I still remember the first time I made Cinnamon Sugar Bagels for my family. It was one of those rushed Sunday mornings where I wanted to surprise everyone with something warm, comforting, and a little sweet. I had been scrolling through Facebook (yes, in those rare quiet moments!) when I came across a recipe that promised a simple, homemade twist on cinnamon sugar bagels. Intrigued, I saved it and decided to give it a try that afternoon. I was honestly nervous—bagels sounded fancy and intimidating with all that boiling and baking. But those Cinnamon Sugar Bagels turned out golden, soft inside, with just the right crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. My kids ran to the kitchen smelling the sweet spice in the air, and their cheers for seconds made my day. These cinnamon sugar bagels became an instant comfort food win for our family, a little moment of cozy sweetness amidst the chaos.
Since that first batch, my journey with cinnamon sugar bagels has been full of learning and delicious discoveries. Each time I make this cinnamon sugar bagel recipe, I tweak it slightly to suit our tastes and time constraints. The simple act of baking cinnamon bagels warms the house and brings a soothing rhythm to busy mornings. I’ve even swapped ingredients to include what I usually have on hand, turning what could be a complicated project into an easy bagel dough process any mom can follow. If you’re reading this and looking for a way to bring more comfort to your family table without overwhelm, I promise this cinnamon sugar bagels idea will feel like a real win. The best part? It’s not complicated, and the sweet bagel toppings feel like a small celebration for everyone involved.
If you love a cozy kitchen moment with your little ones or need a simple, reliable recipe for a breakfast or snack that your family will love, keep reading. This homemade cinnamon sugar bagels recipe could become one of your go-to comfort foods, too. (And if you want to peek at my first inspiration, I found the original inspiration here at this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel – i am baker post.) It’s a perfect blend of familiar sweetness and manageable prep for busy family life.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s the simple ingredient list for the Cinnamon Sugar Bagels, designed with busy moms in mind. Trust me, this cinnamon sugar bagels ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can swap half for whole wheat for extra fiber and comfort)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast (makes your easy bagel dough rise perfectly)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (body temperature keeps things cozy for the yeast)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (helps the yeast do its magic)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (balances the sweet bagel toppings)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (adds softness and a buttery flavor)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
No worries if you don’t have active dry yeast—instant yeast works like a charm and cuts down wait time a bit. If you’re short on butter, a neutral oil works okay too, but I find butter adds the comfort factor my family loves. You’ll find all of these easy-to-get ingredients at your regular grocery store, making this cinnamon sugar bagels recipe budget-friendly and approachable.
A smart shopping hack? Buy your cinnamon in bulk or grab those small spice jars from the baking aisle—they last forever, and cinnamon really amps up the cozy vibe of your cinnamon sugar bagels. Also, blending your own cinnamon sugar topping right before baking keeps your bagels fresh and delicious.
If you want to see a fun variation on sweet bagel toppings, give this Sugared Cranberries recipe a look—it pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and adds a burst of tart sweetness to your bagel experience.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to bake these comforting cinnamon sugar bagels? Let’s walk through this friendly, step-by-step process together. You’ll see how easy bagel dough can be, and you’ll have enough time to breathe and get other little meals ready while they rise.
- Activate the yeast. Pour the warm water into a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast and sugar over it. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This means your dough will rise happily.
- Mix the dough. To that bubbly yeast water, add the melted butter, salt, and about 3 cups of the flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. Then, turn it onto a floured surface and knead, gradually adding flour as needed up to 3 1/2 cups, until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Let it rise. Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for around 1 hour. It should double in size. Pro tip: Use this time to prep school lunches or unload dinner dishes. Multi-task like a pro!
- Shape your bagels. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal parts. Roll each into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and stretch gently to form your bagels.
- Prepare the baking bath and cinnamon sugar topping. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a gentle boil—this step is key for that lovely chewy bagel texture. Meanwhile, mix 1 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Boil the bagels. Drop each bagel into the boiling water for 1 minute per side. Then, with a slotted spoon, remove and dip them immediately into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating each side.
- Bake to golden perfection. Set the cinnamon sugar-coated bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell beautifully warm and spicy.
My first times making cinnamon sugar bagels, I worried about the boiling step, but it’s easier than it seems. Don’t stress if some bagels look a little uneven—they’ll still taste amazing and bring that homemade comfort everyone loves. After baking, cool slightly (or not!) and serve.
If you want visuals or more precise directions, I find this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Recipe | Tikkido.com resource super helpful. Plus, I sometimes peek at What is a tried and true recipe for a cinnamon sugar topping? on Facebook when I want to switch up my cinnamon sugar blend.
