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You can make cinnamon bagels from scratch with basic pantry staples, a little patience, and a straightforward method that any home baker can master.
The process of making cinnamon bagels from scratch is surprisingly simple once you understand the key steps, from mixing the dough to boiling and baking.
If you’ve been wanting to learn how to make cinnamon bagels from scratch, you’re in the right place because we’ll walk through every detail, including the ideal dough texture and the secret to that chewy crust.
In this post, we’ll cover how to make cinnamon bagels from scratch, the essential ingredients, and the best techniques for a perfect result every time.
Let’s dive into the world of homemade bagels.
Why You Should Make Cinnamon Bagels From Scratch
Making cinnamon bagels from scratch is totally worth the effort because you control every ingredient and get that fresh, warm taste that store-bought versions just can’t match.
When you make cinnamon bagels from scratch, you also avoid preservatives and artificial flavorings that often hide in packaged bagels.
Homemade cinnamon bagels from scratch have a denser, more satisfying chew, and the cinnamon flavor is vibrant rather than faint.
Plus, the aroma of cinnamon and yeast filling your kitchen is an experience that makes you feel like a professional baker.
1. The Dough Comes Together Easily
The dough for cinnamon bagels from scratch starts with flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon.
You’ll mix these into a stiff dough that’s firmer than regular bread dough.
This stiffness is what gives bagels their classic chewy texture.
Kneading the dough for about 10 minutes develops the gluten, which creates that satisfying bite.
Don’t rush this step because proper gluten development is the backbone of how to make cinnamon bagels from scratch successfully.
2. The Boiling Step Is Non-Negotiable
A defining part of how to make cinnamon bagels from scratch is boiling them briefly before baking.
Boiling the shaped bagels in water with a little honey or malt syrup sets the crust and gives them that shiny, glossy exterior.
You’ll boil each bagel for about 1 to 2 minutes per side for a chewy crust, or 30 seconds per side for a softer one.
This step locks in the shape and prevents the bagels from puffing up too much in the oven.
So when you’re learning how to make cinnamon bagels from scratch, never skip the boil.
3. The Cinnamon Flavor Is Built In
For the best cinnamon bagels from scratch, you’ll mix ground cinnamon right into the dough.
You can also make a cinnamon sugar mixture to sprinkle on top after boiling for extra sweetness.
If you want a swirl effect, roll the dough out, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over it, then roll it up like a log before shaping into rings.
Either method results in delicious cinnamon bagels from scratch that fill your home with warmth.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cinnamon Bagels From Scratch
Now let’s get into the actual process of making cinnamon bagels from scratch, starting with the ingredients list and working through each phase.
Here’s the ultimate step-by-step guide for how to make cinnamon bagels from scratch that even a beginner can follow.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
To make cinnamon bagels from scratch, you’ll need these basics:
4 cups (500g) bread flour (or all-purpose with a bit more protein).
1 ½ cups warm water (105–110°F or 40–43°C).
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet).
2 tablespoons granulated sugar.
1 tablespoon brown sugar, for a deeper flavor.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (or more if you love bold spice).
1 ½ teaspoons salt.
1 tablespoon honey or barley malt syrup for the boiling water.
Optional: extra cinnamon and sugar for topping.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it gets frothy and foamy.
This foam means your yeast is alive, which is essential for making cinnamon bagels from scratch that rise beautifully.
If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast is dead, so start over with fresh yeast.
Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugars, and ground cinnamon.
Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes.
The dough should feel smooth, elastic, and slightly stiff, not sticky.
If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour.
This kneading phase is a key part of how to make cinnamon bagels from scratch with a professional texture.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot.
You’re looking for it to double in size, which usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
This first fermentation builds flavor in your cinnamon bagels from scratch.
Patience here rewards you with a more complex, yeasty taste.
Step 5: Shape the Bagels
After the rise, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger.
Gently stretch the hole to about 2 inches wide.
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them.
Let them rest for 15–20 minutes.
This short bench rest makes them easier to handle and helps them hold their shape during boiling.
Step 6: Boil the Bagels
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add the honey or malt syrup to the boiling water.
Carefully lower 2–3 bagels into the water at a time.
Boil for 1 minute per side for a chewy crust, or 30 seconds per side for a softer one.
Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the baking sheet.
If you want a cinnamon sugar topping, brush the boiled bagels with egg wash and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the bagels for 20–25 minutes, until they’re deep golden brown.
Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.
When you tap the bottom of a bagel, it should sound hollow.
That’s a sign they’re fully baked.
Let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Hot bagels are tempting, but cooling helps set the crumb and makes slicing cleaner.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cinnamon Bagels From Scratch
Once you master the basic method, you can tweak your cinnamon bagels from scratch to match your personal preferences.
Here are a few pro tips to elevate your homemade bagels.
1. Use Bread Flour for Maximum Chew
Bread flour has more protein than all-purpose flour, which means more gluten and a chewier bagel.
If you only have all-purpose flour, you can still make cinnamon bagels from scratch, but they’ll be slightly less chewy.
You can also add vital wheat gluten to all-purpose flour to boost the protein.
2. Cold Fermentation Adds Depth
After shaping the bagels, instead of a quick rest, place them in the fridge overnight.
This cold ferment in the fridge slows down fermentation, which develops a tangy, sourdough-like flavor.
It also makes the bagels easier to handle the next morning.
So if you plan ahead, your cinnamon bagels from scratch will taste even better.
3. Don’t Overboil for a Soft Crust
If you prefer a softer bagel, stick to 30 seconds per side during boiling.
Longer boiling creates a thicker, crustier shell.
For a traditional New York-style bagel, go with the full 2 minutes per side.
How to Store and Enjoy Your Cinnamon Bagels From Scratch
Freshly made cinnamon bagels from scratch are best enjoyed the day they’re baked.
But you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
For longer storage, slice and freeze the bagels for up to 3 months.
Toast them straight from the freezer for a quick breakfast.
You can also split them, toast them, and spread with cream cheese, butter, or cinnamon sugar.
These bagels also make great French toast or bread pudding.
So, How Do You Make Cinnamon Bagels From Scratch?
You can make cinnamon bagels from scratch by mixing a simple dough, letting it rise, shaping it into rings, boiling it briefly, and baking until golden.
The whole process takes about 3 hours, most of which is hands-off rising time.
This post has walked you through exactly how to make cinnamon bagels from scratch, from activating yeast to boiling and baking.
So grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the incredible satisfaction of pulling warm, homemade cinnamon bagels from scratch out of your oven.