Delicious Easy Cinnamon Sugar Bagels To Brighten Your Morning

There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about Cinnamon Sugar Bagels, isn’t there? I still remember the first time I made them—my kitchen smelled like a cozy bakery with all that warm cinnamon and sweet sugar crust filling the air. Those sweet bagels quickly became a weekend favorite in my busy family’s rotation. But getting that perfect balance of cinnamon topping without the glaze turning into a soggy mess was a bit of an “aha” moment for me. If you’ve ever struggled with bagels that lose their sugar crunch during baking, you’re not alone. For me, the trick was in the right timing and technique of baking bagels with the cinnamon sugar mix—not too heavy, just enough to get that sweet crunch without overwhelming the dough.

I first stumbled upon a Cinnamon Sugar Bagels recipe nearly a decade ago, inspired by a little local café known for their pretzel-style bagels with a sugar crust. I tweaked the recipe over time to fit my family’s taste buds and my kitchen’s temperament, always aiming to create bagels that feel like a warm, loving hug first thing in the morning. These bagels are now a staple on our breakfast table, especially on chilly weekends when we want a simple yet special start to the day. I appreciate how baking bagels like these makes the whole house smell inviting while also delivering a treat that everyone—from my youngsters to my husband—can enjoy.

One of the best parts about Cinnamon Sugar Bagels is how they fit neatly into my philosophy of cooking: approachable, joyful, nourishing, and something you want to share over coffee or brunch. Plus, making bagels at home turns out to be more straightforward than you might expect, especially when you have some kitchen tricks up your sleeve. If you’ve ever wondered about the secrets behind that irresistible sugar crust or how to master cinnamon toppings on soft bagels, you’re in for a treat. Grab your apron, and let’s roll up our sleeves—because this Cinnamon Sugar Bagels recipe is going to fill your kitchen with warmth and your family’s bellies with happiness. And by the way, if you like these, you should definitely check out my Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts for another sweet spin on cinnamon sugar treats.

Here’s the inside scoop on the ingredients that make these Cinnamon Sugar Bagels irresistibly good. I always use bread flour for my Cinnamon Sugar Bagels because it gives the perfect chewiness that you want from a bagel recipe. All-purpose flour can work too, but the texture just isn’t quite the same. For that cinnamony sparkle, I rely on good-quality ground cinnamon—not the pre-mixed stuff—to get that warm, authentic flavor in the cinnamon topping. And, of course, pure granulated sugar adds the perfect sugar crust that sweetens these bagels just right.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Bagels:

• 4 cups bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar, plus more for the sugar crust
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon – fresh and aromatic powder recommended for best cinnamon topping
• 1 egg white, beaten (for brushing)

When making Cinnamon Sugar Bagels, you can find bread flour and yeast at most grocery stores or specialty baking shops. Buying spices like cinnamon in bulk and storing them properly will save you money and keep your sugar crust fresh. Here’s a Cinnamon Sugar Bagels trick I learned: toast your cinnamon lightly in a dry skillet for a minute before mixing it with sugar to intensify the flavor of your cinnamon topping.

If you’re tight on time, you can prepare your dry ingredients ahead and keep the yeast in the fridge until use. Also, to keep costs low, consider buying organic sugar and cinnamon during sales; these staples last a long time and make a noticeable difference in your sweet bagels. Leftover bread flour and sugar store beautifully in airtight containers, so you’re always ready to whip up a batch of these bagels on a whim.

By the way, if you want to immerse yourself in more cinnamon-sugar-loving recipes, there’s a wonderful Cinnamon Sugar Bagel recipe shared by i am baker that really inspired my approach. It’s always nice to compare notes with fellow bakers!

Alright, let’s jump in! Making Cinnamon Sugar Bagels might sound fancy, but I promise it’s totally doable—even if you’re juggling kids or working from home like me.

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast with 1 tbsp of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-7 minutes until it starts to foam. This is the magical sign your yeast is alive and ready for baking bagels!

2. Make the dough: Stir in the remaining sugar, salt, and about 3 ½ cups of the flour. Mix until it starts to come together into a sticky dough. If you’re using a mixer with a dough hook, this is the time to engage it; otherwise, get your hands dirty—it’s therapeutic!

3. Knead the dough: Sprinkle more flour on your countertop and knead for about 10 minutes until your dough is springy and smooth. Don’t worry if it feels a bit sticky at first; that’s normal for bagels. I learned the hard way with Cinnamon Sugar Bagels that over-flouring can make them dry, so keep a light touch.

4. First rise: Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about an hour until it doubles in size. This part usually takes place while I’m prepping coffee or catching up on the morning news.

