If you have a soft spot for warm, chewy bagels with a cozy burst of cinnamon and sweet raisins, then this Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels Recipe will become your new breakfast obsession. It combines the tart creaminess of Greek yogurt with comforting spices and juicy raisins, creating bagels that are moist on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and packed with flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for those weekend mornings when you crave something homemade but don’t want to fuss too much in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in crafting the perfect Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels Recipe. Simple pantry staples like flour and baking powder form the base, while cinnamon and raisins introduce warmth and natural sweetness. Greek yogurt is the secret for that tender, moist crumb, making these bagels irresistibly good without complicated techniques.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the chewy texture classic to bagels.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat): Adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of raisins.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses comforting spice that makes every bite warm and inviting.
- 1/2 cup raisins: Little bursts of sweetness that complement the cinnamon beautifully.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the bagels rise and keeps them light.
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough for balance without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances flavor and keeps everything rounded.
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F): Activates the baking powder and brings the dough together.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon in a large bowl. This dry blend forms the aromatic base of your dough, ensuring the cinnamon is evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Incorporate the Yogurt and Water
Gradually add the Greek yogurt and warm water to your dry ingredients, stirring as you go until a soft dough forms. The yogurt adds moisture and richness while the warm water helps activate the baking powder for a light rise.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten, giving your bagels that signature chewy texture you love.
Step 4: Shape and Add Raisins
Divide the dough into six equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then press a hole through the center to form a classic bagel shape. Gently press raisins into the surface of each bagel, distributing them evenly so every bite has that sweet, fruity pop.
Step 5: Boil the Bagels
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes per side. Boiling gives the bagels their signature shiny crust and dense interior, so don’t skip this important step.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the boiled bagels to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and emit that irresistible baked-good aroma. Let them cool slightly before diving in.
How to Serve Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
These bagels shine with just a simple spread of cream cheese or a smear of honey butter. For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top. Fresh fruit or thinly sliced apples can also add a lovely fresh contrast.
Side Dishes
A cup of warm chai or a creamy latte pairs beautifully with these bagels, enhancing the cinnamon notes. Fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait complements the bagels’ richness and rounds out a balanced breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your bagels into sandwiches with nut butter and banana slices or layer smoked salmon, capers, and red onions for a savory twist. You can also slice them in half, toast gently, and top with ricotta cheese and a drizzle of maple syrup for an elegant treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh enough to enjoy with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack.
Freezing
To preserve your bagels longer, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and can easily be defrosted when you need a quick bite.
Reheating
For fresh-from-the-oven taste, toast your thawed bagels in a toaster or oven until warmed through. This brings back their crisp crust and soft interior, making them just as delightful as when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt in this recipe?
Yes, low-fat Greek yogurt will work, but keep in mind the bagels might be slightly less rich and tender compared to using full-fat yogurt. The texture may be a little denser but still delicious.
Do I need to boil the bagels before baking?
Boiling is an essential step for authentic bagels because it sets the crust and gives the bagels their characteristic chewy texture. Skipping this step will result in more of a bread roll than a true bagel.
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or currants all make excellent swaps and bring their own unique sweetness and texture to the bagels.
How do I make these bagels gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture will be a bit different but should still yield tasty bagels with a nice crumb.
Is this Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! These bagels freeze wonderfully and can be prepped ahead. They make breakfasts and snacks incredibly convenient while still feeling homemade and special.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about making your own bagels at home, especially with the warm notes of cinnamon and the juicy sweetness of raisins paired with Greek yogurt’s creamy tang. This Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic favorite with a lighter, more nutritious twist, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast tradition!
Print
Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 bagels
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delightful twist on classic bagels with these Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels. Soft and chewy with a subtle cinnamon flavor and sweet bursts of raisins, these bagels are easy to make with simple ingredients and a quick baking process. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they combine the creaminess of Greek yogurt with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sweetness of honey.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon thoroughly to distribute all dry components evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the Greek yogurt and warm water to the dry mix, stirring gently until a soft dough forms that holds together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, ensuring even texture.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into 6 equal portions, roll each into a ball, then poke a hole in the center of each ball and gently stretch to form bagel shapes.
- Boil Bagels: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Boil the bagels in batches for 1-2 minutes on each side to create the chewy crust.
- Bake Bagels: Place the boiled bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider brushing the bagels with honey or melted butter immediately after baking.
- If you prefer a slightly crispier crust, extend baking time by 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt to keep the dough moist and tender.
- Make sure the water for boiling bagels is at a gentle boil to avoid breaking the dough apart.
