These cinnamon bagels are warm, soft, and bursting with sweet cinnamon goodness. Perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack anytime!
I love how easy they are to make at home, and they fill the kitchen with a cozy aroma. Just grab your favorite cream cheese spread and enjoy—Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This gives the bagels their chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, though the texture might be slightly softer.
Instant Yeast: Instant yeast is great for quick rises and is easy to use. If you have active dry yeast, you can substitute it, but activate it first in warm water with the sugar.
Ground Cinnamon: The spice in these bagels. If you want a different flavor, try pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a unique twist.
Brown Sugar: It’s perfect for sweetness and a bit of moisture in the topping. You can replace it with white sugar or coconut sugar if you’re looking for something different.
Unsalted Butter: For a buttery finish, but it’s optional. For a dairy-free option, brush with olive oil or leave it out altogether.
How Do I Get My Bagels to Have the Perfect Texture?
The key to achieving that classic bagel texture lies in the boiling step before baking. This helps create a chewy exterior. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer to prevent the bagels from breaking apart.
- Boil each bagel for 1 minute per side; this allows them to swell slightly.
- As you remove them, immediately dip in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This adds a great flavor contrast when baked!
Don’t skip this step! It really makes a difference.
How Can I Get My Dough to Rise Properly?
Rising is a crucial step for soft and fluffy bagels. To help your dough rise:
- Make sure your water is warm, around 110°F (45°C), which helps activate the yeast.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth to keep the dough moist and warm.
- Find a warm spot in your kitchen – like near the stove or in a turned-off oven.
Let your dough double in size for the best results!
How to Make Cinnamon Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (optional, for brushing after baking)
- Cornmeal or additional flour for dusting the baking surface
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cinnamon bagel recipe will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes. This includes around 15 minutes for preparation, 1 hour for the dough to rise, and 20-25 minutes for baking. So, set aside some time to enjoy this delightful baking experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir it lightly and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows that the yeast is alive and ready to work!
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
Add the bread flour, salt, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a rough dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; that’s normal!
3. Kneading the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour as needed. This helps develop the gluten for that chewy bagel texture!
4. Letting the Dough Rise:
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. Patience is key here!
5. Preparing the Cinnamon Topping:
While waiting, mix together the brown sugar and some extra ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. This will give your bagels a sweet and delightful topping!
6. Shaping the Bagels:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center of each ball with your finger. Stretch the hole gently until it’s about 2 inches in diameter.
7. Resting the Shaped Bagels:
Cover the shaped bagels with a cloth and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps them relax and rise a little more!
8. Prepping for Baking:
While the bagels are resting, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Don’t forget to dust it lightly with cornmeal or flour to keep the bagels from sticking!
9. Boiling the Bagels:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Carefully place each bagel in the simmering water and boil them for about 1 minute on each side. This step is crucial to achieving that perfect chewy texture!
10. Topping and Baking:
Using a slotted spoon, remove the boiled bagels and immediately dip or sprinkle them with the cinnamon sugar topping. Place the coated bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and smell delicious!
11. Finishing Touch:
If you like, brush the warm bagels with melted unsalted butter right after baking for an extra flavor boost. It adds a lovely shine and enhances the taste!
12. Cooling and Serving:
Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your homemade cinnamon bagels fresh from the oven or toasted with cream cheese!
Happy baking and enjoy your yummy cinnamon bagels!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the bagels may be slightly softer and less chewy than those made with bread flour. For the best texture, stick to bread flour if you can!
What Can I Use Instead of Instant Yeast?
If you have active dry yeast, that’s a great substitute! Just make sure to dissolve it in warm water with sugar before adding it to the mix – let it sit until it’s foamy, just like with instant yeast.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a plastic bag. Just toast or thaw them before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Toppings Besides Cinnamon Sugar?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different toppings like everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of cheese before baking. Just be creative!
