Cinnamon-Sugar Pumpkin Bagel Bites for One

Enlist some self control on the front end by making a single serving batch of these pumpkin bagel bites coated in cinnamon-sugar, dipped in sweet cream cheese.

Although I love leftovers for lunch the next day, after living on my own for a long time I started craving recipes that serve just one because sometimes that giant vat of soup loses its appeal after the 5th day. This search resulted in the creation of Single Serving Sundays which documents my adventure through cooking for one. Whether you live alone or not, single serving recipes come in handy. To prove it, this week for Single Serving Sunday I invited some friends along in a link up of recipes for one.

I know I just spent the week before last bombarding you with pumpkin recipes but ’tis the season, right? And you really don’t want to miss out on this single serving recipe. If you thought you couldn’t make a small batch of bagel bites in about 30 minutes, well now you can. The best part is that they don’t require a lot of rise time. They perfectly rise on your stove top while the oven gets busy pre-heating. The only downside is that you may want more than one serving, but then again maybe it’s a good thing to force self control. How else would you be able to resist eating a giant bowl of pumpkin bagel bites coated in cinnamon-sugar and dipped in sweet cream cheese?

Stock up on some more single serving recipes:

• Cinnamon-Sugar Pumpkin Bagel Bites for One by Erin of The Spiffy Cookie
• Single Lady Banana Split by Katrina of Warm Vanilla Sugar
• Solo Fall Sweet Potato Hash by Sharana of Living The Sweet Life
• Single Serving Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie by Emily of Life on Food

One year ago: Sea Salt Pumpkin Peanut Butter Cups

Three years ago: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Caramelized Onions, Bacon, and Apple

CINNAMON-SUGAR PUMPKIN BAGEL BITES FOR ONE

Serves 1

Ingredients:

PRETZELS

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp active dry yeast

Pinch cinnamon

Pinch nutmeg

1 Tbsp pumpkin puree

2-3 Tbsp warm water

1/2 cup hot water

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 Tbsp butter, melted

1/2 Tbsp cinnamon-sugar

DIPPING SAUCE

1 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

2 Tbsp powdered sugar

1 Tbsp heavy cream

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, sift together the first four ingredients. Stir in pumpkin and 1 tablespoon of warm water first. If the dough is dry, then add a little more water and mix again.
2. Pour out onto a lightly floured work surface and sprinkle with flour. Knead gently until the dough comes together into a slightly sticky ball. Roll out into a 3/4-inch wide rope and cut into 3/4-inch pieces.
3. In a shallow dish, combine the hot water and baking soda. Dip the pieces into the mixture and flip to coat completely. Transfer to a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Brush with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
4. Leave in a nice warm place to rise while you preheat the oven to 450 degrees, for about 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl blend together the dipping sauce. Set aside.
6. Once oven is preheated and dough has risen, bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden. Serve warm with dipping sauce.

Source: Adapted from my Cinnamon-Raisin Bagel for One.