There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bagels filling your kitchen, especially when a Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe brings a touch of sweetness and warmth to every bite. This classic flavor combination is a favorite for breakfast lovers and carb enthusiasts alike, blending the soft chew of a traditional bagel with bursts of juicy raisins and the cozy spice of cinnamon.
The golden crust (the classic boiling step ensures an extra-golden crust) and balanced flavor (from good-quality spices and real fruit) make this homemade version taste nothing like the store-bought bagels. This Cinnamon Raisin Bagel recipe is excellent for meal prep, gifting, or eating warm right out of the oven and topping it with your favorite spread. Roll, boil, bake, and let’s do this!
What makes this version different from store-bought bagels is the golden color, achieved through a traditional boiling step, and the perfectly balanced flavor derived from good-quality spices and real fruit,” he says. This Cinnamon Raisin Bagel recipe is excellent for meal prep and gift giving, or it is easy to make to enjoy warm right out of the oven with your favorite topper. Let’s roll, boil, and bake our way to bagel ecstasy!
Origins of Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
The cinnamon raisin bagel is based on traditional Jewish bakeries, as was the bagel, which is boiled first and then baked to a perfect crust. The cinnamon and raisins were added later when bagels boomed across the United States. This flavor became an immediate favorite with its combination of sweetness and spice, providing an indulgent and nostalgic breakfast alternative. Today, it appears in bakeries and on brunch menus and is often enjoyed with butter, cream cheese, and sometimes even peanut butter.
Why Homemade is Better
Bagels from the store are convenient, but they can’t hold a candle to the chewy bite, complex flavor, and incredibly savory aroma of homemade. How it’s done With this Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe, you know exactly what is going into it: no preservatives, artificial flavorings, or secret sugars. When you make your bagels, you can use higher-quality flour, adjust the sweetness to your taste, and load up on the number of raisins that reign in your heart. And bonus, baking at home is an irresistible aroma!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bagels
- Hydrate Your Raisins: Soak them in warm water for 10–15 minutes before mixing. This prevents them from drying out in the dough.
- Don’t Skip the Boil: Boiling gives bagels their classic chewy texture and helps them develop that glossy crust.
- Use Bread Flour: It has a higher protein content which is essential for chewy, dense bagels.
- Add Cinnamon Strategically: Mix cinnamon into the dough rather than sprinkling it on top to avoid bitterness from burning.
- Shape Like a Pro: Roll dough into a rope and pinch the ends together tightly for uniform bagels.
Variations to Try
This classic recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences.
- Add Nuts: Walnuts or pecans provide a crunchy contrast.
- Go Whole Wheat: For a healthier version, substitute half the bread flour with whole wheat flour.
- Sweet Toppings: Drizzle with vanilla glaze, cinnamon sugar, or maple icing.
- Savory Twist: Skip the raisins and add shredded cheese for a sweet-savory hybrid.
- Mini Bagels: Make them smaller for snacks or kid-friendly portions.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
While bagels are often seen as indulgent, when made at home with quality ingredients, they can offer nutritional value. Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar, while raisins add fiber and antioxidants. Below is a summary of the health benefits per serving (when made with quality ingredients and moderate sugar):
| Nutrient/Component | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon | Contains antioxidants; may reduce inflammation and regulate blood sugar |
| Raisins | Good source of fiber, iron, and potassium |
| Bread Flour (whole grain) | Offers protein and B vitamins for energy metabolism |
| Homemade (no preservatives) | Avoids additives and artificial ingredients |
Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe From OoohDelish!
Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl For dough preparation
- 1 Stand mixer Optional, with dough hook
- 1 Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- 1 Saucepan For boiling the bagels
- 1 Slotted spoon To remove boiled bagels
Ingredients
- 3 cups Bread flour Plus more for kneading
- 2 tsp Active dry yeast
- 1.5 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1.25 cups Warm water about 110°F
- 1 tbsp Ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup Raisins Soaked in warm water 5 mins
- 1 tbsp Honey For boiling water optional
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add flour, salt, and cinnamon to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
- Add Raisins: Gently knead the soaked raisins into the dough until evenly distributed.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Bagels: Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, poke a hole in the center, and gently stretch to form bagels.
- Boil the Bagels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add honey. Boil bagels 1 minute per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Bagels: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let bagels cool on a rack before slicing. Enjoy with cream cheese or butter.
Notes
Conclusion: Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe
There’s something extraordinary about beginning your day with a warm, fresh, homemade cinnamon raisin bagel. The chewy dough, sweet pops of raisin, and warm cinnamon smell make every bite memorable. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade recipe lets you be the boss of the flavor, texture, and freshness, and that means you’re giving yourself and your loved ones something truly nourishing.
It may seem daunting to make bagels from scratch, but once you try it, you are hooked. The process is therapeutic, and the ingredients are simple, but the few minutes of work and wait results are worth it. They can be eaten fresh, hot from the oven, frozen to heat, served on a busy morning, or given to a friend, neighbor, or family. It’s a recipe that feels like home and bakes like you’ve shopped at a bakery.
Whether making them for a weekend breakfast ritual or prepping them for crazy weekday mornings, these cinnamon raisin bagels deliver comfort and flavor to your kitchen. So dig out your flour, roll up your sleeves, and bake a batch that will fill your kitchen with warmth and your heart with happiness.
FAQs: Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour, but using 100% whole wheat may make the bagels denser. A 50/50 mix is a good balance.
How do I make my bagels extra chewy?
For a chewier texture, boil the bagels a bit longer (up to 2 minutes per side) before baking. You can also use bread flour instead of all-purpose for more gluten structure.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. This actually enhances flavor. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.
What’s the best way to store homemade cinnamon raisin bagels?
Store bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Do I need to use a stand mixer for this recipe?
Nope! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can knead the dough by hand for 10–12 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
🥯 Share Your Twist on the Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe! ✨🍇
Did you add a dash of nutmeg or swap raisins for golden sultanas? Maybe you folded in chopped walnuts for extra crunch, or turned your bagels into mini bagel bites perfect for snacking?
Whether you went gluten-free, added a honey glaze, or used a cinnamon sugar crust for extra sparkle, we want to hear how you made it your own! 👩🍳🧡
📸 Snap a photo of your homemade cinnamon raisin bagels and share your version in the comments below — we love seeing how Oooh Delish! recipes inspire your creativity.
💬 Have a family trick for keeping the raisins plump or a shortcut for shaping perfect bagels? Send your ideas our way and help inspire the next great twist!
📧 Want your original recipe twist featured on Oooh Delish? Email it to us at contact@ooohdelish.com with your name — we’ll credit you if we publish it!
Let’s bake up something sweet, warm, and wonderful together. Your twist might just be the next bagel sensation! 🌀🍞
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