These cinnamon bagels are a tasty treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack! With their sweet cinnamon sugar topping and chewy texture, they are sure to please your taste buds.
Making them at home is so much fun! I love the smell of cinnamon filling the kitchen—it’s like a warm hug. 🥯 Pair one with cream cheese and you’re in for a real yummy time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This flour gives bagels their chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour is a good substitute. It won’t give the same chewiness, but the bagels will still turn out tasty!
Ground Cinnamon: This ingredient is key for flavor. If you want to mix it up, adding a dash of ground nutmeg or allspice can create a unique twist. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
Active Dry Yeast: Be sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If you find instant yeast, you can use it instead without needing to dissolve it first. Just mix it directly with your dry ingredients.
Warm Water: The water should feel warm to your wrist, not hot. Too hot can kill the yeast. If you prefer, you can replace part of the water with milk for a richer dough.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a nice touch to the flavor. If you’re looking for something different, almond extract is a great alternative that pairs well with cinnamon!
How Do You Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading is crucial to develop gluten, which gives bagels their texture. To knead the dough, follow these steps:
- Flour your surface lightly. Place your dough in the center.
- Push the dough away from you with the heel of your hand.
- Fold the dough back over itself, give it a quarter turn, and repeat.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It should spring back when poked.
A fun tip: if the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid adding too much as it can make your bagels tough.
How to Make Cinnamon Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagel Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (optional, for dough softness)
For Topping:
- 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar or ground cinnamon mixed with sugar for topping
- Optional: ground nutmeg or allspice for additional spice topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cinnamon bagel recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise. Plus, you’ll need about 20-25 minutes for baking. In total, you can expect to spend around 2 hours before enjoying your freshly baked bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Yeast:
Start by dissolving the packet of yeast in the warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets frothy. This step shows that the yeast is active and ready to help your bagels rise!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, ground cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Give it a good stir so that everything is evenly distributed. This will be the base for your bagel dough.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the frothy yeast mixture and the vanilla extract into the bowl with your dry ingredients. If you’re using melted butter, add that too! Mix everything together until you form a shaggy dough.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the shaggy dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. To knead, push the dough away from you with your palms, fold it back, and turn it a quarter turn. Repeat! If it’s sticky, sprinkle a bit of extra flour as needed.
5. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm space for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. This step helps create fluffy, chewy bagels.
6. Shape the Bagels:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a round ball. To form the bagels, poke a hole in the center of each ball using your finger, gently stretching the hole until it’s about 2 inches in diameter.
7. Prepare to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Now you’re ready to boil your bagels!
8. Boil the Bagels:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Carefully boil the bagels, 2-3 at a time, for about 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain briefly on a wire rack.
9. Season and Bake:
Place the boiled bagels on your prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle them generously with your cinnamon sugar or any spice mix you’d like. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the tops feel crisp.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the bagels cool on a wire rack. Then, enjoy your fresh cinnamon bagels with cream cheese, jam, or your favorite spread! They are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will give your bagels a heartier texture and flavor. If you do use it, you may want to add a bit more water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture than bread flour.
What is the Best Way to Store Leftover Bagels?
To store leftovers, place them in a plastic bag or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just toast or reheat them directly from frozen!
How Can I Make These Bagels Vegan?
To make these bagels vegan, simply omit the melted butter or substitute it with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based as is!
What Can I Add to the Dough for Extra Flavor?
You can add a teaspoon of dried herbs like oregano or garlic powder for a savory twist. If you like a sweeter bagel, consider adding a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the dough before kneading!
