There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon raisin bagels wafting through the kitchen. It takes me back to lazy Sunday mornings, where the only agenda was to savor every bite. These bagels are not just a treat; they’re a quick solution for busy weekdays or a delightful way to impress your loved ones. With a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, they make breakfast feel special. Plus, making them at home is easier than you might think! Let’s dive into this delicious journey together and create something truly memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
These cinnamon raisin bagels are a game-changer for your breakfast routine. They’re incredibly easy to make, even for a novice baker. In just over an hour, you can enjoy warm, chewy bagels that burst with flavor. The combination of cinnamon and sweet raisins creates a comforting taste that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep, making busy mornings a breeze. Who wouldn’t love that?
Ingredients for Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your homemade cinnamon raisin bagels. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your bagels, providing structure and chewiness.
Bread flour: Higher in protein than all-purpose flour, it gives your bagels that perfect chewy texture.
Sugar: Just a touch to enhance the flavor and help with browning.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the overall taste.
Ground cinnamon: The star of the show! It adds warmth and sweetness to each bite.
Active dry yeast: This little powerhouse helps your bagels rise and become fluffy.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together. Aim for about 110°F.
Raisins: Sweet and chewy, they add bursts of flavor throughout the bagel.
Honey: Used in the boiling water, it gives the bagels a beautiful sheen and a hint of sweetness.
Egg: For the egg wash, it creates a shiny, golden crust on your bagels.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding chopped nuts or even chocolate chips for a unique twist. If you’re out of bread flour, you can substitute it with more all-purpose flour, though the texture may vary slightly. Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on making these delightful cinnamon raisin bagels. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, homemade bagels in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix them well to ensure even distribution. This is where the magic begins, so take a moment to appreciate the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon filling the air.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial; it shows that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in your bagels.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Mix until a dough starts to form. Don’t forget to add the raisins at this stage! They’ll be the sweet surprises in every bite.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. Kneading is like giving your dough a workout; it helps develop the gluten, which gives your bagels that perfect chewy texture.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to clean up your kitchen or sip on a cup of coffee while you wait!
Step 6: Shape the Bagels
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center to form the classic bagel shape. Don’t worry if they look a bit rustic; that’s part of their charm!
Step 7: Boil the Bagels
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add honey. Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water, cooking for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This step is essential; it gives your bagels that chewy crust we all love.
Step 8: Bake the Bagels
Preheat your oven to 425°F. After boiling, remove the bagels with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg and brush it over the bagels for a shiny finish. Bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown. The aroma will be irresistible!
Tips for Success
Use fresh yeast for the best rise; check the expiration date.
Don’t skip the boiling step; it’s key for that chewy texture.
Let the dough rise in a warm spot; a turned-off oven works great.
Experiment with toppings like sesame seeds or a sprinkle of coarse salt.
Store leftover bagels in a paper bag to keep them fresh longer.
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing dough and a smaller one for yeast activation.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing bagels from boiling water.
Baking sheet: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Rolling pin: Optional, but helpful for shaping dough evenly.
Variations
Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Chocolate Chip: Mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
Vegan Option: Replace the egg wash with a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup for a vegan-friendly glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Spread it: Cream cheese, butter, or almond butter make excellent toppings.
Pair it: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice.
Presentation: Serve on a wooden board with assorted spreads for a brunch vibe.
Garnish: Sprinkle with extra cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for added flair.
FAQs about Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
As you embark on your journey to make these delightful cinnamon raisin bagels, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you along the way:
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! You can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without needing to activate it in water first.
How do I store leftover bagels?
To keep your bagels fresh, store them in a paper bag at room temperature for a couple of days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag. Just pop them in the toaster when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and boiling the bagels.
What can I do if my bagels don’t rise?
If your bagels don’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Always check the expiration date and ensure your water is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast.
Can I add other flavors to my bagels?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different spices or add-ins like dried cranberries, orange zest, or even a hint of vanilla for a unique twist on your cinnamon raisin bagels.
Final Thoughts
Creating homemade cinnamon raisin bagels is more than just a cooking project; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. The joy of pulling a batch of golden bagels from the oven is unmatched. Each bite offers a delightful blend of sweetness and spice, making them perfect for any time of day. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or toasted with your favorite spread, these bagels are sure to bring smiles to your table. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and savor the delicious rewards of your hard work!
Delicious homemade cinnamon raisin bagels that are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup bread flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
1/2 cup raisins
1 tablespoon honey (for boiling)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Add the raisins and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add honey.
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and poke a hole in the center to form a bagel shape.
Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water, cooking for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Beat the egg and brush it over the bagels for a shiny finish.
Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
For a sweeter bagel, add an additional tablespoon of sugar to the dough.
Experiment with different add-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a unique flavor.
