Cinnamon Sugar Crunch Bagels are like a warm hug for your taste buds! These bagels are topped with a sweet and crunchy cinnamon-sugar mixture, making them perfect for breakfast or a snack.
With that delicious cinnamon flavor and a crispy coating, it’s hard to eat just one! I love to enjoy them fresh out of the toaster with a little butter—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is key for bagel rising. If you can’t find it, try instant yeast which doesn’t need to be activated first. Just mix it straight into your dry ingredients.
Bread Flour: It gives the bagels their chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour works too, though the bagels might be slightly less chewy.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar helps with yeast activation and browning the bagels. You can use brown sugar for a hint of molasses flavor, but it will give a darker color.
Cinnamon Toast Cereal: For the crunch topping, you can use crushed cornflakes or even granola. Just make sure it has a cinnamon flavor to match.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping bagels can be a bit tricky. After dividing the dough, roll each piece into a ball and poke a hole in the center with your finger. Then stretch it gently to form a bagel. Aim for a hole size of about 1-2 inches, as it will shrink during boiling and baking.
- Make sure not to make it too tight; the bagels should have some room to expand while cooking.
- Practice makes perfect! Don’t worry if your first few aren’t perfect; each batch will get better.
What’s the Best Way to Boil Bagels for That Classic Texture?
Boiling bagels is what gives them that lovely chewy crust! Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring your pot of water to a vigorous boil before adding the sugar and baking soda; this helps create a shiny crust.
- Boil the bagels in batches – 2-3 at a time – so they can move freely in the pot. Boil each side for about 1 minute.
- Keep an eye out to know when they puff up a bit; that means they’re ready to flip!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up some fantastic cinnamon sugar crunch bagels! Enjoy!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Crunch Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing)
For Boiling:
- 2 quarts water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup crushed cinnamon toast cereal or crunchy cinnamon streusel (for crunch)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and an additional 2 hours for rising and baking. So, set aside around 2 hours and 15 minutes to prepare these delicious bagels from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water and add 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit until it becomes foamy, which takes about 5-10 minutes. This shows that your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture, and stir with a wooden spoon or a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms. The dough may look a bit messy at this point, and that’s perfectly fine!
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes, adding extra flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough should become smooth and elastic, feeling nice and bouncy under your hands.
4. First Rise:
Lightly oil a large bowl and place your kneaded dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, which will take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Shape the Bagels:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each chunk into a ball, poke a hole in the center with your finger, and gently stretch the hole to form the classic bagel shape.
6. Second Rise:
Place your shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them loosely with a towel, and let them rest for 20-30 minutes. This helps them puff up a bit more before boiling.
7. Preheat the Oven:
While your bagels are resting, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare another baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Boil the Bagels:
In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of baking soda, stirring gently to mix. Boil the bagels in batches for about 1 minute on each side. Remove them carefully with a slotted spoon, letting them drain briefly on a rack.
9. Prepare the Topping:
In a shallow bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, and crushed cinnamon toast cereal (or crunchy streusel) until well combined and fragrant!
10. Brush and Coat:
Once boiled, brush each bagel with melted butter, then generously dip or sprinkle the cinnamon sugar crunch mixture on top, ensuring it sticks well.
11. Bake the Bagels:
Place the bagels on your prepared baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and have that delightful crunch on top.
12. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving. This helps them set and enhances their flavor.
Enjoy your crispy, cinnamon-sugary crunch bagels with a cup of coffee or tea! They’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat anytime!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients!
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw and toast when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Toppings or Flavors?
Yes, you can customize your bagels! Try adding raisins, nuts, or even chocolate chips to the dough for different flavor profiles. For the topping, consider using a mix of different spices like nutmeg or adding sprinkles for a fun twist!
What Should I Do If My Dough Isn’t Rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to the yeast being expired or the environment being too cool. Make sure to check the yeast’s expiration date and ensure you’re letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area! You can warm the oven slightly and turn it off to create a cozy environment for rising.
