Description
These homemade Cinnamon Sugar Bagels are soft, chewy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they are boiled to achieve the classic bagel texture and baked to golden perfection. This recipe yields 12 delicious bagels that are great served warm with cream cheese or toasted.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 1/2 cups very warm water (about 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 Water
- Water for boiling
- 2 tablespoons honey
Topping
- 1 egg (beaten, for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Heat 1 1/2 cups of water in the microwave for 45-60 seconds until it is very warm. Stir in the active dry yeast and brown sugar, then let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups bread flour and salt. Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the flour while mixing. Continue mixing until a dough forms, then mix for an additional minute to develop gluten. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add up to 1/2 cup more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency.
- Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately one hour.
- Shape the Bagels: Once risen, turn the dough onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Let the dough balls rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten, making shaping easier.
- Boil the Bagels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of honey to the water. Using two fingers, poke a hole through the center of each dough ball to form the classic bagel shape. Carefully lower the bagels into the boiling water and boil for about 45 seconds, flipping them once halfway through. Remove the bagels and place them on prepared cookie sheets.
- Add Toppings: Brush the tops of each bagel with beaten egg. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the wet tops of the bagels.
- Bake the Bagels: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bagels for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the bagels warm, cold, or toasted with cream cheese. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to one month for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure water for activating yeast is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Boiling bagels before baking is key to achieving their classic chewy texture.
- Resting the dough balls before boiling helps maintain shape and texture.
- You can substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour, but bread flour gives a chewier texture.
- Store bagels in an airtight container to keep freshness, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
