Delightful Cinnamon Sugar Bagel Recipe for a Cozy Breakfast

Oh, fellow comfort seekers, let me tell you about the magic of the Cinnamon Sugar Bagel in my kitchen chaos! The first time I made this sweet miracle felt like a tiny victory in my ongoing battle to keep everyone happy and fed. My kids were trudging home from school, tired and hungry, and I needed something quick, soothing, and delightfully sweet. A Cinnamon Sugar Bagel popped into my mind — a cozy treat with a crispy bagel crust and a sweet cinnamon sugar topping that would make the kitchen smell like a warm hug.

I still remember their surprised smiles when I served them these homemade bagels, the fluffy bagel interior wrapped in that cinnamon sugar hug. The softness inside combined with the crispy outside gave such a comforting texture that even my picky eater asked for seconds! It’s funny how such a simple sweet bagel recipe became our quiet celebration in the middle of a hectic week.

This Cinnamon Sugar Bagel became more than just breakfast; it was a pause button for our family — a little moment of comfort amidst the busy school drop-offs, work-from-home multitasking, and endless snack cravings. Over time, I learned the tricks to perfect the crispy bagel crust and keep the fluffy bagel interior tender, making it a reliable comfort food win that feels like a warm friend on a cold day.

If you’re a busy mom juggling life’s beautiful chaos, stuck wondering how to feed your family well without stress, this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel recipe is my invitation to you. It’s simplicity and comfort wrapped in every bite, bringing a little calm to your busy table. For more sweet comfort ideas, you might enjoy this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel recipe from Cooking With Karli that inspired some of my favorite twists.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Bagel including flour, cinnamon, sugar, butter

Here’s the simple but cozy ingredient list for your Cinnamon Sugar Bagel — perfect for busy moms wanting comfort without complexity:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (No worries if you don’t have all-purpose; bread flour works beautifully for that crispy bagel crust!)
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast (easy to find at any grocery store, keeps things moving fast)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (just enough to feed the yeast and balance the cinnamon sugar topping)
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (feels soothing to work with in cold months)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (flavor foundation)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for the cinnamon sugar topping)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (the star of your sweet bagel recipe)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (my family loves this cozy twist)

Tip: If you’re shopping on a tight budget, these pantry basics prove delicious doesn’t mean expensive! Plus, these ingredients pack well for last-minute bagel baking sessions. You can find everything at your regular grocery store, which makes this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel feel like a comforting friend that’s never far away.

A quick comfort swap: for extra softness in the fluffy bagel interior, I sometimes add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt. It’s subtle but makes that crumb tender enough for little mouths to enjoy without fuss.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to turn your kitchen into a comfort haven with this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel? Let’s cook together!

  1. Activate the yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a big bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Your kitchen will start smelling like promise.
  2. Mix the dough: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for about 8 minutes, adding flour if needed. Don’t worry if your Cinnamon Sugar Bagel dough feels sticky at first—that means it will have a soft, fluffy bagel interior after baking!
  3. First rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled. Perfect time to prep school lunches or sip that much-needed coffee.
  4. Divide and shape: Punch down dough, divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then poke your thumb through the center to form rings. This step makes the signature bagel shape and helps with the crispy bagel crust.
  5. Second rise: Place shaped bagels on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover, and let rise another 20 minutes.
  6. Boil for texture: This is where my Cinnamon Sugar Bagel journey got tricky. Boil bagels in water for about 1 minute on each side. This step creates that irresistible chewy, crispy bagel crust.
  7. Add cinnamon sugar topping: Brush each boiled bagel with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mix. This sweet bagel recipe trick locks in that comforting cinnamon sugar topping that your family will love.
  8. Bake to perfection: Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now—a sweet signal that your Cinnamon Sugar Bagel is ready.
  9. Cool and enjoy: Let them cool slightly before serving. I promise, the wait is worth it!

Family-tested shortcut: I sometimes skip boiling when time’s tight, and while that changes the crispiness a tad, my kids still gobble them right up. Every kitchen warrior needs a comfort hack like this during busy evenings!

While your Cinnamon Sugar Bagel is baking, it’s a perfect time to plan tomorrow’s lunch or sneak in a moment of peace. Making these homemade bagels fills the house with warmth and that cozy feeling we chase every day.

If you want to see how others love their crispy outside, fluffy inside bagels, this recipe sharing group has some great tips on balancing that crispy bagel crust with a tender crumb.

How We Love to Eat This!

