That is a great question. It’s actually a pretty ingenious reason. Bagels have a hole in the middle to allow the bagel to cook faster, since there is a greater surface area for the volume of dough. It also means that you get more crust for the same amount of dough. And then there is the intrinsic attraction of the ring shape. It’s a draw for children, both because it is easy to grasp and because you can play with it. Adults love them too. For more information on why bagels have holes and other great facts check out this article from NYTimes.com “Answers About the History of the Bagel” or this great book by Maria Balinska, the author of “The Bagel: The Surprising History of a Modest Bread,” Available on Amazon.com