5. Shape the bagels: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger and stretch it gently to form the classic bagel shape. Remember, imperfections are part of the charm!

6. Boil the bagels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Drop 2-3 bagels at a time into the water and boil for about 1 minute per side. This step gives you that signature chewy texture. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and drain well.

7. Add the cinnamon topping: While the bagels are still damp, brush them lightly with beaten egg white, then sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture over the tops to create that sweet sugar crust. This is the moment the aroma of cinnamon sugar fills the kitchen, and I find myself wishing the whole block would pop by for breakfast!

8. Bake: Place the coated bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and fragrant. Your Cinnamon Sugar Bagels should smell like a cozy Sunday morning is just beginning.

One family-tested shortcut I have with baking bagels is to prep the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge. It saves time and even deepens the flavor of the sweet bagels. Also, don’t be shy about spooning on a bit more cinnamon sugar right before baking if you want a thicker sugar crust.

If you want to dive deeper into the art of baking bagels with different toppings and techniques, Cooking With Karli’s take on Cinnamon Sugar Bagels is a great read. Between that and my method, you’ll have a few tricks up your sleeve!

There’s something so simple and delightful about serving up these Cinnamon Sugar Bagels fresh and warm. My family loves this Cinnamon Sugar Bagels when I slice them open and spread a generous layer of cream cheese, maybe a drizzle of honey, or even a bit of butter melting into that irresistible sugar crust.

On weekends, I like to pair these sweet bagels with fresh fruit—sliced apples or a bowl of berries—to balance the sugary warmth. Sometimes, I whip up their cousins: Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels to serve alongside for a fun variation, especially when guests drop by for brunch.

The Cinnamon Sugar Bagels are perfect for casual get-togethers or to brighten up a lazy Saturday morning. If you have extra Cinnamon Sugar Bagels lying around, they make incredible French toast or toasted bagel sandwiches the next day. Reheating them lightly in the oven revives that sweet cinnamon topping and soft texture just as well as fresh.

I’ve also experimented with seasonal twists—my favorite being adding a pinch of nutmeg into the cinnamon topping around the holidays. Friends always ask for this Cinnamon Sugar Bagels recipe; it’s like a little magic trick that turns an ordinary bagel into a sweet celebration.

For a pretty presentation, sprinkle a tiny bit more sugar crust right before serving to give an extra sparkle. A cup of strong coffee or spiced chai and this Cinnamon Sugar Bagels really shine.

If you want some more ideas for cinnamon sugar treats to serve alongside, you might enjoy my Cinnamon Sugar Blondies, which round out a sweet spread beautifully.

I get a ton of questions from readers and friends about Cinnamon Sugar Bagels, so here’s a little Q&A from my kitchen to yours!

If you want more inspiration about cinnamon topping techniques or troubleshooting during baking bagels like this, check out this helpful Facebook discussion from the Sourdough Geeks group. It’s full of great tips from passionate bakers.

This Cinnamon Sugar Bagels recipe holds a special place in my heart because it blends family tradition, the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon, and the joy of baking fresh from scratch. Watching my kids’ faces light up when the sweet bagels come out of the oven is priceless, and sharing them with friends always brings smiles. After years of tweaking, I’ve nailed what I call My Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Pro Tips:

Over the years, my family and I have tried a few favorite variations: cinnamon sugar bagels with a cream cheese swirl inside, a pumpkin spice cinnamon sugar bagel version during fall, and even a version with crushed pecans in the sugar crust. Little Mia loves the classic cinnamon topping, while my husband enjoys the crunchy sugar crust with a pinch of sea salt.

I encourage you to make this Cinnamon Sugar Bagels recipe your own—stay flexible, experiment with your favorite cinnamon toppings, and savor the process. I hope your kitchen fills with the same warmth and excitement as mine does every time I’m baking bagels. For more cinnamon sugar flavor fun, don’t miss my Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts or the delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels. And when you’re in the mood for something sweet but different, give my Cinnamon Sugar Blondies a try!

Happy baking, friend! Remember, Cinnamon Sugar Bagels aren’t just a recipe—they’re little rounds of joy you get to share. Let me know how your baking adventure goes!

If you’re curious about other Cinnamon Sugar Bagels styles and tweaks, these external inspirations might spark your creativity: the detailed Cinnamon Sugar Bagel method at i am baker, an insightful cinnamon topping discussion on Facebook, and a lovely Cinnamon Sugar Bagel spin from Cooking With Karli. Each brings something wonderful to the beloved art of baking bagels.

There’s no better time than now to get those hands floury and your kitchen smelling like cinnamon sugar dreams!