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
Scale
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.
