Chocolate Chip Protein Bagels are the perfect balance of chewy, slightly sweet, and satisfying, making them a smart breakfast or snack for busy mornings. If you love classic bakery-style bagels but want a boost of protein in every bite, this recipe delivers big flavor with practical nutrition. These homemade bagels are soft inside, golden outside, and filled with melty chocolate chips — all while offering a protein upgrade that helps keep you full longer.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or baking a weekend treat, these easy chocolate chip protein bagels are simple to make and taste absolutely amazing fresh from the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Protein Bagels Recipe
There are so many reasons to make these chocolate chip protein bagels at home:
- They’re high in protein, helping you stay energized.
- The texture is chewy and authentic, thanks to the boiling step.
- They’re lightly sweet without being overpowering.
- Perfect for meal prep — they freeze beautifully.
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved.
- Made with simple, affordable pantry ingredients.
These chocolate chip protein bagels feel like a bakery treat but are practical enough for everyday breakfasts.
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Protein Bagels
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of six bagels.
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
Mix-Ins
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
For Boiling
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 6–8 cups water
Optional Peanut Butter Drizzle
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Ingredient Notes
- Protein Powder: Use a good-quality vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder. Avoid overly chalky brands, as they can affect texture.
- Flour Choice: Bread flour gives these chocolate chip protein bagels their classic chew. All-purpose flour works but will produce a softer texture.
- Butter Substitute: You can swap butter with olive oil or avocado oil.
- Lower Sugar Option: Reduce sugar slightly if your protein powder is already sweetened.
- Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips add deeper flavor and less sweetness.
- Dairy-Free Swap: Use plant milk in the drizzle and dairy-free chocolate chips if needed.
This recipe contains no alcohol or pork ingredients and is family-friendly as written.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour, protein powder, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and melted butter. Stir until a rough dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 2 – Knead Until Smooth
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel firm but not dry. If sticky, add a little flour; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water.
Step 3 – First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 30–40 minutes, or until slightly puffy.
Step 4 – Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center using your finger. Gently stretch to form a ring.
Step 5 – Boil for Classic Texture
Bring water to a boil and add honey. Boil each bagel for 30–45 seconds per side. This step creates the signature chewy crust that makes chocolate chip protein bagels taste authentic.
Step 6 – Bake to Golden Perfection
Place bagels on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 7 – Add the Drizzle (Optional)
Whisk peanut butter, milk, and maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle over slightly cooled bagels for extra flavor.
Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip Boiling: This is what gives chocolate chip protein bagels their chewy texture.
- Use Warm, Not Hot Water: Too-hot water can kill yeast.
- Measure Flour Properly: Spoon and level to avoid dense bagels.
- Space Them Out: They expand during baking.
- Cool Before Cutting: Cutting too early can make the inside gummy.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Better chocolate means better flavor.
Flavor Variations
Want to customize your chocolate chip protein bagels? Try these ideas:
- Cinnamon Swirl: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the dough.
- Double Chocolate: Replace 2 tablespoons flour with cocoa powder.
- Orange Chocolate: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts.
- Protein Boost: Sprinkle hemp seeds on top before baking.
Each variation keeps the structure of the original chocolate chip protein bagels while adding new flavor depth.
Serving Suggestions
These bagels are incredibly versatile:
- Toasted with almond butter
- Served with Greek yogurt and berries
- As a sweet breakfast sandwich with cream cheese
- Sliced and warmed with extra dark chocolate spread
- Packed in lunchboxes as a filling snack
They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a smoothie.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store chocolate chip protein bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage:
- Freeze in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Slice before freezing for easy toasting.
- Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven.
Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry them out faster.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 280mg |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on protein powder and chocolate used.
FAQ About Chocolate Chip Protein Bagels
Can I make chocolate chip protein bagels without yeast?
Yes, but the texture will be different. You can substitute baking powder for yeast, but the bagels will be softer and more bread-like rather than chewy.
Why are my bagels dense?
Dense chocolate chip protein bagels often result from too much flour or under-kneading. Make sure to knead thoroughly and measure flour correctly.
Can I use plant-based protein powder?
Absolutely. Plant-based protein works well, though it may absorb more liquid. You might need an extra tablespoon of water.
Do I have to boil them?
Boiling is essential for traditional bagel texture. Skipping it will produce more of a bread roll consistency.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. You can reduce the sugar slightly, especially if your protein powder is sweetened. The yeast still needs a small amount to activate.
Final Thoughts
These easy chocolate chip protein bagels prove that healthy baking doesn’t have to be boring. With a soft interior, chewy crust, and bursts of chocolate in every bite, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and practical. They’re simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to share.
Make a batch this week and enjoy a protein-packed breakfast that tastes like a treat.
Print
Easy Chocolate Chip Protein Bagels
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 bagels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy homemade chocolate chip protein bagels made with bread flour and vanilla protein powder for a high-protein breakfast treat.
Ingredients
3 cups bread flour
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon honey (for boiling)
6–8 cups water (for boiling)
1/4 cup peanut butter (optional drizzle)
1–2 tablespoons milk (optional drizzle)
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional drizzle)
Instructions
1. Whisk together bread flour, protein powder, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm water and melted butter; mix to form dough.
3. Fold in chocolate chips.
4. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Let dough rise 30–40 minutes.
6. Divide into 6 pieces and shape into bagels.
7. Boil bagels 30–45 seconds per side in honey water.
8. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes until golden.
9. Whisk drizzle ingredients and drizzle over cooled bagels.
Notes
Use bread flour for best chew.
Do not skip boiling step.
Cool before slicing.
Freeze up to 3 months.
Adjust sweetness depending on protein powder.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
