If you love waking up to the smell of cinnamon and crave that satisfying chew of a well-baked bagel, you’re in for a treat. This homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe brings bakery-style results straight into your kitchen—no need to run to the store or settle for pre-packaged versions. Whether you enjoy them toasted with cream cheese or layered with your favorite sweet spread, these bagels will quickly become your new morning staple.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe
- Super chewy texture with just the right touch of sweetness.
- Infused with warm cinnamon spice and juicy raisins.
- No special equipment needed—perfect for home bakers.
- Freezes beautifully for make-ahead mornings.
- Healthier and tastier than most store-bought versions.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Rise Time | 60 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | ~1 hour 45 minutes |
| Yield | 8 bagels |
| Skill Level | Beginner-friendly |
| Storage | 3 days at room temp, 3 months frozen |
Ingredients For Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe
To make this easy cinnamon raisin bagel recipe, you’ll need the following:
- 3 ½ cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
- ¾ cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for boiling)
Optional Toppings:
- Rolled oats
- Cinnamon sugar mix
- Raw sugar crystals
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Add flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix to form a shaggy dough. Stir in raisins until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Knead and Rise
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Bagels
Punch down the dough and divide it into 9 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and gently stretch it into a bagel shape. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Boil and Bake
Preheat oven to 425°F. Boil bagels 1 minute per side in water with optional honey. Remove, place on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Soak your raisins in warm water for 5 minutes to keep them plump.
- Don’t skip the boiling step—it gives bagels their classic crust.
- Cinnamon can slow yeast activity slightly, so be sure your water isn’t too hot.
Flavor Variations
- Maple Cinnamon Raisin: Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the dough.
- Whole Wheat Version: Replace half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Roll out dough flat, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then roll and shape.
Serving Suggestions
- Toast and spread with honey walnut cream cheese.
- Top with almond butter and banana slices.
- Turn into a breakfast sandwich with egg and brie.
- Pair with your morning coffee or chai latte.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Refrigerate Dough: Prepare dough the night before and let it slow-rise in the fridge.
- Freeze Bagels: Once baked and cooled, wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat Tips: Toast directly from frozen or microwave for 20 seconds before toasting.
FAQs About Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe
Is a cinnamon raisin bagel healthy to eat?
Yes, a cinnamon raisin bagel can be a wholesome part of your diet when eaten in moderation. Homemade bagels are especially healthier because:
✔ They contain no preservatives or additives.
✔ You control the amount of sugar and salt.
✔ Raisins add natural sweetness and fiber.
✔ You can use whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
For an even better-for-you version, reduce the sugar or add flaxseed to the dough. Compared to store-bought bagels, this homemade version is fresher, cleaner, and customizable to your dietary needs.
What spread is good on cinnamon raisin bagel?
Spreads elevate the flavor of cinnamon raisin bagels, and the sweet base pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory toppings. Popular options include:
✔ Whipped cream cheese (plain or honey-flavored)
✔ Cinnamon butter or maple butter
✔ Peanut butter or almond butter
✔ Mascarpone cheese with fruit preserves
✔ Greek yogurt spread with honey and cinnamon
Want something different? Try them with vanilla bean cream cheese or a thin layer of nutella for an indulgent twist.
What goes well on a cinnamon raisin bagel?
Cinnamon raisin bagels are incredibly versatile and work well with a wide range of toppings and sides. Here are some tasty pairings:
✔ Banana slices with peanut butter
✔ Sautéed apples and cinnamon
✔ Turkey and brie for a sweet-savory sandwich
✔ Scrambled eggs with sharp cheddar
✔ Honey and walnuts
These bagels are also excellent served with coffee, tea, or a smoothie.
How do I prevent raisins from burning or drying out in bagels?
Raisins can sometimes burn or harden during baking, especially when they’re exposed on the bagel’s surface. Here’s how to avoid that:
✔ Soak the raisins in warm water for 5–10 minutes before adding them to the dough. This keeps them juicy and plump throughout baking.
✔ Knead raisins into the center of the dough rather than leaving them near the surface.
✔ After shaping, you can gently press any exposed raisins back into the dough to reduce direct heat contact.
✔ Optionally, brush the bagels with egg wash or milk before baking, which offers a protective barrier.
These tricks help preserve the natural sweetness of the raisins without letting them dry out or burn.
Can I make cinnamon raisin bagels without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can absolutely make homemade cinnamon raisin bagels without a stand mixer—no fancy equipment required! Here’s how:
✔ Mix the dough by hand in a large mixing bowl using a wooden spoon or your hands until it comes together.
✔ Knead the dough manually on a clean, floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This part is a great arm workout!
✔ Let it rise and follow the rest of the recipe steps as usual—hand-kneaded dough performs just as well with proper technique.
So whether you’re a first-time baker or simply prefer low-tech methods, this recipe is totally approachable.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe brings you warm, chewy, bakery-style goodness right from your oven. It’s a delightful way to kick off your day or wind down with a cozy snack. Once you try making these from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought. Get creative with toppings and spreads, and don’t forget to double the batch—you’ll thank yourself later.
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Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer or hands (optional)
- Large pot for boiling
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups bread flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- ¾ cup raisins
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for boiling water)
Optional Toppings:
- Rolled oats
- Cinnamon sugar
- Raw sugar crystals
Instructions
Step 1 – Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to form a shaggy dough. Mix in raisins.
Step 2 – Knead and Rise
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Step 3 – Shape the Bagels
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 portions. Roll each into a ball, poke a hole in the center, and gently stretch into a bagel shape. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 4 – Boil and Bake
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Boil bagels in water (add honey if desired) for 1 minute per side. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Soak raisins in warm water for 5 minutes for a juicier texture.
- Bread flour creates a chewier bagel than all-purpose flour.
- You can freeze bagels after baking—just reheat before serving.
