Breakfast

Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

Name: Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 4 cups bread flour; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 3/4 cup raisins; 2 quarts water; 2 tbsp honey or sugar; Cinnamon-sugar mixture

Servings: 8 Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Bagels are a classic breakfast staple, known for their chewy texture and satisfying crust. Cinnamon Raisin Bagels take this beloved bread to a whole new level with a sweet, aromatic twist. Packed with juicy raisins and spiced with warm cinnamon, these bagels are perfect for mornings when you crave something hearty yet comforting.

Unlike store-bought versions, homemade bagels are fresher, more flavorful, and customizable. They do take a little more time and effort than ordinary bread, but the process is straightforward and rewarding. Nothing beats the aroma of fresh bagels baking in your oven—it’s pure comfort food bliss.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines everything I want in a morning treat: warmth from cinnamon, bursts of sweetness from raisins, and the chewiness of freshly baked bagels. Making them at home feels special—you can control the sweetness, the size, and even the texture. Every time I bake these, my kitchen smells like a bakery, and biting into a still-warm bagel with butter or cream cheese is absolute joy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Bakery at Home: Fresh, chewy bagels with no preservatives.
Perfect Balance: Sweet but not overly so, making them versatile for both sweet and savory toppings.
Customizable: Adjust raisins, cinnamon, or even add nuts for variety.
Rewarding Process: The boiling and baking steps create an authentic, chewy texture.
Family Favorite: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacks.

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 bagels
Calories: ~280 calories per bagel

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: Jewish-American / Bakery-inspired
Course: Breakfast, Snack, Brunch

Ingredients

Dough

4 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tbsp sugar (divided)
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 cup raisins

For Boiling

2 quarts water
2 tbsp honey or sugar

Optional Topping

Cinnamon-sugar mixture (for sprinkling before baking)

Simple Cooking Directions

Activate yeast with warm water and sugar.
Mix dough with flour, cinnamon, salt, and raisins.
Knead until smooth, then let rise until doubled.
Shape into bagels and boil briefly in sweetened water.
Bake until golden and chewy.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water with 1 tbsp sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Make Dough: Stir in flour, cinnamon, salt, and remaining sugar. Add raisins and mix until dough forms.
Knead: Transfer dough to a floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Shape Bagels: Punch down dough, divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, poke a hole in the center with your thumb, and stretch to form a bagel shape.
Boil Water: Bring 2 quarts water with honey/sugar to a gentle boil.
Boil Bagels: Drop 2–3 bagels at a time into boiling water. Boil 1 minute per side. Remove with slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Optional Topping: Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture on top for extra sweetness.
Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Cool Slightly: Let cool on a wire rack before serving.

How to Serve

Warm with butter or cream cheese.
Toasted with peanut butter or almond butter.
As a breakfast sandwich base with eggs and cheese.
With honey or jam for a sweeter option.
Paired with coffee or tea for a cozy morning.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use bread flour for the best chewy texture.
Don’t skip boiling—it’s what makes bagels chewy.
If raisins are too dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg along with cinnamon.

Variations

Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
Extra Sweet: Mix in mini chocolate chips with raisins.
Whole Wheat: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
Glazed: Brush baked bagels with a light vanilla glaze for a dessert-style treat.
Savory-Sweet: Reduce cinnamon and raisins slightly, add a pinch of black pepper for a unique twist.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Keep in a paper bag inside a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Slice bagels in half and freeze in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Toast directly from frozen.

Special Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
Large pot for boiling
Slotted spoon
Baking sheet + parchment paper
Wire rack

Conclusion

Cinnamon Raisin Bagels are the ultimate cozy breakfast bake—chewy, slightly sweet, and warmly spiced. Baking them at home is rewarding and delivers a result far fresher and more flavorful than anything store-bought. Whether you enjoy them plain, toasted, or topped with spreads, these bagels are a must-try recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.

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