There is nothing quite like biting into warm, chewy cinnamon raisin bagels slathered with rich cream cheese to start your day on a sweet and comforting note. This Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe combines the cozy warmth of cinnamon, the natural sweetness of plump raisins, and the tang of creamy spread, creating a perfect breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Making these homemade bagels is easier than you might think, and once you try this recipe, your mornings will never be the same.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe plays a special role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. From the hearty bread flour that gives the bagels their classic chew, to the warm cinnamon and sweet raisins that add character, each element is simple but essential.
- Bread flour (3 ½ cups): Provides the strong gluten structure needed for that iconic chewy bagel texture.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Infuses a warm, fragrant spice that complements the raisins beautifully.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle sweetness and helps with the caramelized color during baking.
- Instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Makes the dough rise perfectly without fuss, giving bagels their airy interior.
- Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Warm water, 110°F (1 ¼ cups): Activates the yeast and brings the dough together smoothly.
- Raisins (¾ cup): Little bursts of natural sweetness distributed throughout every bite.
- Molasses (1 tablespoon, for boiling): Adds depth and a subtle hint of sweetness to the boiling water, helping to achieve a shiny crust.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, for serving): The rich, smooth spread that perfectly balances the warm spices.
- Optional vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Mix into the cream cheese to add a lovely sweet aroma and flavor boost.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the bread flour, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This combination builds the flavorful base of the dough, infusing the bagels with their signature warming spice from the very start.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
In a separate bowl, combine the warm water and instant yeast, setting it aside for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and foamy. This signals that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, ensuring your bagels rise perfectly.
Step 3: Combine and Knead the Dough
Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes. During the last few minutes, fold in the raisins so they are evenly spread throughout the dough. Kneading develops gluten, giving your bagels that irresistible chewy bite.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This rise allows the yeast to aerate the dough, resulting in lightness on the inside while keeping the dough firm and elastic.
Step 5: Shape the Bagels
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down and divide into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger, stretching it out gently to create a classic bagel shape. Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rest for 10 minutes to relax the dough before boiling.
Step 6: Boil with Molasses
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in the molasses—this step is key for a shiny, flavorful crust. Boil each bagel for one minute on each side; boiling gelatinizes the surface starches, which helps achieve that perfect bagel crust once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Return the boiled bagels to the baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Allow your bagels to cool on a wire rack—this final step prevents sogginess and ensures the perfect texture when you’re ready to enjoy them.
How to Serve Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For a personal twist, stir a teaspoon of vanilla extract into your cream cheese before spreading it on your bagel. The vanilla adds a delightful aroma and sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and raisins. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few extra raisins on top can also add a charming finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Serve your cinnamon raisin bagels alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples, pears, or a handful of berries to keep your breakfast bright and refreshing. A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even warm apple cider can complement the spices, making your morning feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your bagels into a delightful breakfast sandwich by layering cream cheese with smoked salmon, thinly sliced cucumbers, and fresh dill. Or try toasting your bagels before spreading cream cheese for an irresistible crunch. Offering mini bagels with a variety of flavored cream cheeses at a brunch is also sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any bagels left (which might be rare!), keep them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them from drying out while maintaining freshness.
Freezing
These bagels freeze beautifully and can be stored for up to two months. Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag so they stay fresh. Whenever you’re ready, simply thaw at room temperature or warm directly from frozen.
Reheating
To enjoy your stored bagels as if freshly baked, slice them in half and toast until crisp and warm. You can also microwave briefly after toasting for a soft, melty cream cheese experience. This reheating method revives the bagels’ original texture and taste perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of bread flour in this Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe?
While bread flour is preferred for its higher protein content that creates the chewy texture bagels are known for, you can use all-purpose flour in a pinch. Expect a slightly softer bagel but still delicious with all those cinnamon and raisin notes.
Is it necessary to boil the bagels before baking?
Yes, boiling bagels before baking is what gives them their distinctive chewy crust and shiny appearance. The molasses in the boiling water adds flavor and helps deepen the color of the crust.
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or currants make wonderful alternatives that bring different levels of sweetness and texture, keeping your bagels exciting and tasty.
How long can I keep the cream cheese mixture with vanilla extract?
If you add vanilla extract to your cream cheese, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within a week to ensure the fresh flavor and safety.
Can this recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?
The bagels themselves are vegetarian-friendly, but to make the recipe vegan or dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative. Additionally, verify your bread flour and any added ingredients align with your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe has an unbeatable mix of warm spices, chewy texture, and creamy sweetness that will become your new breakfast favorite. Whether you’re making a cozy weekend brunch or an everyday morning treat, this recipe invites you to enjoy homemade goodness that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. So don’t hesitate—grab your mixing bowl and start baking these delightful bagels today!
Print
Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the warm, chewy goodness of homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels paired perfectly with creamy, lightly sweetened cream cheese. This recipe guides you through mixing fragrant cinnamon and plump raisins into traditional bread dough, boiling for the authentic bagel texture, and baking to golden perfection. Ideal for a comforting breakfast or snack, these bagels are easy to make and taste far better than store-bought versions.
Ingredients
Bagel Dough
- 3 ½ cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
- ¾ cup raisins
Boiling
- 1 tablespoon molasses
Serving
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (to sweeten cream cheese)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
- Activate Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine warm water (110°F) with instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes or until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Form Dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface for kneading.
- Knead Dough with Raisins: Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. During the last few minutes, incorporate the raisins into the dough evenly.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm location. Allow it to rise for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape Bagels: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center. Stretch gently to form a classic bagel shape.
- Rest Bagels: Arrange the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and rest them for 10 minutes to relax the dough.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Boiling Water: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the molasses to the water.
- Boil Bagels: Carefully boil each bagel for 1 minute on each side. This step imparts the characteristic chewy crust and shine.
- Bake Bagels: Return the boiled bagels to the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove bagels from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or toasted with cream cheese, optionally sweetened with vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Notes
- For an enhanced flavor, mix a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the cream cheese before spreading on the bagels.
- Toasting the bagels before serving adds a delightful crunch.
- Store leftover bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Bagels freeze well—freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
