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If you love that perfect harmony of sweet warmth and chewy goodness, you’re in for a treat with this Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Recipe. These bagels are a delightful twist on the classic, offering a golden crust dusted with fragrant cinnamon sugar that melts into every bite. They’re irresistibly soft inside, lightly sweetened, and boast just the right amount of crunch outside—making them the ultimate comfort breakfast or snack. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or toasted the next day, this Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Recipe is sure to become one of your go-to baked delights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these delicious bagels, you’ll find that the ingredients are refreshingly straightforward yet essential for nailing the perfect texture and flavor. Each component plays an important role—from the yeast that gets the dough rising beautifully, to the cinnamon sugar topping that adds that signature sweet-spicy touch and irresistible crunch.
- Very warm water (1 1/2 cups): The warm water wakes up the yeast, helping it activate and create that lovely rise.
- Active dry yeast (2 packets, about 4 1/2 teaspoons): The magic ingredient that makes your bagels light and chewy.
- Brown sugar (3 tablespoons): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to complement the cinnamon.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- Bread flour (3 1/2 – 4 cups): Gives bagels their signature chewy texture with a nice structure.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Added to boiling water for a subtle sweetness that also helps create a shiny crust.
- Egg (1): Used for brushing, it helps the bagels develop a gorgeous golden color.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Combined with cinnamon for that perfect crunchy topping.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice that brings warmth and aroma to every bite.
- Water for boiling: Essential for the crucial boiling step that gives bagels their classic chewy crust.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by heating your water until it’s very warm—think of bathwater warmth. Stir in the yeast and brown sugar, and let this mix rest for about five minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, which is the very foundation for fluffy, chewy bagels.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a stand mixer bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of bread flour and salt. Gradually pour in your frothy yeast mixture while mixing until a dough forms. Give it another minute of mixing for good gluten development. If the dough feels sticky, go ahead and add up to half a cup more flour, a little at a time, so you get a smooth but still slightly tacky consistency.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your dough ball to a greased bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Now, patience is key—let it rest and rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about one hour. This resting allows the flavors to develop and the texture to become wonderfully airy yet chewy.
Step 4: Shape the Bagels
Once risen, turn out the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball and let them rest for five minutes. Then, using two fingers, poke through the center of each ball to create the traditional bagel hole—don’t worry if your hole isn’t perfect, it will expand beautifully during boiling and baking.
Step 5: Boil the Bagels
Bring a large pot of water to boil and stir in the honey. Carefully drop the bagels one or two at a time to avoid overcrowding. Boil each side for about 45 seconds—they’ll puff up and develop that classic shiny crust you love. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to cookie sheets lined for baking.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Bake
Brush each bagel with a beaten egg to get that gorgeous golden finish after baking. Then, mix granulated sugar with cinnamon and generously sprinkle over the tops. Pop the trays into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and irresistibly fragrant.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
These bagels are flavorful on their own, but a smear of classic cream cheese or a dollop of whipped honey butter elevates them into breakfast bliss. For a seasonal touch, try cream cheese mixed with a bit of maple syrup or even some chopped nuts for texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your freshly baked cinnamon sugar bagels with fresh fruit—think sliced apples, oranges, or berries—to complement the sweet spice. A cup of hot coffee or chai tea also makes a perfect companion, creating that cozy cafe feeling right at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Slice the bagels and layer with cinnamon-spiced ricotta or mascarpone, fresh figs or pears, and a drizzle of honey. You can also transform these bagels into a sweet sandwich by adding nut butter and banana slices for a wholesome treat everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon sugar bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them tender while preserving the crunch of the sugary topping. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing
The great news is that this Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual bagels tightly in plastic wrap and then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to one month without losing their charm.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen bagels, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them straight into a toaster or oven. Toasting not only warms them through but also refreshes the cinnamon sugar crust, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven feel that’s so addictive.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
While all-purpose flour can work in a pinch, bread flour is best because its higher protein content gives the bagels their signature chewy texture. Using all-purpose might make them slightly softer and less resilient.
Why do I need to boil the bagels before baking?
Boiling the bagels sets the crust and creates that glossy, chewy exterior typical of traditional bagels. It also prevents them from rising too much, giving them their dense, chewy interior and perfect shape.
Can I make smaller or larger bagels with this recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust the portion sizes accordingly. Smaller bagels will bake faster, so keep an eye on them, and larger ones will need a bit more baking time to cook through evenly.
How can I make the cinnamon sugar topping stick better?
Brushing the bagels with beaten egg before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar creates a sticky surface that helps the topping adhere and develop a beautiful, caramelized finish while baking.
Is it possible to make these bagels vegan?
You can substitute the egg wash with a little plant-based milk or maple syrup, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The dough itself is naturally vegan aside from the egg used on top for browning.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving that perfect blend of warmth, sweetness, and chewy bagel goodness, this Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s wonderfully simple to make yet delivers big on flavor and texture, making it a fantastic treat for breakfast, brunch, or snack time. Invite a few friends over, bake a batch, and watch these bagels disappear in no time. Enjoy every bite!
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Print
Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these homemade Cinnamon Sugar Bagels featuring a soft, chewy texture and a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these bagels are boiled then baked to a golden finish, creating an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups very warm water (about 110°F / hot bathwater temperature)
- 2 packets active dry yeast (about 4 1/2 teaspoons)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 – 4 cups bread flour
Boiling & Topping Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Water for boiling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Heat the water in the microwave until very warm, about 45-60 seconds. Stir in the yeast and brown sugar, then let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
- Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 3 1/2 cups of bread flour and the salt. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture while mixing. Continue mixing until the dough forms, then mix for an additional minute. If the dough feels sticky, incorporate up to another 1/2 cup of flour until manageable.
- Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough into a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape the Bagels: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and let them rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Boil the Bagels: Add honey to the boiling water. Press two fingers through each dough ball to form a hole, shaping each into a traditional bagel shape. Boil each bagel for approximately 45 seconds, flipping halfway through. Remove and place on prepared cookie sheets.
- Add Toppings: Brush the tops of the boiled bagels with the beaten egg wash. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture generously over each bagel.
- Bake the Bagels: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bagels for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the bagels warm, cold, or toasted with cream cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to one month to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to the touch, around 110°F, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Boiling the bagels before baking is crucial for that classic chewy texture and shiny crust.
- Letting the dough rest after shaping helps maintain the bagel shape and texture.
- The cinnamon sugar topping adds a sweet twist but can be adjusted or omitted to taste.
- For best texture, use bread flour as it has higher protein content.
