Why Do Bagels And Donuts Have Holes

Bagels and donuts have holes for surprisingly practical reasons rooted in history, baking science, and even a little bit of old-fashioned street smarts.
 
That iconic ring shape isn’t just a quirky design choice, as the hole in a bagel or donut serves several key purposes that affect everything from how they cook to how they taste.
 
In this post, we’re going to dig into why that hole exists, whether it’s about even baking, faster frying, or even making them easier to carry around.
 
We’ll explore the fascinating reasons behind bagels and donuts having holes, plus a few fun facts that might surprise you.
 
Let’s get rolling into the story of the hole.
 

Why Do Bagels And Donuts Have Holes? The Simple Answer

The main reason bagels and donuts have holes comes down to cooking them more evenly and quickly.
 
When you boil a bagel or fry a donut, a thick, solid center would take longer to cook through than the thinner edges, leaving you with a raw or doughy middle.
 
By punching out that hole, you increase the surface area exposed to heat, so bagels and donuts cook uniformly from edge to edge.
 
So why do bagels and donuts have holes? Because it’s a clever way to ensure the entire treat is done at the same time, no sad surprise bites.
 
It also means the finished product has a consistent texture throughout, which is exactly what you want when you bite into a chewy bagel or a fluffy donut.
 

1. Even Cooking in Boiling Water and Hot Oil

When it comes to bagels, the dough is first boiled in water before hitting the oven, and that boiling step is crucial.
 
A solid disc of dough would trap cold, raw dough in the center while the outside gets gummy and overcooked.
 
Why do bagels have holes in them? It’s to let the hot water circulate through the middle, so the entire ring of dough gets the same gelatinized crust.
 
Donuts face a similar challenge in a deep fryer, as the oil needs to cook the dough all the way through without burning the outside.
 
That hole in a donut means hot oil can reach every part of the dough at once, giving you that perfect golden brown exterior and a fully cooked interior.
 
The hole is basically a shortcut to perfectly cooked dough every single time.
 

2. Faster Frying and a Lighter Texture

If you’re wondering why donuts have holes in the middle, think about how fast they cook in hot oil.
 
Without a hole, a thick donut would need several extra minutes in the fryer to cook through, which would likely burn the outside.
 
With the hole, donuts cook in about 60 to 90 seconds per side, which is quick enough to keep them light and airy.
 
The hole also means the dough expands outward into the ring shape rather than puffing up into a heavy sphere, so you get that delicate crumb.
 
Bagels with holes have the same benefit, as the hole lets the dough rise and expand evenly during baking, creating a chewy interior without a dense core.
 
So the hole is a practical design that improves both the cooking process and the final texture.
 

3. A History of Portability and Street Food

Another big reason bagels and donuts have holes goes way back to how they were sold and transported.
 
Bagels were a popular street food in Jewish communities in Poland, and vendors would thread them onto long wooden dowels or strings for easy carrying and display.
 
That hole in a bagel was perfect for slipping them onto a stick, allowing vendors to carry dozens at a time over their shoulders.
 
Donuts also have a history with portability, as sailors and soldiers in the 1800s would dunk fried dough onto the spokes of their ship’s steering wheel to cook them over a flame.
 
That’s why donuts have holes in them, they could be held, stored, and even cooked right on a handy rod.
 
So the hole wasn’t just about texture, it was a practical way to keep these treats secure and easy to grab on the go.
 

4. Boosting Surface Area for Toppings and Frosting

Today, the hole also plays a role in how we enjoy bagels and donuts, especially when it comes to toppings.
 
That ring shape increases the amount of exposed surface area, so you get more room for cream cheese, butter, glaze, or sprinkles.
 
Why do bagels have holes that seem to make them smaller? Because the extra edge-to-surface ratio actually spreads your toppings more generously.
 
Donuts with holes are perfect for dipping in frosting or tossing in cinnamon sugar, as every inch of the dough gets coated.
 
Without the hole, you’d have a big, flat slab where the center might not catch the same delicious coverage.
 
So the hole isn’t a waste, it’s a way to maximize flavor in every bite.
 

5. Making the Dough Easier to Shape and Work With

Ever tried to roll a giant ball of dough into a perfect disc? It’s tough to get it uniform.
 
The hole creates a consistent ring that’s much easier to shape by hand or with a machine.
 
Why do bagels have holes that make them look a bit like a torus? Because rolling that ring shape ensures an even thickness all the way around.
 
For donuts, cutting out the center with a cutter is a standard process, and that hole allows the dough to proof and rise more predictably.
 
The center piece of dough gets turned into donut holes, which are a delicious snack in their own right, so nothing goes to waste.
 
This shaping advantage is another reason bagels and donuts have holes, it’s just easier to make them look great and bake evenly.
 

The Science Behind The Hole In Bagels And Donuts

At its core, why do bagels and donuts have holes comes down to thermodynamics and dough chemistry.
 
The hole reduces the thickness of the dough, so heat can penetrate faster and more evenly.
 
It also prevents the center from expanding too much, which could create a dense, raw pocket.
 
For bagels, the boiling step gelatinizes the starch on the surface, but only if the water reaches every part of the dough.
 
The hole ensures that happens, giving you that shiny, chewy crust that’s a signature of a great bagel.
 
For donuts, the hot oil quickly sets the outer crust while the inside steams, and that ring shape lets the steam escape so the donut doesn’t become greasy.
 
So when you ask why donuts have holes, the answer is all about creating a perfectly cooked, light, and fluffy treat.
 
The science is simple, less dough in the center means a better result every time.
 

So, Why Do Bagels And Donuts Have Holes?

Bagels and donuts have holes because they cook more evenly, fry faster, and come out with the perfect texture.
 
That ring shape also has a rich history of being practical for street vendors, sailors, and anyone who needed a portable snack.
 
Whether you bite into a sesame bagel or a glazed donut, that hole is what makes them so deliciously consistent.
 
So next time you eat one, you’ll know exactly why that hole is there, and maybe appreciate it a little more.