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You can make cinnamon bagels from scratch with just a few basic ingredients and a little patience.
The process is simpler than you might think, and the reward is a warm, chewy, fragrant bagel that beats anything from the store.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total newbie, learning how to make cinnamon bagels from scratch is a fun and satisfying project.
In this post, we will walk through every step to make cinnamon bagels from scratch, from mixing the dough to that final delicious bite.
Let’s dive into the world of homemade bagels.
Why Make Cinnamon Bagels From Scratch
Making cinnamon bagels from scratch puts you in complete control of the flavor and texture.
You can adjust the sweetness, the amount of cinnamon, and even add a swirl or a crust.
The taste of a fresh bagel is unmatched, and the cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen is pure magic.
Here’s a closer look at why this homemade approach wins every time.
1. Fresh Ingredients Make a Huge Difference
When you make cinnamon bagels from scratch, you’re using real butter, fresh yeast, and high-quality cinnamon.
These ingredients create a depth of flavor that pre-packaged bagels just can’t replicate.
Plus, you avoid all those preservatives and artificial additives.
Your homemade bagels will taste cleaner, fresher, and more authentic.
2. You Control the Cinnamon Level
Some people love a subtle hint of cinnamon, while others want a bold, spicy kick.
When you make cinnamon bagels from scratch, the choice is entirely yours.
You can dust the outside, knead the spice into the dough, or both.
Adjusting the cinnamon to your personal preference is one of the best parts of going the homemade route.
3. The Texture Is Superior
Store-bought bagels are often dense or dry.
But when you make cinnamon bagels from scratch using the boiling method, you get that iconic chewy crust and soft, airy interior.
The boiling step sets the crust and gives the bagel its signature bite.
It’s a texture you’ll crave once you’ve experienced it.
Step-By-Step Guide to Make Cinnamon Bagels From Scratch
Now, let’s get into the actual process of making cinnamon bagels from scratch.
This step-by-step guide is detailed enough for beginners but still fast and doable for those who have baked before.
Follow along, and you’ll have a batch of heavenly bagels in no time.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
To make cinnamon bagels from scratch, you’ll need the following ingredients.
First, get 4 cups of bread flour (all-purpose works, but bread flour gives a better chew).
Next, you’ll need 1 ½ cups of warm water (about 110°F) and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast.
Add 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon.
You’ll also want 2 tablespoons of melted butter for a softness and richness in the dough.
For the boiling water, grab a large pot of water and ¼ cup of honey or barley malt syrup.
Finally, have an extra egg (for an egg wash) and a little more cinnamon-sugar for sprinkling on top.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar and let it sit until frothy.
This takes about five minutes and ensures your yeast is alive and active.
Then add in the flour, salt, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes.
The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time and if it’s too wet, add a little flour.
Step 3: First Rise and Shaping
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth.
Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Once it’s risen, punch the dough down and divide it into eight equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then poke a hole through the center with your thumb.
Gently stretch the hole to be about 1 to 1 ½ inches wide, so it’s a classic bagel shape.
Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them.
Let them rest for about 15 minutes while you bring your pot of water to a boil.
Step 4: Boil the Bagels
This step is what sets bagels apart from regular bread, so don’t skip it.
Add the honey or malt syrup to the boiling water, which adds a subtle sweetness and helps create a shiny crust.
Carefully drop two or three bagels into the boiling water at a time.
Boil each bagel for about 1 minute per side if you want a chewier crust.
For a softer crust, boil them for just 30 seconds per side.
Use a slotted spoon to remove each bagel and place them back on the parchment-lined sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while the bagels are boiling.
Once all the bagels are boiled, beat an egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops.
Sprinkle the tops generously with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Bake the bagels for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown.
For an even bake, you can flip the bagels halfway through the baking time.
Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Cinnamon Bagel Variations and Fun Twists
Now that you’ve mastered the basic method, you can play around to make cinnamon bagels from scratch even more exciting.
Here are some delicious ways to switch things up.
1. Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
Add 1 cup of raisins to the dough along with the cinnamon.
Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes first, then drain them before folding into the dough.
The raisins add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the warm spice.
2. Brown Sugar Cinnamon Swirl Bagels
Before shaping your bagels, roll the dough out into a rectangle and sprinkle it with a mix of brown sugar and extra cinnamon.
Then roll the dough back up and shape it into bagels for a beautiful, gooey swirl in the center.
The brown sugar caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating an irresistible flavor.
3. Cinnamon Crunch Bagels
After the egg wash, press a crumbly topping made of flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon onto the top of each bagel.
This creates a sweet, crunchy crust that’s a total treat for breakfast.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Bagels Every Time
Baking is all about details, and these tips will ensure your cinnamon bagels from scratch turn out flawless.
Use bread flour for the best chewy texture and never use cold ingredients.
Your water for the yeast must be warm, but not hot, or it will kill the yeast.
Don’t over-proof the dough, as that can lead to flat bagels.
And when boiling, don’t overcrowd the pot, as the bagels need room to expand.
Finally, store your finished bagels in a paper bag for a day or two, or freeze them for later.
They toast up beautifully after being frozen, so you can always have a fresh bagel on hand.
So, How Do You Make Cinnamon Bagels From Scratch?
You can make cinnamon bagels from scratch by mixing a simple dough, letting it rise, shaping it into rings, and boiling them briefly before baking.
The boiling step is key to achieving that signature bagel texture.
The entire process takes about two and a half hours, but most of that time is hands-off rising and baking.
The result is a batch of warm, chewy, and fragrant cinnamon bagels that are far superior to any store-bought version.
I encourage you to try making cinnamon bagels from scratch this weekend.
It’s a rewarding baking project that will fill your home with an incredible aroma and your belly with deliciousness.