Cinnamon bagels are soft, chewy treats that bring warmth and sweetness to any breakfast. With the cozy flavor of cinnamon and a hint of sugar, they are simply delicious!
These bagels make the perfect snack, especially when toasted and spread with cream cheese. I can’t resist the delightful smell of cinnamon while they bake—it’s like an instant hug for your kitchen! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active dry yeast: This ingredient helps the bagels rise and become fluffy. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. Just add it directly to your dry ingredients without needing to dissolve it first.
Bread flour: Bread flour gives bagels their chewy texture due to higher protein content. If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour can work too, but the texture might be a bit softer. For a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Cinnamon: This is essential for flavoring. If you’re looking for a different twist, try using allspice or nutmeg. They have warm and cozy flavors similar to cinnamon.
Granulated sugar: Used in the dough and for the cinnamon sugar topping, this adds sweetness. If you’re reducing sugar, you can cut back slightly, but it enhances flavor balance. For a healthier option, coconut sugar or honey can be used, but keep in mind they may change the texture slightly.
How Do You Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading the dough is a crucial step to develop gluten, which gives bagels their classic chewy texture. Here’s how to knead effectively:
- Start with a clean, floured surface. Place the dough in the center and flatten it with your hands.
- Fold the dough over itself and push down and outward with the heel of your palm.
- Rotate the dough 90 degrees and repeat. Do this for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- If the dough sticks to your hands, lightly dust with flour—but avoid adding too much, or it will change the dough’s consistency.
Remember to enjoy the process and maybe even put on some music to make kneading more fun! A well-kneaded dough will spring back when you poke it, indicating it’s ready to rise.
How to Make Delicious Cinnamon Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 3 ½ cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing)
For Boiling:
- 2 quarts water
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For The Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of active prep time and 1 hour for the dough to rise. After shaping the bagels, you will need another 25-30 minutes for boiling and baking. In total, you will spend around 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy warm, fresh cinnamon bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until you see it foam up. This tells you the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the bread flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, salt, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, stirring until you form a soft dough.
3. Knead the Dough:
Sprinkle flour on a clean surface and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to become smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, just add a little more flour as necessary!
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Set it in a warm area for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size. This is the time when your dough gets all fluffy!
5. Shape the Bagels:
Once the dough is ready, punch it down gently to release air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger, gently stretching the dough to create a ring about 2-3 inches wide.
6. Let the Bagels Rest:
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a clean towel and let them rest for 15 minutes. This helps them rise a bit more before boiling!
7. Prepare to Boil:
In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Once boiling, stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This will give the bagels a lovely flavor.
8. Preheat Your Oven:
While the water heats up, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). You want it nice and hot for baking the bagels.
9. Boil the Bagels:
Carefully drop 2-3 bagels into the boiling water at a time. Boil them for 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, letting them drain on a wire rack.
10. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
In a shallow plate, mix together ½ cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Roll each boiled bagel in this mixture until they are well coated. Yum!
11. Bake the Bagels:
Place the cinnamon-coated bagels back on the baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
12. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Enjoy your homemade cinnamon bagels warm, with cream cheese or your favorite spread!
Happy baking!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Absolutely! If using instant yeast, you can skip dissolving it in water. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients before combining with the wet ingredients. This will save you a bit of time!
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and toast before serving!
What Can I Substitute for Granulated Sugar?
If you’d like to reduce the sugar, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup as a substitute. Keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners like maple syrup may slightly alter the dough consistency, so you might need to adjust the flour accordingly.
Can I Make These Bagels Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make gluten-free cinnamon bagels, use a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Follow the recipe as directed, but be aware that the texture may be a bit different from traditional wheat flour bagels.