Cinnamon bagels are a popular variety of bagel that is often enjoyed for breakfast or a snack. As the name suggests, these bagels are flavored with cinnamon and have a distinctive spicy-sweet taste. But what exactly goes into making a cinnamon bagel? Here is a comprehensive look at the key ingredients that provide cinnamon bagels with their signature flavor, texture, aroma, and appearance.
Main ingredients
Cinnamon bagels contain most of the same basic ingredients as plain bagels, with the addition of cinnamon and often sugar or other sweeteners. The main ingredients in a cinnamon bagel include:
Flour
The flour provides structure and texture. Most cinnamon bagels are made with a combination of bread flour and whole wheat flour. Bread flour gives the bagel an elastic texture that allows it to be rolled and boiled without falling apart. Whole wheat flour adds fiber, nutrients, and nutty flavor.
Yeast
Yeast causes the bagel dough to rise. Active dry yeast or instant yeast are commonly used. As the yeast ferments, it produces carbon dioxide gas that inflates bubbles in the dough. This gives cinnamon bagels their characteristic chewy, holey interior texture.
Salt
Salt controls the rate of yeast fermentation and also provides flavor enhancement. Too much salt can prevent the dough from rising properly. The typical amount of salt in a cinnamon bagel recipe is 1-2 teaspoons per 4 cups of flour.
Water
The right amount of water hydrates the flour to form a pliable, kneadable dough. Water activates the yeast and supports gluten development. Cinnamon bagel dough should be moist but not wet. Around 1.5 cups of water per 4 cups of flour is typical.
Cinnamon
Ground cinnamon is essential for providing that sweet spicy taste. Between 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon per 4 cups of flour is standard. Some recipes also include a cinnamon sugar topping for an extra flavor boost.
Sugar or sweetener
A small amount of sugar is usually added, either in the dough itself or just as a topping. Granulated white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or other natural sweeteners complement the cinnamon flavor. Too much sugar can negatively impact yeast fermentation.
Fat
A small amount of fat, usually vegetable oil, contributes softness and aids gluten development. Fat also helps cinnamon bagels brown during baking. Around 1-2 tablespoons of oil per batch is typical.
Optional ingredients
In addition to the primary ingredients above, some cinnamon bagel recipes include optional mix-ins for extra flavor and texture:
Raisins or dried fruit
Raisins are a popular addition, providing bursts of sweetness that pair nicely with cinnamon. Other dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, apricots, or blueberries can also be added.
Spices
Extra spices like nutmeg, cloves, ginger, or allspice can enhance the warming cinnamon flavor.
Nuts or seeds
Chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds create delightful crunch and texture contrast.
Vanilla
A touch of vanilla extract boosts the sweet aromas.
Cream cheese
Some recipes swirl cream cheese into the dough itself for extra richness and tang. More often, cream cheese is used as a topping.
The bagel making process
While the ingredients are simple enough, properly making a cinnamon bagel takes some care and technique:
Mixing and kneading
The dry ingredients (flour, yeast, salt, cinnamon, sugar) are combined, then the wet ingredients (water, oil, eggs, vanilla, etc.) are gradually incorporated to form a shaggy dough. This dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic, either by hand, mixer, or bread machine. Kneading develops gluten for structure.
First rise
The dough is placed in a lightly oiled bowl, covered, and set aside to ferment and rise for 1-2 hours. The yeast causes it to become airy and puffy. Proper fermentation develops flavor.
Shaping
The risen dough is punched down and divided into portions. These are hand-rolled and shaped into rings. The ring shape gives bagels their characteristic look.
| Bagel Type | Dough Portion Weight |
|---|---|
| Small | 1.5 ounces |
| Medium | 2.5 ounces |
| Large | 4 ounces |
Proofing
After shaping, bagels are set aside or refrigerated for a second short rise, called proofing. This helps seal the surface and expand air pockets.
