Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
Cinnamon raisin bagels are a delightful twist on the classic plain bagels (how long do bagels last?), offering a delicious combination of warm cinnamon and juicy raisins. Making homemade cinnamon raisin bagels requires just a few simple ingredients and some patience. The process involves mixing and kneading the dough, shaping it into bagels, boiling them in water, and finally, baking them to golden-brown perfection. Baking sheets lined with parchment paper are essential tools for this endeavor, ensuring that your bagels do not stick while baking.
To create the perfect cinnamon raisin bagel dough, warm water is combined with dry yeast to activate it. Once activated, sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and bread flour are added to the yeast mixture to form a smooth and elastic dough. A dough hook attachment on a stand mixer can be a helpful tool, but kneading by hand also works. During the kneading process, raisins are incorporated into the dough, providing delightful bursts of sweetness in each bite. The dough is then left to rise, typically covered with plastic wrap, until it has doubled in size.
After the rising period, the dough is divided into portions using a kitchen scale for consistent sizing. Each piece of dough is then shaped into a smooth ball before being formed into the distinctive bagel shape with a center hole. The bagels are briefly boiled in a pot of water with added sugar or malt syrup, a crucial step that gives the bagel its unique chewy outer crust. Finally, the bagels are placed on prepared baking sheets and baked until they've reached a beautiful golden brown color. Enjoy these delightful treats warm with a smear of cream cheese (how long does cream cheese last?) or preserve their freshness by storing extra bagels in the freezer for that perfect morning pick-me-up
The Basics of Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
Cinnamon raisin bagels are a delightful treat that's perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. These homemade bagels combine the sweet flavors of cinnamon and juicy raisins with the familiar chewy texture of a traditional bagel.
Essential Ingredients
For a classic cinnamon raisin bagel recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Yeast: Active dry yeast or instant yeast works well for these bagels.
Flour: Regular bread flour provides the best texture for homemade bagels.
Water: Warm water (110°F - 115°F) is essential for activating the yeast.
Sugar: Granulated sugar or brown sugar adds sweetness and helps the yeast activate.
Salt: Kosher salt adds flavor and helps strengthen the dough structure.
Raisins: Juicy, seedless raisins provide sweetness and texture. Other options like dried cranberries can be used as a substitute.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds the characteristic warm, spicy flavor.
Fundamental Techniques
To make cinnamon raisin bagels, follow these steps:
Activate the yeast: Mix yeast, warm water, and sugar in a bowl. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Prepare the dough: In the bowl with the yeast mixture, add flour, salt, raisins, and cinnamon. Use a dough hook attachment or wooden spoon to combine the ingredients.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it forms a smooth ball. Optionally, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, starting at low speed and increasing gradually until a smooth dough forms.
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape the bagels: Divide the dough into equal portions using a kitchen scale. Roll each portion into smooth dough balls, then create a center hole using your fingers or a wooden spoon.
Water bath: In a large pot of boiling water, add brown sugar or barley malt syrup. Boil the bagels for about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, using a slotted spoon to flip and remove them. Place the boiled bagels on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake the bagels: Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes or until they have a golden brown crust. Let them cool on a wire rack before enjoying them with cream cheese or any other topping of your choice.
Following these essential ingredients and fundamental techniques, you can now confidently bake delicious cinnamon raisin bagels from scratch. Homemade bagels can be stored at room temperature for a few days or frozen to extend their shelf life, making them a convenient addition to your daily diet.
Preparation and Baking Steps
In this section, we will discuss the process of making homemade cinnamon raisin bagels, including mixing and kneading the dough, shaping and boiling, and baking to perfection.
Mixing and Kneading Dough
Begin by combining warm water, dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Stir the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy. Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix cups of bread flour, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, using a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer or a wooden spoon, until a rough dough ball forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes a smooth, elastic ball. Add 1 cup of raisins during the kneading process, gently incorporating them into the dough. Once properly kneaded, coat a separate bowl with oil and place the dough ball inside, covering the bowl with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shaping and Boiling
Following the rise time, give the bagel dough a gentle punch to release any air bubbles. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a clean surface, divide the dough into equal portions, using a kitchen scale for accuracy. To shape the bagels, roll each portion of dough into a ball and flatten them slightly. Then, using your thumbs, create a hole in the center, stretching the dough as needed to create a uniform shape.
