Step 1

Heat 1 ½ cups of water to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the water into a small bowl. Add the sugar and yeast to the warm water; mix together then set aside for 5 minutes until frothy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 cups of bread flour and the 1 teaspoon salt. Add the yeast mixture and molasses. Beat with an electric mixer (a stand mixer is preferable) until the dough comes together into a ball.

Step 3

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Grease a large bowl generously with 1 tablespoon oil. Place the dough into the bowl, turning once to coat the top with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel then set aside in a warm place to rise for 60-90 minutes until doubled.

Step 5

Punch the dough down, then divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball. Use one finger to poke a hole into the center of a dough ball, then stretch and shape it into a large hole, about 2 inches in diameter. Repeat this process with each dough ball until you have 8 bagels. Place the bagels on a baking sheet, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and set aside to rest while you move on to the next step.

Step 6

Fill a large pot with water to about 2 inches of depth. Add 3 tablespoons of honey and whisk to combine. Bring the water to boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium high. Boil the bagels in small batches for 1 minute on each side.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 8

Line a large baking sheet (or two smaller baking sheets) with parchment paper. Place the bagels on the parchment paper with at least 1 inch of space between each bagel.

Step 9

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash on the top and sides of each bagel. Top the bagels with the toppings of your choice, or leave plain.

Step 10

Bake the bagels at 425 degrees for 25 minutes until deep golden brown.

Step 11

Cool the bagels slightly then slice and serve, or toast and serve.

Step 12

Store bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or slice and freeze for up to 2 months.