Boiling
One key step that gives bagels their unique chewy texture is briefly boiling them before baking. They are boiled for 30-60 seconds per side in lightly sweetened water.
Baking
Finally, the boiled bagels are drained, topped with cinnamon sugar or other toppings, and baked at 375-425°F until deeply golden brown. Baking sets their structure and brings out the lovely cinnamon aroma.
Storage
Freshly baked cinnamon bagels are best consumed within a day or two. For longer shelf life, commercially made bagels often contain preservatives.
To store leftovers:
Countertop
Cinnamon bagels will last 24 hours wrapped at room temperature. Best when consumed fresh the same day.
Refrigerator
Store in a sealed bag or container for 2-3 days. Refresh in the oven or toaster before eating.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight package. Thaw at room temperature and gently reheat to freshen.
Nutrition information
Cinnamon bagels provide nutrition from their wheat flour base and added ingredients:
| Nutrient | Amount Per 1 Medium Bagel |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Carbs | 46g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Key nutrients and health benefits:
Complex carbs
Bagels provide a substantial dose of energizing complex carbohydrates from whole wheat flour. This gives you fuel to start the day.
Fiber
The whole wheat flour also contributes filling fiber, supporting digestion and heart health.
Protein
You’ll get a moderate hit of satiating protein from the wheat. This makes a cinnamon bagel a wholesome light meal.
Iron
There’s iron in wheat flour that aids blood cell function. Other minerals like selenium and magnesium are present too.
B vitamins
Essential B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin are found in whole wheat bagels, helping convert food into energy.
Uses
There are endless ways to enjoy cinnamon bagels:
Breakfast
Cinnamon bagels are ideal for breakfast. Eat toasted with cream cheese or butter. Pair with eggs, bacon, or breakfast meats.
Sandwiches
Make a savory bagel sandwich with veggies, cheese, meat, hummus or avocado spread. The cinnamon hint adds warmth.
Dessert
For a sweet treat, toast a bagel and top with cinnamon butter, apple slices, brown sugar and walnuts.
Snack
Plain or toasted with peanut butter makes a filling after-school or work snack.
Stuffing and Casserole
Stale cinnamon bagels can be used as bread stuffing or croutons for dishes like Thanksgiving stuffing.
Bagel Chips
Cut day-old bagels into slices and bake with oil into crispy cinnamon chips for dips and snacking.
Where to find cinnamon bagels
Check these sources for fresh, delicious cinnamon bagels:
Bakeries
Local independent bakeries are a great place to find hot, homemade cinnamon bagels.
Coffee Shops
Many cafes and coffee shops sell freshly baked bagels, sometimes with in-house made cream cheese spreads.
Grocery Stores
Major grocery store chains often have their own bakeries selling pre-packaged cinnamon bagels. Look near the bread aisle.
Specialty Markets
Bagel shops, Jewish delis, and breakfast markets frequently offer specialty flavored bagels.
Online Ordering
For convenience, order cinnamon bagels online from services like Goldbelly to be shipped frozen right to your door.
Making them at home
For maximum freshness and control over ingredients, baking cinnamon bagels at home is rewarding:
Tips
– Use bread flour for chewy texture
– Boil briefly before baking
– Add any preferred mix-ins
– Form dough into rings with holes
Equipment
– Stand mixer or kneading by hand
– Parchment paper
– Large pot for boiling
– Baking sheet
Follow a trusted recipe and enjoy the delightful process of making cinnamon bagels from scratch. Homemade is best!
Conclusion
With their warm cinnamon aroma and luscious chewy texture, cinnamon bagels make an indulgent yet wholesome breakfast treat. A balance of ingredients like wheat flour, yeast, salt, oil, cinnamon, and sugar come together to create that distinctive spicy-sweet flavor and mouthfeel. Enjoy cinnamon bagels fresh as a sandwich or snack, or get creative and use them as croutons or chips. With a homemade batch, you can craft the ultimate cinnamon bagel tailored to your taste.