Hey y’all! If you’re craving the ultimate breakfast treat or a cozy snack, these Cinnamon Sugar Bagels are about to become your new favorite. Imagine the chewy texture of classic Bagels, wrapped in a warm, sweet cinnamon embrace and finished with a sparkly sugar coating. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a grab-and-go breakfast, or a special family treat, these bagels fit every occasion. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Perfectly chewy and soft in the center with a glistening sugar crunch outside.
Easy, approachable recipe with step-by-step directions.
Delights both kids and adults, making it great for family baking.
Versatile—enjoy toasted, plain, or with your favorite spreads.
Delivers irresistible, bakery-quality bagels right at home!

Ingredients

2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C), divided
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
3½ cups (450g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
1 egg white (for egg wash)
8 cups water (for boiling)
2 tablespoons honey (for boiling)

Directions

Prep and First Rise

In a large bowl, combine ½ cup warm water and sugar; sprinkle yeast on top and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Add remaining warm water, bread flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir until dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape the Bagels

Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, poke a hole in the center, and gently stretch into a bagel shape.
Arrange shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 15-20 minutes.

Boil and Coat

Bring 8 cups water and honey to a gentle boil in a large pot. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Boil bagels, 2-3 at a time, for 1 minute per side. Remove and let excess water drip off.
Whisk egg white with 1 tablespoon water. Brush each bagel with egg wash.
Mix ½ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Dip the tops of each bagel into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

Bake

Arrange bagels sugar side up on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Brush hot bagels lightly with melted butter for extra shine and flavor. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Don’t skip the boil—this step creates the signature chewy bagel crust.
If dough feels sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time while kneading.
Bake extra bagels and freeze for easy breakfasts all week!

Variations

Raisin Cinnamon: Add ½ cup raisins to the dough before shaping.
Cream Cheese Filled: Insert a cube of cream cheese into each dough ball before shaping.
Maple Glazed: Drizzle with maple glaze after baking instead of cinnamon sugar.

Required Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Sturdy wooden spoon
Kitchen scale (optional but helpful)
Parchment paper
Large pot
Baking sheet
Pastry brush
Wire rack

Storage Instructions

Cinnamon Sugar Bagels keep best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze individually; toast from frozen as needed for up to 2 months.

Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with whipped cream cheese or cinnamon honey butter.
Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte.
Make delicious sweet bagel sandwiches with sliced apples and nut butter.

Pro Tips

Stretch the bagel holes larger than you think—they shrink during boiling and baking.
Boil only a few bagels at once so they don’t stick together.
Brush with butter as soon as they come out of the oven for a beautiful sheen.

FAQ

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight and continue as directed the next day.

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

Yes, but the bagels will be slightly less chewy—bread flour gives the best texture.

Why do I need to boil the bagels?

Boiling sets the crust and gives bagels their signature chewy texture—don’t skip this step!

Total time: 2 hours
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 18-20 minutes