If you love the cozy flavors of cinnamon and the sweet burst of juicy raisins paired with the creamy indulgence of smooth cream cheese, then this Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe is going to become your new breakfast obsession. Each bagel is perfectly chewy on the outside with a tender crumb inside, studded with plump raisins and warmed with fragrant cinnamon. Slathering on a generous dollop of cream cheese takes this homemade treat to a whole new level of comfort and satisfaction. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or just want a delightful twist on your morning bagel, this recipe is simple, rewarding, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on these Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe is a breeze once you gather a handful of straightforward and essential ingredients. Each component plays a unique role in creating that iconic chewy texture, balanced sweetness, and mouthwatering aroma that make these bagels stand out.
- Warm water (1 cup): Activates the yeast to help the dough rise to perfection.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): The magic ingredient that makes your dough fluffy and light.
- Granulated sugar (1 ½ tablespoons): Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Bread flour (3 ½ cups): Provides the ideal high-protein base for that classic bagel chewiness.
- Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons): Infuses the dough with warm, comforting spice that complements the raisins.
- Raisins (¾ cup): Adds bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture throughout.
- Honey (1 tablespoon, for boiling water): Gives the bagels a glossy crust and subtle sweetness when boiled.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, for serving): The rich and creamy finishing touch, perfect for spreading.
- Optional toppings: Extra cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts to elevate texture and flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining your warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This bubbly action tells you your yeast is alive and kicking, ready to make your bagels rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Next, add the bread flour, salt, and ground cinnamon to your yeast mixture. Mix everything until a sticky dough begins to form. Then it’s time to get hands-on: knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes. This kneading develops the gluten structure responsible for that quintessential bagel chew. During the last few minutes, fold in the raisins so they’re evenly distributed without tearing the dough.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your dough ball in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour. It should double in size, signaling that your bagels will have the perfect lightness inside despite their dense exterior.
Step 4: Shape the Bagels
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball. Use your finger to poke a hole through the center of each ball and slowly stretch it to form the classic bagel ring shape. This is your moment to get creative with size and shape before letting the bagels rest and relax for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Boil and Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F while you bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in the honey to add that signature sweetness and shine to the bagels’ crust. Gently lower each bagel into the boiling water, cooking for 1 minute on each side. Boiling sets the crust’s texture before baking. Carefully place the boiled bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, optionally sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or nuts, then bake for 20 to 22 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Allow them to cool just a little before spreading on your luscious cream cheese.
How to Serve Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts on warm bagels can add a delightful crunch and enhance the cinnamon flavor. For a vibrant touch, a few fresh fruit slices or a drizzle of honey on your cream cheese spread also make an inviting addition.
Side Dishes
These bagels pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salads or a cup of spiced chai or coffee to round out your breakfast or brunch. For a heartier meal, a side of smoked salmon or crispy bacon balances the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe into a fun DIY bagel bar. Offer an array of cream cheese flavors like honey walnut, strawberry, or chive. Set out bowls of fresh berries, nuts, and even a little jam for guests to customize their bagels just the way they love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover bagels, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will keep them soft and fresh enough to enjoy without losing their delightful chew.
Freezing
For longer storage, place cooled bagels in a freezer-safe zip bag and freeze for up to three months. Freezing helps retain the texture and flavor, so you can enjoy fresh-tasting bagels any time.
Reheating
To bring frozen or day-old bagels back to life, slice them in half and toast directly until golden and crispy on the outside. Alternatively, you can reheat in a warm oven wrapped in foil for 10 minutes, then add your cream cheese and enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use raisins other than regular golden or dark raisins?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite variety of raisins, like golden or sultana, or even chopped dried cranberries for a little tang. Each will add its own unique burst of sweetness to your bagels.
Is it possible to make these bagels vegan?
You can make this recipe vegan by substituting the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and ensuring your honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar for boiling. The dough itself is naturally vegan, so with a few tweaks, all your friends can enjoy!
Why do we boil the bagels before baking?
Boiling bagels creates a distinctive chewy crust and dense interior. It also helps set the shape and enhances the shiny, golden exterior that’s signature to bagels. Plus, adding honey to the water gives an extra touch of sweetness to the crust.
Can I add more cinnamon or other spices to the dough?
Definitely! If you love cinnamon, you can increase it slightly or add complementary spices like nutmeg or allspice for a more complex flavor profile. Just be careful not to overpower the dough; a little goes a long way.
What’s the best way to store and use leftover cream cheese?
Store leftover cream cheese in a sealed container in the fridge and use within a week for best taste and safety. You can spread it on toast, mix into dips, or even incorporate it into desserts like cheesecake or frosting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own bagels at home, especially when they’re bursting with warm cinnamon and sweet raisins. This Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe brings comfort, deliciousness, and a bit of weekend magic to your kitchen. Once you bake them yourself, you’ll never look at store-bought bagels the same way again. So roll up your sleeves, invite your loved ones, and dig into this cozy, chewy delight that tastes just like a hug in bagel form.
Print
Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels served warm with creamy cream cheese. This recipe combines a soft and chewy bagel texture infused with fragrant cinnamon and sweet raisins, perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups bread flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup raisins
Boiling Water Additive
- 1 tablespoon honey
For Serving
- 8 oz cream cheese
- Optional toppings: extra cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add bread flour, salt, and ground cinnamon to the yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Add Raisins: Incorporate the raisins by kneading them into the dough during the last few minutes to ensure even distribution.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Bagels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center and gently stretch it to form a classic bagel shape. Cover and rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Boil Bagels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add honey to the water. Boil each bagel for 1 minute on each side; this step helps give the bagels their chewy crust.
- Bake Bagels: Remove the boiled bagels with a slotted spoon and place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or nuts. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bagels to cool slightly on a wire rack and serve warm with cream cheese for the perfect treat.
Notes
- Bagels can be made ahead and frozen after baking for convenient future enjoyment.
- For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the bagels before baking.
- Whipped cream cheese works great for easy spreading.
