Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
Imagine walking into your kitchen and being enveloped by the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon raisin bagels. As the golden crust crackles and breaks, revealing a soft, chewy interior imbued with sweet raisins, you can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over you. This homemade cinnamon raisin bagel recipe is not just a dish; it’s a sensory experience that captures the essence of comfort and warmth.
Whether you’re preparing breakfast for your family or indulging in a cozy Sunday brunch, these bagels are worth every glorious minute spent kneading and boiling. They are perfect for kids, easy to follow, and will have everyone asking for seconds. So, dust off those baking sheets, and let’s create some bagels that will transport you back to simpler times.
What’s Your Favorite Way to Eat Bagels?
Do you enjoy them warm with a smear of cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon? Or maybe you relish them toasted with a pat of butter melting into every nook and cranny? There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a freshly baked bagel, isn’t there? Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a leisurely weekend gathering, how do you like to enjoy your bagels?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest: homemade bagels, especially cinnamon raisin ones, are the ultimate comfort food. Here’s why this recipe should be on your baking radar:
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Easy Prep: No need for complicated techniques; even novice bakers can embrace this recipe with confidence.
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Kid-Friendly: Involve your little chefs in the fun process of shaping and boiling bagels. They’ll love the tactile experience!
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Nostalgic Comfort: The combination of cinnamon and sweet raisins evokes fond memories of family gatherings and cozy mornings.
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Crowd-Pleaser: With their aromatic scent and delicious taste, these bagels are sure to impress friends and family alike.
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Minimal Ingredients: Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making this a convenient recipe to whip up any time.
Ingredients
To create these scrumptious homemade cinnamon raisin bagels, gather the following ingredients:
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1 and 1/2 cups warm water: The warmth will activate the yeast, making your bagels rise beautifully.
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2 and 3/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that gives rise to your bagels.
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4 cups bread flour (plus more for your work surface and hands): Using bread flour will help achieve that delightful chewiness.
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1 tablespoon packed light or dark brown sugar or barley malt syrup: A touch of sweetness adds depth to the bagel flavor.
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2 teaspoons salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors,
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds an unexpected but lovely hint of sweetness.
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3/4 cup raisins: Sweet bursts of flavor that pair perfectly with cinnamon.
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3 tablespoons granulated sugar: For the cinnamon-sugar coating.
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives these bagels their signature flavor.
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Nonstick spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil: For greasing the bowl.
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2 quarts water for the water bath: An essential step to achieve that chewy bagel texture.
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1/4 cup honey or barley malt syrup for the water bath: Adds a sweet touch to each bagel.
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1 egg white beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash: Creates that shiny, golden finish when baked.
Gathering these simple ingredients will set the stage for a delightful baking experience filled with flavor and aroma.
Timing
When it comes to timing, making homemade cinnamon raisin bagels is a delightful balance of fast and indulgent versus slow and luxurious. The initial prep time is about 15-20 minutes. Letting the dough rise gives you time to enjoy the fragrant aroma wafting through your home. After a brief waiting period, the bagels can be boiled and baked in just about 30-40 minutes. So, you can enjoy warm, chewy bagels in just over an hour – perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step
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Whisk the warm water and yeast together in a bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes. This step is crucial; its success will allow your bagels to rise perfectly.
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Add the flour, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes, then beat in the raisins. The raisins create delightful pockets of sweetness in every bite.
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Combine sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle on a surface, and knead the dough for 5 minutes, incorporating that cinnamon sugar into the folds for even flavor.
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Grease a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let it rise for 60-90 minutes until it’s doubled in size. That rising moment is where the magic happens!
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and avoids sticking.
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Punch down the dough, typically a very satisfying step, then divide it into 8 pieces, shaping each into bagels.
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Prepare the water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a boil with honey. Drop bagels in 2-4 at a time, boiling for 1 minute on each side for that signature chewy texture.
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Brush egg wash on each bagel and place them on your baking sheets. This will give them that beautiful golden color.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are dark golden brown, releasing an irresistible aroma in your kitchen.
