. With a lower protein content (about 10 to 11.5 percent), it tends to produce bagels that are softer and fluffier—not the firm, chewy texture we’re after. If it’s all you’ve got, you can still make great bagels by adding a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten per cup of flour to boost the protein and get closer to that true bagel bite.
Why is my dough so stiff?
That’s normal! Bagel dough should be stiffer than sandwich bread.
Cosmic Brownie Bagels Serving Suggestions
If you’re serving up Cosmic Brownie Bagels, you’ve already committed to fun—so let’s lean into it. Pair those rich, chocolatey bites with fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or banana slices to balance the sweetness and add some brightness. A colorful fruit salad with lime and mint also works great for a light contrast.
For drinks, keep it simple but satisfying—cold brew with oat milk, a caramel iced latte, or even strawberry milk if you’re going full throwback.
If you’re aiming for a spread station or want to dress up the bagels, try whipped cream cheese blended with marshmallow fluff for a faux frosting vibe, or go salty-sweet with a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella. Strawberry or raspberry jam also adds a tart little kick that plays well with all that chocolate. It’s a nostalgic treat, so don’t be afraid to have fun with it!
More Breakfast Favorites
If you’re into cozy, flavor-packed breakfasts, you’ve gotta try Banana Bread with Zucchini. It’s moist, naturally sweet, and sneaks in a dose of veggies without tasting like it. For something crunchy and nutritious, Easy Maple Syrup Granola hits the spot—loaded with oats, seeds, and protein powder for all-day energy.
Lemon Blueberry Overnight French Toast is a total showstopper. Buttery brioche, tart lemon curd, and juicy berries soak overnight into a rich, custardy bake. Or go simple and satisfying with Banana Protein Pancakes—light, fluffy, and perfect for busy mornings.
Need something savory? The High-Protein Chicken Sausage Egg Scramble is meal prep gold. And if you’re craving comfort, classic French Toast with warm cinnamon and cardamom never disappoints.
For a tropical twist, try Pineapple French Toast Casserole—challah bread meets caramelized pineapple, toffee sauce, and whipped cream. Or go bold with S’mores Homemade Waffles—graham-flavored waffles stacked with marshmallows and chocolate drizzle.
The Loaded Breakfast Skillet is perfect for anytime: crispy potatoes, veggies, eggs, and melty cheese. For something a little fancier, Ham and Gruyere Deep Dish Quiche brings fresh herbs, savory ham, and nutty cheese together in a buttery crust.
And for grab-and-go mornings, Banana Oat Muffins are a must. Naturally sweetened, super soft, and even better with a drizzle of honey on top.