cinnamon bagels

chewy, cinnamon-kissed bagels right at home. If you’re looking for a cozy breakfast that’s sweet, warm, and satisfying? this cinnamon bagels recipe is about to become your go-to.

With just simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll create bakery-style bagels — crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with a swirl of aromatic cinnamon. Whether toasted with butter or topped with cream cheese, these homemade cinnamon bagels will make your mornings unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Bagels Recipe

Here’s what makes these bagels a breakfast favorite you’ll keep coming back to:

• Chewy texture with a tender crumb — like your favorite bakery’s bagel
• Warm cinnamon swirl — adds cozy sweetness to every bite
• Simple ingredients — nothing fancy or hard to find
• Freezer-friendly — bake once, enjoy for weeks
• Customizable — add raisins, brown sugar, or even nuts

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon Bagels

Here’s a clear, easy-to-follow table so you can prep everything before you start:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Bread flour	3½ cups (450g)	Bread flour gives chewiness
Warm water	1¼ cups (300ml)	About 110°F (43°C)
Active dry yeast	2¼ tsp (1 packet)	Fresh yeast = best rise
Sugar	2 tbsp	Feeds yeast + adds sweetness
Salt	1½ tsp	Balances flavor
Ground cinnamon	1½ tbsp	Warm, aromatic spice
Raisins (optional)	½ cup	Optional mix-in
Honey (for boiling)	1 tbsp	Gives shiny, golden crust

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cinnamon Bagels

Step 1 — Activate the Yeast

• In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar.
• Stir in yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2 — Mix the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together bread flour, salt, and cinnamon.
• Pour in the yeast mixture and stir to form a shaggy dough.

Step 3 — Knead the Dough

• Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• If using raisins, knead them in during the last 2 minutes.

Step 4 — First Rise

• Place dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.

Step 5 — Shape the Bagels

• Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.
• Shape each into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and gently stretch into a bagel shape.

Step 6 — Second Rise

• Cover shaped bagels with a damp towel. Let rest for 15–20 minutes.

Step 7 — Boil the Bagels

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in honey.
• Boil bagels 1–2 minutes per side (longer = chewier texture).

Step 8 — Bake to Perfection

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Transfer boiled bagels to sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Cinnamon Bagels

These expert-backed tips will guarantee great results every time:

• Use bread flour — higher protein = more chew
• Don’t skip the boil — this gives the classic bagel texture
• Measure flour carefully — too much flour = dense bagels
• Add-ins are optional — raisins, walnuts, or brown sugar work well
• Store properly — cool completely before freezing or storing

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the base cinnamon bagel, try these fun twists:

• Cinnamon Raisin Bagels — add ½ cup raisins
• Cinnamon Sugar Bagels — sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking
• Nutty Cinnamon Bagels — fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

How to Store & Freeze Your Cinnamon Bagels

Room Temperature:

Store bagels in an airtight bag or container at room temp for up to 3 days.

Refrigeration:

Refrigerate up to 1 week, but note they may dry slightly.

Freezing Instructions:

• Cool bagels completely.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag up to 3 months.
• To reheat: Microwave 30–60 seconds or toast from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make cinnamon bagels ahead of time?

Yes! Shape the bagels, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Boil and bake the next day.

Do I have to use bread flour?

For best chewiness, yes. All-purpose flour works, but texture will be softer.

Why boil bagels before baking?

Boiling gelatinizes the crust, giving bagels their signature chew and shiny finish.

Can I make these bagels vegan?

Yes — just skip honey (use molasses or maple syrup in water) and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.

How do I prevent my bagels from flattening?

Make sure you knead well and don’t over-proof during the rises.

Your New Favorite Cinnamon Bagel Recipe

Now you have everything you need to bake chewy, fragrant cinnamon bagels that rival your favorite bakery. From the perfectly spiced dough to the golden, shiny crust, you’ll impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.

So grab your ingredients, dust off your mixing bowl, and get started. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing — and your breakfasts are about to get a whole lot cozier.