Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2

In a medium-sized, covered saucepan, bring the water bath (6 cups of water, 1 tablespoon molasses and 1 teaspoon kosher salt) to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

In the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large bowl with a handheld mixer with dough hooks), place the bread flour, yeast and granulated sugar, and use a handheld whisk to combine well. Add the salt and whisk to combine well.

Step 4

Add the water and butter, and mix on low speed with the dough hook(s) until combined. Raise the mixer speed to medium and knead for about 5 minutes.

Step 5

The dough is a smooth, enriched dough, but it is very thick.

Step 6

Spray a silicone spatula lightly with cooking oil spray, and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for 10 minutes to make the dough much easier to handle.

Step 7

Remove the dough from the refrigerator, and transfer it to a surface lightly sprinkled with bread flour. Sprinkle the dough very lightly with more flour and turn it over on itself a few times until the dough is smoother.

Step 8

Using a bench scraper or sharp knife, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape the pieces into rounds of dough, and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart from one another.

Step 9

Place a floured finger in the center of each round of dough, press down to the bottom and move around in a circular motion to create a hole that is at least 1 1/2-inches wide.

Step 10

Place as many of the raw, shaped bagels in the boiling water bath as can fit without crowding and boil them for about 45 seconds total, turning the bagels over gently to ensure even boiling.

Step 11

Remove the boiled bagels from the water bath and return to the baking sheet. Brush the tops and sides with the egg wash and sprinkle with seeds if using.

Step 12

Place the baking sheet in the center of the preheated oven and bake until the bagels are golden brown all over and the internal temperature reaches about 180°F (18 to 20 minutes).

Step 13

Remove from the oven and allow to cool briefly before serving.