These Cinnamon Sugar Crunch Bagels are a fantastic treat! They’re soft, chewy, and topped with a sweet, crunchy layer of cinnamon sugar that adds a yummy twist.
Every bite is like a little party in your mouth! I love to toast mine for an extra crunch—perfect with a cup of coffee in the morning. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: Bread flour gives the bagels their chewy texture. If you can’t find it, all-purpose flour works too, but the texture may be slightly less chewy.
Instant Yeast: I love instant yeast for its convenience. If you only have active dry yeast, just dissolve it in the warm water first, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy before mixing with other ingredients.
Cornflakes: Finely crushed cornflakes add crunch to the topping. You could substitute with crushed Rice Krispies or any crispy cereal for a similar texture.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is ideal for smooth filling, but you can use reduced-fat or even dairy-free cream cheese if you prefer a lighter option.
How Do I Shape Bagels Correctly?
Shaping bagels can be tricky, but with a bit of practice, you’ll get it! Start by dividing your dough into equal pieces to ensure same-sized bagels. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and then poke a hole through the center. Gently stretch the hole to make it larger (it shrinks a bit during cooking). Aim for about 3-4 inches in diameter.
- Keep the dough covered when you shape them to prevent drying out.
- Don’t rush this step; take your time to make sure they look nice!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Crunch Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
For Boiling:
- 2 quarts water
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp sugar
For the Cinnamon Sugar Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup finely crushed cornflakes or crispy cereal
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation, 1 hour for the first rise, 20 minutes to shape the bagels, and then another 25 minutes for boiling and baking. Perfect for a cozy weekend morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bagel Dough:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Combine the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add in the warm water while mixing until you get a dough that’s well combined. Then knead it on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s nice and smooth. This kneading helps develop the gluten, which gives the bagels their chewy texture.
2. First Rise:
Once your dough is smooth, place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This rising time is essential for fluffy bagels, so be patient!
3. Shape Bagels:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, roll each piece into a smooth ball, then poke a hole through the center. Gently stretch the dough to form bagels about 3-4 inches in diameter. Place your shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them, and let them rise for another 20 minutes.
4. Preheat the Oven:
While the bagels are rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that the bagels will bake evenly and turn a lovely golden brown!
5. Prepare Boiling Water:
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the baking soda and sugar once it’s bubbling. The baking soda helps give the bagels a nice chewy crust!
6. Boil Bagels:
Drop the bagels into the boiling water, 2-3 at a time, and let them boil for about 1 minute on each side. This step is vital for that classic bagel texture. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, letting the excess water drain on a clean kitchen towel.
7. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Crunch Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and crushed cornflakes. Brush each boiled bagel with melted butter and then coat them generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture. This topping is what gives them that delightful crunch and flavor!
8. Bake:
Now, place the coated bagels back on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crunchy on the outside. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
While the bagels are baking, mix up the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with cinnamon, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This sweet filling adds a lovely touch to your bagels!
10. Assemble:
Once the bagels are cool enough to handle, slice them horizontally. Spread a generous amount of the cinnamon cream cheese filling inside, and you’re almost there!
11. Serve:
Enjoy your warm, crunchy, and creamy cinnamon sugar crunch bagels fresh out of the oven! If you have leftovers, wrap them in plastic wrap to keep them fresh for later.
These delightful bagels are sure to please anyone who gives them a try! Enjoy making them!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can! While bread flour gives bagels their characteristic chewiness due to its higher protein content, all-purpose flour will still work in a pinch. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly softer.
How Can I Make These Bagels Vegan?
To make these bagels vegan, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based butter for brushing on the bagels. The recipe will still be delicious, just a bit different!
How to Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them by placing them in a resealable bag. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Toppings to the Bagels?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can sprinkle on poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or even everything bagel seasoning before baking for an extra flavor boost!