Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on a delightful breakfast adventure? Today, I have a recipe that will transport you to cozy mornings with the heavenly aroma of fresh bagels wafting through your kitchen. We're talking about homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels! These chewy, golden-brown treats are infused with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and plump raisins. So let's roll up our sleeves, preheat the oven, and dive into this recipe that will make your mornings extra special!
Ingredients:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 3 cups of bread flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ½ cup of raisins
For the Boiling Solution:
- 4 quarts of water
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Add the activated yeast mixture and mix until a dough starts to form. Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Incorporate the raisins during the last minute of kneading, making sure they are evenly distributed. This step helps develop the gluten in the dough, giving the bagels their signature chewiness.
Step 4: Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized portions. Roll each portion into a ball and, using your thumb, create a hole in the center. Gently stretch the hole to about 1 ½ inches in diameter, shaping the dough into a bagel shape. Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them with a clean kitchen towel. Let them rise for about 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Boil the Bagels
While the bagels are rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in the granulated sugar and baking soda. Carefully drop the risen bagels, one or two at a time, into the boiling water. Boil them for about 1-2 minutes per side, then remove them using a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet.
Step 6: Add the Topping and Bake
Brush each boiled bagel with a beaten egg, then sprinkle them generously with a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels turn golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Once the bagels are out of the oven, transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Allow them to cool completely or enjoy them slightly warm. Slice, toast, and savor the enticing aroma and flavors
of your homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels. Spread them with cream cheese or enjoy them as is—they're bound to make your breakfasts a whole lot sweeter!
Congratulations on creating your very own batch of homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels! These delightful treats offer a tantalizing blend of warm cinnamon, plump raisins, and chewy goodness. With each bite, you'll be transported to a cozy corner, relishing the comforting flavors and homemade charm. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these irresistible bagels. Enjoy the process, enjoy the aroma, and most importantly, enjoy the incredible taste of homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bagels!