Cream Cheese Filled Bagel Balls

Sweet and savory come together in perfect harmony with these Cream Cheese Filled Bagel Balls. Flaky, buttery dough wraps around a tangy cream cheese center, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that’s sure to satisfy any breakfast or snack craving.

Ready Time

2 hrs

Yields

10 servings

Ingredients

2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sesame or poppy seeds for topping (optional)

Instructions

Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl.

Stir gently to dissolve the yeast, and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.

Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl.

Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Punch down the dough and divide it into 10 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a ball.

Flatten each ball slightly into a disk shape.

Place 1 tablespoon of cream cheese in the center of each disk.

Fold the dough over the filling to form a ball, and press the edges together to seal the ball.

Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each ball.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown.

While the balls are baking, prepare the cream cheese topping.

Mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

Remove the balls from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.

Drizzle the cream cheese topping over the warm balls.

If desired, sprinkle the tops with sesame or poppy seeds.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure to use warm water for yeast activation, as it helps the fermentation process. For a more efficient rising process, ensure your rising area is warm and draft-free.

Don’t overmix the dough, as it can lead to a tough texture.

If you find the dough too sticky, add a little more flour. For a smooth dough, knead it for the full 10 minutes.

Grease your bowl with butter or cooking spray to prevent the dough from sticking.

Let the dough rise for the full hour, as this step is crucial for a light and airy texture. When shaping the balls, make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent the cream cheese from leaking out during baking.

Keep an eye on the balls while they’re baking, as the baking time may vary depending on your oven.