Cinnamon Raisin Bagels Recipe 🥯
Soft, chewy, and filled with sweet cinnamon swirls and juicy raisins, these homemade cinnamon raisin bagels taste just like bakery-style bagels fresh from your own kitchen. They have a golden crust on the outside with a perfectly chewy center, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Toasted with butter or cream cheese, these bagels are absolutely irresistible. The warm cinnamon flavor combined with sweet raisins creates the perfect cozy homemade treat.
Why You’ll Love These Bagels
- Soft and chewy texture
- Sweet cinnamon swirl in every bite
- Perfect homemade breakfast
- Better than store-bought bagels
- Freezer-friendly
- Delicious toasted with butter or cream cheese
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1½ cups warm water
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup raisins
For the Cinnamon Filling
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For Boiling
- 8 cups water
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add bread flour, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Fold in the raisins during the last few minutes of kneading.
Step 2: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together into a spreadable paste.
Step 4: Shape the Bagels
Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly like a log.
Cut into equal portions and shape each piece into a bagel by forming a ring and sealing the ends together.
Place the bagels on a lined baking tray and let them rest for 20–30 minutes.
Step 5: Boil the Bagels
Bring water and honey to a gentle boil. Boil each bagel for 30 seconds per side. This step gives the bagels their classic chewy texture.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips for Perfect Bagels
- Bread flour gives the best chewy texture.
- Don’t skip boiling the bagels.
- Soak raisins in warm water first for extra softness.
- Brush with butter after baking for a shiny crust.
Serving Ideas
These bagels taste amazing with:
- Cream cheese
- Honey butter
- Peanut butter
- Maple glaze
- A hot cup of coffee
Storage Tips
Store bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
These homemade cinnamon raisin bagels are warm, cozy, and incredibly delicious. The beautiful cinnamon swirls and sweet raisins make every bite taste bakery fresh. Once you make homemade bagels from scratch, you’ll want to bake them again and again!