In a large pot of water, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add barley malt syrup (or brown sugar) to the boiling water, stirring until dissolved. Carefully lower the formed bagels into the water using a slotted spoon, boiling each for about 1 minute on each side, or until they float to the top. Remove the bagels from the water-bath, drain excess water, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets.
Baking to Perfection
Brush the boiled bagels with a beaten egg, creating an egg wash that will give the finished bagels a shiny, golden brown crust. Optionally, you can sprinkle the tops with additional swirls of cinnamon and raisins if desired. Bake the bagels for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until they develop a golden brown outer crust. Keep an eye on the baking process, as ovens may vary in temperature and cooking times.
Once baked, remove the cinnamon raisin bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving. These homemade bagels can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days or properly wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months. Enjoy your freshly baked cinnamon raisin bagels with a topping of your choice, such as cream cheese or butter, and indulge in their delicious taste and aroma.
Topping and Serving Ideas
Cinnamon raisin bagels are a delicious and versatile breakfast or snack option. In this section, we will explore some classic combinations and innovative twists for topping and serving these delightful treats.
Classic Combinations
Cream Cheese: The smooth, creamy texture of cream cheese complements the sweet raisins and spicy cinnamon undertones of a cinnamon raisin bagel perfectly. Simply spread a generous amount of cream cheese on a toasted cinnamon raisin bagel for a classic taste.
Butter and Honey: A combination of butter and honey adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the flavors of cinnamon and raisin in the bagel. Lightly toast the bagel, spread a thin layer of butter, and drizzle honey on top.
Peanut Butter: For a protein-packed option, spread a layer of peanut butter on a toasted cinnamon raisin bagel. The nutty flavor pairs well with the sweet and spicy notes of the bagel.
Innovative Twists
Fresh Fruit: Adding sliced bananas, strawberries, or mango slices can create a delightful contrast between the natural sweetness of the fruit and the spicy cinnamon of the bagel. Pair your choice of sliced fruit with cream cheese or yogurt for a satisfying and nutritious breakfast.
Hummus and Vegetables: For a more savory option, spread hummus on a toasted cinnamon raisin bagel and top it with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, creating a delicacy packed with flavor and nutrients.
Chocolate-hazelnut spread: For a sweet and indulgent treat, spread chocolate-hazelnut spread onto a warm cinnamon raisin bagel, and garnish with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cocoa powder, adding depth and a hint of luxury.
No matter the toppings and serving options you decide to use, remember that the quality of your homemade cinnamon raisin bagels is essential. Utilize your carefully gathered ingredients, such as high-quality cups of bread flour and seedless raisins, and appropriate equipment like baking sheets lined with parchment paper, to ensure your bagels reach the desired golden-brown crust and a delightful texture. Enjoy your cinnamon raisin bagels with your desired combinations and don't hesitate to explore new flavors!
Storage and Freshness
Properly storing your homemade cinnamon raisin bagels is essential to maintain their freshness and quality. To keep them fresh, follow these simple steps:
Allow the baked bagels to cool on the baking sheet with parchment paper. It is essential to let them cool to room temperature so that the outer crust becomes crispy and golden brown, and to prevent condensation.
Airtight containers are useful for storing bagels. Place the cooled bagels inside an airtight container or a plastic zip-top bag, then store them at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating your bagels, as this can cause them to become stale quickly.
Alternatively, use a breadbox to keep your bagels fresh. A breadbox can maintain the right amount of humidity needed for optimal freshness, preventing the bagels from drying out or becoming too moist.
When storing bagels for longer periods, the freezer is the best option. Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring they are completely sealed. Place the wrapped bagels in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag and store them in the freezer. Properly stored, frozen bagels can last up to three months.
Defrosting your bagels is as simple as removing them from the freezer and letting them thaw at room temperature. To enjoy a warm, fresh-tasting bagel, place the defrosted bagel in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, until the outer crust is crispy and golden brown.
Don't forget about toppings and spreads like cream cheese or butter. Keep them refrigerated and use them within their suggested shelf life to ensure maximum flavor and freshness when pairing with your cinnamon raisin bagels.
Following these storage and freshness tips will help ensure that your homemade cinnamon raisin bagels will remain delicious for days after they're baked. This way, you can savor the juicy raisins, swirls of cinnamon, and perfectly brown crust, all while maintaining the bagel's texture, taste, and nutrition.