How We Love to Eat This!

These cinnamon sugar bagels are a hit in my house — especially when served fresh and warm. The kids love to tear them apart with a smear of cream cheese or even plain, enjoying the sweet bagel topping crunch.
On busy mornings, I pair these bagels with simple sides like sliced apples or a cup of warm milk for a balanced school breakfast. The sweet cinnamon sugar topping makes these bagels feel like a treat, so they’re perfect for weekends or after-school snacks.
Presentation-wise, I sometimes sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top right before baking for that extra sparkle effect. It’s a simple comfort hack that my little ones notice and appreciate. For a fun twist, I’ve tried adding a dollop of peanut butter or drizzling honey for grown-up taste buds.
If you have leftover cinnamon sugar bagels (and I bet you will!), slice and freeze them. Toast slices in the morning, and you have a quick treat ready—a busy mom’s sanity saver!
We also like to bring these bagels to brunch with friends. Their surprise at the homemade sweetness creates lovely moments and lots of recipe sharing. For another family-friendly companion, try cinnamon sugar blondies from our kitchen here at MommiesMore. They’re a cozy sibling to the bagels.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is this cinnamon sugar bagels really filling enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely! The chewy texture and balanced sweetness satisfy hunger well. Pairing the bagels with a protein like cream cheese or nut butter rounds it out nicely.
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this cinnamon sugar bagels?
A: I hear you. Sometimes, my kids took a few tries before loving the cinnamon sugar topping. Try offering it with cream cheese or a fruit spread to introduce new flavors gently.
Q: Can I meal prep this cinnamon sugar bagels for busy weeks ahead?
A: Definitely. These bagels freeze well. Bake, cool completely, then store in freezer bags. Toast when ready. It’s a fantastic timesaver.
Q: Can I make cinnamon sugar bagels without boiling?
A: Boiling gives the bagel that classic chew. If you skip it, the texture changes, but they’ll still taste great baked. If time’s tight, experiment and find your family’s comfort zone.
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour for the cinnamon sugar bagels?
A: I’ve tried some gluten-free blends with moderate success. The texture is softer but still delicious. Just check the blend’s instructions for yeast doughs.
Q: How do I store leftover cinnamon sugar bagels?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer, freeze them as slices or whole.
Q: Is there a way to add more cinnamon flavor to the bagels?
A: Yes! Mixing a little cinnamon into the dough adds warmth inside, complementing the sugar topping. It’s a small addition that makes a big comfort difference.
If you’re curious about more family-friendly sweet bagel toppings, I recommend checking out the post What is a tried and true recipe for a cinnamon sugar topping? It’s packed with ideas other moms have loved.
Final Thoughts:
This cinnamon sugar bagels recipe has been a staple in my family’s comfort food repertoire because it hits all the right notes: simple preparation, warm cinnamon spice, and that cozy homemade chewyness. Making homemade cinnamon sugar bagels from scratch has brought me small dinnertime wins that count even after the busiest days.
My Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Comfort Hacks:
– Adding butter to the dough for softness and family-loved richness
– Dipping bagels immediately into cinnamon sugar after boiling to lock in flavor
– Using warm water for yeast activation to speed up dough rise
For variations, my kids like adding raisins for a fruity touch, my husband prefers a little nutmeg folded into the dough, and I enjoy experimenting with a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for crunch. Each version feels like its own comfort food win.
If you’re craving simple, soothing meals that bring your family together without kitchen stress, I encourage you to try making these cinnamon sugar bagels your own way. It’s about the cozy moments you build around the table and the delicious, uncomplicated food that feeds your family’s soul.
For more inspiration on that kind of memorable, sweet comfort, why not peek at our cinnamon sugar blondies recipe or the sugared cranberries post at MommiesMore? They’re perfect companions to your cinnamon sugar bagels adventures.
Sending you lots of warm kitchen vibes as you bring this sweet cinnamon comfort into your home. You’ve got this, fellow comfort seekers!
Cinnamon Sugar Bagels
Delight in these warm, soft Cinnamon Sugar Bagels coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 ½ cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 egg white, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface, gradually adding remaining flour until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix cinnamon and granulated sugar in a shallow bowl for coating.
- Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger and stretch to form a bagel shape.
- Dip each bagel into the beaten egg white, then coat thoroughly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Optionally brush warm bagels with melted butter before serving for extra richness.
Notes
For an extra crunch, sprinkle more cinnamon sugar on the bagels just before baking or serve with cream cheese for a delicious contrast.

