Oh, fellow food lovers, let me take you on a mouthwatering journey that all started with a late-night kitchen experiment that turned into my absolute obsession—Cinnamon Sugar Bagels! I was burning the midnight oil, craving something sweet but hearty, and decided to play around with a classic bagel recipe. I tossed in some cinnamon, sprinkled generous sugar toppings, and thought, “Why not make these sweet bagels feel like a cozy hug on a plate?” The result? Pure magic that made my taste buds do a happy dance.
The smell of these cinnamon flavored bagels as they baked filled my kitchen with warm, irresistible aromas that had me practically bouncing out of my seat. What began as a simple twist quickly turned into my go-to breakfast bagels recipe that turns ordinary mornings into celebrations of bold, comforting flavor.
One of the best parts about these homemade bagels is how they bring a little joy and excitement to your kitchen, whether you’re feeding family, hosting a potluck, or just treating yourself on a lazy Sunday. I’m so thrilled to share this flavor-packed recipe with you. Trust me, these Cinnamon Sugar Bagels are more than just a breakfast treat; they’re a delicious way to start your day with a little sparkle. If you love sweet, cinnamon goodness and crave bread that’s chewy with just the right crunchy sugar topping, you’re going to love making and sharing these.
As you journey with me through this recipe, you’ll notice how this Cinnamon Sugar Bagels recipe reminds me of other bold sweet treats, like the Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts that bring fall vibes right to your table. So grab your favorite coffee, and let’s make some magic happen together!
INGREDIENTS You Need
To whip up these stellar Cinnamon Sugar Bagels, you’ll want a blend of ingredients that work seamlessly to give you that perfect chewy texture guarded by sweet sugar toppings. Here’s the lineup:
- 4 cups bread flour (you’ll want high-protein for that signature bagel chew)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (between 110-115°F for activating yeast)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (helps with yeast activation and sweetness)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (this is what makes your bagels truly cinnamon flavored bagels)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup cinnamon sugar (for rolling before baking – get ready for that crunch!)
- Optional: 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing after bake – adds shine and richness)
Can’t find active dry yeast? No worries! I’ve done tests using instant yeast in my Cinnamon Sugar Bagels, just lower the water a tad and skip the proofing step—time-savers for busy weeknights!
All these ingredients are common finds in your regular grocery store. The cinnamon is the secret bold flavor booster that lifts the whole recipe out of basic and into sweet bagel glory.
For those quick prep days, I love to mix the cinnamon and sugar topping beforehand and keep it in a small jar – ready whenever that Cinnamon Sugar Bagels craving hits. Store your finished bagels in an airtight container or ziplock to keep that chewy fresh-baked goodness for a couple of days. Freeze any extras; they thaw beautifully and taste like fresh!
Adding a little extra cinnamon in the dough brings a bold twist that I adore in my Cinnamon Sugar Bagels. It makes every bite sing with comforting flavor, perfect for those mornings that need a little gusto.
Let’s Make Some!
Okay, friends, it’s time for some serious fun in the kitchen! Making these Cinnamon Sugar Bagels is like starting a flavor party that heats up your stove and your soul.
- Activate That Yeast: Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it’s bubbly and foamy. This is your first win—smell that yeast waking up? Yum!
- Mix Your Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Pour in your yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Like a Boss: Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Your Cinnamon Sugar Bagels dough should spring back when poked.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour—or until doubled. Here’s where the magic starts happening!
- Shape Your Bagels: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 pieces. Roll each into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and stretch gently into that iconic bagel shape.
- Boil Time: Bring a big pot of water to a gentle boil and carefully drop bagels in, 2-3 at a time. Boil for 1 minute on each side—this sets the chewy crust.
- Sugar Coating: Remove bagels with a slotted spoon and immediately roll them in your cinnamon sugar mixture. This is the moment your Cinnamon Sugar Bagels gains that irresistible sugar topping crunch!
- Final Bake: Place sugar-coated bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and smelling like heaven.
- Optional Finish: Brush with melted butter right out of the oven for a glossy finish and extra richness.
In my kitchen, this Cinnamon Sugar Bagels recipe usually takes just under two hours from start to finish, but every minute is worth it for that bold, comforting flavor. No worries if your bagels don’t look perfectly uniform; the taste is where the magic truly shines!
While your Cinnamon Sugar Bagels bake, your home will fill with that sweet cinnamon aroma that makes everyone ask what you’re cooking. I also love to sneak a little dough here and there for taste tests during this stage—pure happiness!
If you’re craving some fun variations, check out these sourdough discard cinnamon sugar twists that bring a funky twist to the classic. They’re like Cinnamon Sugar Bagels cousins who throw in some tang!
How to Serve Up This!
Serving these Cinnamon Sugar Bagels is a flavor celebration waiting to happen! I love breaking one open warm with a smear of cream cheese—talk about sweet breakfast bagels perfection.
