Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a warm, tender bagel coated with the perfect hint of sweetness and spice, then you’re going to love these Cinnamon Sugar Bagels. This recipe combines the chewy, satisfying texture of traditional bagels with a beautifully caramelized cinnamon sugar crust that will have you reaching for seconds before you even finish your first bite. Freshly baked with a hint of molasses and a touch of cinnamon, these bagels are the ultimate treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave something comforting and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Cinnamon Sugar Bagels is a simple pleasure, relying on basic pantry staples that come together to create something truly extraordinary. Each ingredient plays its part in achieving that classic bagel chew, sweet notes, and golden finish.

• Lukewarm water (2 cups plus 2 tablespoons): The perfect temperature activates the yeast without killing it, ensuring a good rise.
• Molasses (1 tablespoon plus extra for boiling): Adds a rich depth of flavor and a lovely dark color to the boiling water, giving bagels their signature sheen.
• Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): This is the miracle worker that makes your dough rise and become fluffy yet chewy.
• Bread flour (7 cups plus 6 tablespoons): A high-protein flour that provides that essential chewiness and strong structure of bagels.
• Morton kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Salt balances and enhances flavors in the dough.
• Cornmeal (for dusting): Prevents sticking and adds a light crunch to the base.
• Dark brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Imparts moisture and a deep sweetness to the cinnamon sugar topping.
• Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Balances the brown sugar and adds crunch to the topping.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Makes the cinnamon sugar topping rich and buttery.
• Ground cinnamon (3 teaspoons): The star spice that brings warmth and fragrance to the bagels.
• Large egg (1): Used in the egg wash for a shiny, golden finish that helps the topping stick.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Bagels

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by dissolving the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of molasses in lukewarm water, whisking until everything combines smoothly. Let the mixture rest for about five minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This foamy sign means the yeast is alive and kicking, ready to give your dough that perfect rise and bounce.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In your stand mixer bowl, whisk together bread flour and kosher salt. Attach the dough hook and slowly add in the yeast mixture on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Then, gradually increase the speed to medium-high and knead for about 10 minutes until your dough feels supple and elastic. You’ll know your dough is ready if you can stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through it without tearing—a sign of well-developed gluten.

Step 3: First Rise and Shaping

Roll your elastic dough into a tight ball, cover it in plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes until doubled in size. Once risen, punch down the dough gently and divide it into 4-ounce pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball, then poke a hole in the center using both thumbs and stretch it gently to create a classic bagel shape about 4 inches across. Place them on cornmeal-dusted baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart, cover, and refrigerate to proof overnight for 12 to 18 hours.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While the dough proofs, preheat your oven to 450°F with pizza stones placed on the upper and lower racks to get perfectly crisp bottoms. In a bowl, whisk together dark brown sugar, bread flour, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until combined. In a separate small bowl, mix the egg with a tablespoon of water to create a glossy egg wash that will help your cinnamon sugar topping adhere beautifully.

Step 5: Boil and Top Your Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add molasses until the water turns dark brown—this not only flavors your bagels but helps develop their shiny crust. Boil each bagel for 30 seconds on each side without overcrowding the pot. After boiling, place them on a wire rack, brush with egg wash, and immediately sprinkle about a tablespoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top to create that irresistible sweet crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the cinnamon-sugar-coated bagels onto your hot pizza stones, spacing them 2 inches apart on the cornmeal. Bake for 15 to 19 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on their golden color and shine as they bake to perfection. Once baked, cool them completely on a wire rack before enjoying their fresh, delightful crunch.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Bagels

Garnishes

These Cinnamon Sugar Bagels are heavenly on their own, but why not add a little extra flair? Spread on some whipped cream cheese or a honey-flavored butter for a luscious contrast to the sweet and spicy crust. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup can also elevate your bagel experience to new heights.

Side Dishes

Serve your bagels alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples, berries, or a juicy orange to add a refreshing balance of flavors. A scoop of vanilla yogurt or a warm cup of spiced chai tea pairs beautifully with the cinnamon notes, making your breakfast or brunch extra cozy and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn your Cinnamon Sugar Bagels into a fun brunch centerpiece? Create a bagel sandwich with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and fresh herbs, or pile on sliced bananas and a drizzle of Nutella for a decadent treat. For parties, slice the bagels and serve with a variety of flavored cream cheeses and jams, letting everyone build their perfect bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Cinnamon Sugar Bagels, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will help maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from drying out.

Freezing

To extend their shelf life, wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen bagels will stay delicious for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or toast directly from the freezer for that freshly baked feel.

Reheating

Reheat your bagels by slicing in half and toasting until warm and slightly crispy. If you want to soften the crumb, microwave for 15 seconds before toasting. Avoid overheating to keep that perfect balance of soft interior and crunchy cinnamon sugar crust.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While all-purpose flour can be used in a pinch, bread flour is preferred for Cinnamon Sugar Bagels because its higher protein content gives the dough the necessary chew and structure that define a great bagel.

Do I really need to proof the bagels overnight?

Yes! The overnight refrigeration helps develop deeper flavor and improves the texture of your bagels. If you’re short on time, a shorter proof is possible, but the taste won’t be quite as rich.

Can I make the cinnamon sugar topping in advance?

You can mix the cinnamon sugar topping ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Just give it a quick stir before using to redistribute the melted butter.

Why do we boil bagels before baking?

Boiling bagels helps set their crust and creates that classic chewy texture. Adding molasses to the boiling water also enhances flavor and gives the bagels their beautiful shiny and slightly caramelized exterior.

What if I don’t have a pizza stone?

If you don’t have pizza stones, a heavy baking sheet turned upside down works as a decent substitute. Just make sure to preheat it in the oven so your bagels bake evenly with a crisp bottom.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about Cinnamon Sugar Bagels fresh from the oven—the inviting aroma, the perfect mix of sweet and spice, and that wonderfully chewy texture. Baking these from scratch rewards you with a homemade delight that your friends and family will adore. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every warm, cinnamon-kissed bite of this beloved treat!

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