If you have ever wondered how to capture the magic of a bakery-fresh bagel right in your own kitchen, this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly chewy on the outside with a soft, cinnamon-kissed interior dotted with sweet, plump raisins, these bagels bring warmth and comfort to any breakfast or snack time. The best part? The ingredients are simple, the process approachable, and the results irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will have you proudly sharing your homemade goodies with friends and family in no time.

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, coming together with ease to create the perfect texture and flavor. From the bread flour that gives the bagels their characteristic chew to the cinnamon and raisins that add that signature sweetness and spice, you’ll appreciate how each component complements the others beautifully.

Bread flour, 4 cups: Provides the high protein content necessary for a chewy, sturdy bagel.
Instant yeast, 2 ¼ teaspoons: Ensures a consistent and reliable rise for light, airy dough.
Light brown sugar, ¼ cup, packed: Adds mild caramel notes and helps activate the yeast effectively.
Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Infuses every bite with a warm, comforting spice.
Raisins, 1 cup, soaked and drained: Juicy pockets of sweetness that balance the cinnamon perfectly.
Fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Warm water, 1 ½ cups (105–115°F): Activates the yeast and brings the dough together smoothly.
Egg white, 1, whisked: Gives the bagels a shiny, golden crust during baking.

How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing the instant yeast with warm water and a pinch of brown sugar. Allow this mixture to sit for about five minutes until it bubbles gently, a sign your yeast is alive and kicking. This is a crucial step for that perfect rise, ensuring your bagels won’t be dense or flat.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In a large bowl, combine bread flour, cinnamon, salt, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about eight minutes, developing the gluten that gives bagels their signature chew. The kneading part is therapeutic and sets the stage for your bagel’s wonderful texture.

Step 3: Incorporate the Raisins

Near the end of your kneading, fold in the soaked and drained raisins gently. This timing keeps them plump and juicy without tearing the dough, ensuring each bagel carries those sweet bites dispersed throughout.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover it to rest at room temperature. After about an hour, it should have doubled in size. You’ll notice a gentle yeasty aroma and an airy texture signaling that it’s ready for shaping.

Step 5: Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into tight balls. Using your finger, poke through the center of each ball and gently twist to form the classic bagel hole. This not only helps even baking but also gives you that authentic bagel look.

Step 6: Poach the Bagels

Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer, adding brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon for subtle sweetness. Poach each bagel for one minute per side. This step is essential for creating the resilient crust that makes bagels so delightfully chewy.

Step 7: Brush with Egg White

After boiling, brush each bagel with whisked egg white. This glossy coat will bake into a beautiful, golden-brown finish that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for about 15 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with an inviting cinnamon aroma as the bagels turn warm, light brown, signaling they’re ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels Recipe

Garnishes

These bagels are a wonderful canvas for toppings. A generous schmear of cream cheese enhances their sweet and spicy flavor, while a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon can elevate the experience. Toasting slightly before spreading your favorite garnish adds a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon raisin bagels with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries to complement the sweetness. A cup of rich coffee or chai tea creates an inviting, cozy breakfast or snack moment that’s hard to beat.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform these bagels into mini sandwiches by layering them with nut butter and sliced bananas, or make a decadent French toast bagel by dipping slices in egg custard and frying lightly. They’re versatile enough to satisfy any craving or mealtime mood.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra bagels fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to preserve their freshness longer, refrigeration is an option but might slightly toughen the crust.

Freezing

Bagels freeze wonderfully. Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy your Easy Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels Recipe anytime without extra effort.

Reheating

To enjoy your bagels after storage or freezing, slice them in half and toast until warm and slightly crispy. This brings back the chewiness and enhances their fresh-baked flavor for a delightful treat every time.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of bread flour?

Regular all-purpose flour has less protein than bread flour, which means your bagels might end up softer and less chewy. While you can substitute, using bread flour is best for that classic bagel texture.

Why do I need to boil the bagels before baking?

Boiling sets the crust quickly, giving bagels their distinctive shiny, chewy exterior. Skipping this step will result in more of a bread roll texture rather than a traditional bagel.

Can I add other dried fruits instead of raisins?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or cherries would all be delicious in this recipe. Just be sure to soak any dried fruit to keep them plump before adding to the dough.

What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?

If your yeast mixture didn’t bubble as expected, your yeast might be inactive or your water temperature was off. Double-check those factors and try again to ensure a light and airy dough rise.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

While the dough itself is mostly vegan-friendly, the egg white used for brushing adds a glossy finish. You can substitute with a milk alternative or water for brushing, but the bagels won’t have quite the same shine and crust.

Final Thoughts

Treating yourself to the joy of making bagels from scratch is truly a rewarding experience. This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels Recipe brings that bakery magic to your kitchen without any fuss and with incredible flavors to savor. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these warm, delightful treasures.