For bold flavor pairings, these bagels go wild with a dollop of maple butter, or even tucked alongside thick slices of bacon or a side of fresh fruit for breakfast that feels like a party. You can even get fancy and serve them alongside some spiced coffee or chai for the ultimate cozy morning vibe.
These Cinnamon Sugar Bagels shine at brunches, Sunday morning hangouts, or game nights where the simple thrill of sugar toppings and cinnamon hits the spot. When guests see that golden glaze and smell the spice, they’re usually doing their happy dance before the first bite!
Leftover bagels? Don’t toss them! Slice and toast leftovers, then sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top. For a wild fusion twist, I’ve tried topping toasted bagels with pumpkin butter inspired by these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels. The sweet-savory mix is unreal!
Serving advice from friends totally loving them led me to pair these with dips like mascarpone mixed with honey or fresh fruit jam. If you want to check the vibe for fan favorites, these cinnamon sugar bagels remind me of those fantastic sourdough ones shared on Facebook with a crunchy topping that’s a total knockout These sourdough cinnamon crunch bagels are a super delicious ….
FAQs:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Cinnamon Sugar Bagels?
Absolutely! I love seeing fellow food lovers dive into baking with this recipe because the steps are straightforward. Even if you haven’t made bagels before, just follow the cues like dough texture and timing. Your Cinnamon Sugar Bagels will come out chewy and sweet with that iconic sugar crunch.
What if I mess up my Cinnamon Sugar Bagels?
Spoiler: It’ll still taste incredible! I’ve had dough that was a bit too sticky or bagels not perfectly shaped, and they still disappeared fast at the table. Flavor wins every time, my friend.
How can I prep this Cinnamon Sugar Bagels for busy weeknights?
You can make the dough the night before and refrigerate it after the first rise. Shape and boil bagels fresh in the morning. This saves major time and keeps everything fresh. For even more weeknight wins, check out these Cinnamon Sugar Bagels from Scratch!, which have fun tips for efficiency.
Can I use sourdough starter in this recipe?
Totally! If you have sourdough discard lying around, mix it into your dough for an added tang. I’ve experimented with sourdough cinnamon sugar twists that offer a lovely bold flavor different from the usual.
What’s the best sugar for the sugar toppings?
Granulated sugar is classic, but I love mixing in a bit of turbinado or sanding sugar for that extra crunch and sparkle.
How long do these bagels stay fresh?
Store them airtight at room temp for 2 days or freeze for longer. Toast before serving to bring back that fresh bagel vibe.
Are cinnamon flavored bagels good for other meals?
Yes! They make a great snack any time, not just breakfast. I’ve even tried a dessert-style twist with cream cheese frosting as a dip.
If you need a trusted recipe for your sugar toppings, check out this Facebook group where fellow bakers share their tricks: What is a tried and true recipe for a cinnamon sugar topping for ….
CONCLUSION:
This Cinnamon Sugar Bagels recipe brings me so much joy because it turns simple bagels into a soul-warming, bold flavor adventure. The chewy dough, the sweet sugar toppings, and the warm cinnamon notes combine to make morning magic every time.
My Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Flavor Secrets:
– Adding cinnamon right to the dough for that double-hit of flavor
– Rolling bagels in a vibrant cinnamon sugar mixture for that crunchy sweet crust
– Brushing with melted butter right after baking for richness and shine
I’ve tested delicious variations like adding pumpkin puree inspired by Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts for fall vibes, or mixing in craisins and nuts for texture. Serve the classic version for a comforting breakfast treat or spice things up with these fusion flavors for weekend brunch wins.
Fellow food lovers, this recipe invites you to trust your taste buds and get creative. The beauty here is that every batch you make will teach you something new and keep your breakfast bagels feeling fresh and exciting. I’m beyond thrilled for you to try making your own Cinnamon Sugar Bagels and see the smiles they bring around your table!
Ready to savor every cinnamon-spiced, sugar-crunchy bite? Let’s get cooking!
Remember, this Cinnamon Sugar Bagels recipe is all about comfort food with a twist, bold satisfying flavors, and the joy of homemade bagels turning everyday moments into mouthwatering celebrations. For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out these other favorites right here:
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Twists
Dive into these sweet bagels recipes and let your kitchen adventure begin. Cheers to bold flavors and big smiles!
Cinnamon Sugar Bagels
Delight in these warm, freshly baked Cinnamon Sugar Bagels that combine a soft, chewy texture with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 bagels
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1 egg white, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the flour mixture and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces; shape each piece into a ball and poke a hole through the center to form bagels.
- Let shaped bagels rest for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Boil bagels, 2-3 at a time, for 1 minute on each side, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish.
- Brush boiled bagels with egg white, then dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For an extra indulgent treat, serve these bagels warm with cream cheese or butter. You can also add raisins or nuts to the dough for additional texture and flavor.