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Cool on racks for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving. This waiting period only heightens the anticipation of deliciousness to come.
Nutritional Information
While indulging in homemade cinnamon raisin bagels, it’s essential to enjoy them mindfully. Each bagel roughly contains around 250 calories, providing an excellent breakfast option if you’re looking for a heartfelt start to your day. Just remember that these are special treats meant to be savored, so enjoy occasional indulgences!
Healthier Alternatives
Looking to lighten up this classic recipe? Here are a few healthier alternatives:
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Low-Sugar Options: Swap out regular sugar for stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a reduced-calorie bagel that still satisfies the sweet tooth.
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Dairy-Free Swaps: Instead of using egg wash, try an almond or soy milk wash for a shiny finish that’s dairy-free.
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Add Fiber: Replace some of the bread flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content, making the bagels a bit heartier and more filling.
Serving Suggestions
The ways to enjoy these delightful cinnamon raisin bagels are truly endless! Slice them in half and spread with cream cheese for a classic breakfast. You could even toast them until golden brown and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert.
These bagels are perfect for special occasions, holiday breakfasts, or simply a warm treat to share with friends over coffee. Serve them warm with a dusting of extra cinnamon for an extra touch of indulgence.
Common Mistakes
As with any recipe, there are common pitfalls to watch out for:
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Overbaking: Keep an eye on them in the oven to avoid a dry texture; they should be golden brown but spring back when lightly pressed.
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Texture Issues: If they turn out too tough, knead the dough a little less next time or ensure proper water ratios.
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Messes: Flour can get everywhere; be sure to clean as you go to keep your kitchen manageable.
Storing Tips
To keep your homemade cinnamon raisin bagels fresh, consider these storing tips:
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Freezing Portions: Once cooled, bag them in airtight freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. When you’re craving one, just pop it in the toaster or microwave!
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Reheating Instructions: For an ideal texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or pop them in the toaster for a warm, crispy exterior.
Tempted to Bake It ASAP?
The time has come to roll up your sleeves and make a batch of these irresistible homemade cinnamon raisin bagels. Not only will your home be filled with the welcoming aroma of baking, but you’ll also create delicious memories with friends and family as you savor each chewy, cinnamon-sugar-laden bite. So, preheat that oven and prepare to indulge!
FAQs
1. Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the texture might be a little different. Bread flour gives a nice chewiness that is characteristic of bagels.
2. How do I know when my bagels are fully cooked?
They should be dark golden brown and firm to the touch. If they are still soft in the center, give them a few more minutes in the oven.
3. Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even different spices for a unique twist.
4. How long do these bagels stay fresh?
They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, freezing is the way to go!
5. What’s the best way to slice a bagel?
A serrated knife works best for slicing bagels so you get a clean cut without squishing them!
Dive into this journey of baking and flavors, and soon you’ll be enjoying the magical experience of having homemade cinnamon raisin bagels right in your kitchen!
Print
Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious, soft, and chewy homemade cinnamon raisin bagels infused with sweet raisins and a touch of cinnamon, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 and 3/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
- 4 cups bread flour (plus more for work surface and hands)
- 1 tablespoon packed light or dark brown sugar or barley malt syrup
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Nonstick spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the bowl)
- 2 quarts water (for the water bath)
- 1/4 cup honey or barley malt syrup (for the water bath)
- 1 egg white beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Whisk the warm water and yeast together in a bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the flour, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes, then beat in the raisins.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle on a surface, and knead the dough for 5 minutes.
- Grease a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let it rise for 60-90 minutes until it’s doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough, divide it into 8 pieces, shaping each into bagels.
- Prepare the water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a boil with honey. Drop bagels in 2-4 at a time, boiling for 1 minute on each side.
- Brush egg wash on each bagel and place them on your baking sheets.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are dark golden brown.
- Cool on racks for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
These bagels are perfect for serving with cream cheese or toasted with butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