Freshly baked Cinnamon Sugar Bagel served with tea

Our family’s go-to way: sprinkle some cinnamon sugar topping on a warm bagel fresh from the oven and enjoy it with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea. My kids dash to the table, eyes wide with excitement, grabbing their Cinnamon Sugar Bagel before I can even set mine down!

Kids love pairing their bagels with fruit like sliced apples or berries. The sweetness of the fruit balances the cinnamon sugar perfectly, making this sweet bagel recipe versatile and great for breakfast or after school.

This Cinnamon Sugar Bagel is my secret for those busy mornings or lazy weekend brunches. We even serve it during holiday breakfasts — it’s like a small celebration each time! Bonus: leftover bagels toast really well, making quick snacks for growing kids.

Presentation tip for fellow moms: cut your Cinnamon Sugar Bagel into halves or quarters to make it easier for little hands to manage, and add a little dollop of cream cheese for extra creaminess. Sometimes I’ll add a drizzle of honey, which makes little bellies so happy.

Guest favorites? One time, a friend raved about my Cinnamon Sugar Bagel and asked for the recipe. If your kids love this hearty, comforting breakfast, they might also enjoy other cozy recipes like this Cinnamon Sugar Blondies we love for sweet treats!

For a seasonal twist, we tried topping the bagels with sugared cranberries—an easy way to impress during holiday brunches. You can check out the Sugared Cranberries recipe for a festive upgrade your family will adore.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Is this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely. The combination of chewy bagel dough with that sweet cinnamon sugar topping provides lasting energy. My kids often ask for seconds on busy school days, and I love knowing they’re fueled well!

What if my picky eater won’t try this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel?
Try pairing it with a favorite spread like cream cheese or peanut butter. Sometimes the cinnamon sugar topping needs to be subtle at first. My little one warmed up after I made smaller bagel bites sprinkled lightly with cinnamon sugar. Patience wins.

Can I meal prep this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! Bake in advance and freeze them. Toast from frozen when needed. This saves so much time on busy mornings. It’s a great comfort hack for moms facing the chaotic school season.

Can I skip the boiling step?
You can. It changes the texture, giving less crispy bagel crust, but sometimes that’s okay when time is tight. Your family might still love this version—mine do!

What’s the best flour to use for that fluffy bagel interior?
I stick to all-purpose for ease, but bread flour lends even better chewiness and fluffiness inside. Check out this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel recipe for a great flour discussion.

How do I keep the cinnamon sugar topping from falling off?
Brushing the bagels with melted butter before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar keeps everything stuck nicely. My kids love licking the excess sweetness from their fingers—so no worries there!

Can I make savory versions too?
Definitely, but this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel shines as a sweet treat. You might want to try swapping cinnamon sugar for sesame seeds or everything seasoning for variety. For a cozy breakfast twist, try pairing this with my Cinnamon Roll Protein Crepes to round out a comforting meal.

Final Thoughts:

This Cinnamon Sugar Bagel feels like a warm blanket on a hectic day. It supports my family’s comfort food goals with its crispy bagel crust and soft, fluffy bagel interior that my kids adore. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few comfort hacks to make this recipe a consistent dinnertime win: always boil for that perfect crust, brush with butter for topping stickiness, and add a touch of vanilla to deepen the flavor.

We’ve tested different versions: classic cinnamon sugar topping for my kids, a sprinkle of nutmeg for a grown-up twist, and even mini bagels for snack-size comfort. Little Mia loves the small ones; hubby prefers the classic round ones loaded with cinnamon sugar topping.

I encourage you to make this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel your own. Mix the topping, change sizes, experiment with additions. What’s important is that this simple sweet bagel recipe brings a little calm to your cozy chaos. I’m rooting for your family’s mealtime success and peace—one Cinnamon Sugar Bagel at a time. If you want more cozy recipes, don’t forget to peek at my take on Cinnamon Sugar Blondies, for when you want something sweet besides a bagel.

Remember, fellow comfort seekers, these easy homemade bagels aren’t just food—they’re moments of calm in the beautiful hustle. You’ve got this!

Print

Cinnamon Sugar Bagel

Enjoy a warm, sweet Cinnamon Sugar Bagel with a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar, ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

  • Author: Beatriz
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 plain bagel
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the bagel in half horizontally.
  3. Brush the cut sides of the bagel with melted butter evenly.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together.
  5. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered sides of the bagel halves.
  6. Place the bagel halves on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until the sugar is caramelized and the bagel is warm.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For an extra indulgent treat, spread cream cheese on the bagel before adding the cinnamon sugar topping or try serving with a drizzle of honey.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!