I still remember the exact moment I discovered the magic of a Cinnamon Sugar Bagel. It was during a weekend brunch with friends at a cozy local bakery. The warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar hit me the second I walked in, and when I bit into that lightly toasted bagel with a perfect cinnamon sugar topping, I thought, “I have to make this at home!” That sweet yet comforting flavor instantly clicked with me—it’s like breakfast and dessert had a joyful little meeting on a bagel. Since then, the Cinnamon Sugar Bagel has found a cozy spot in my regular recipe lineup. It’s my go-to when I want something cozy, slightly indulgent, and unbelievably comforting without any fuss.
What I love most about this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel is how it combines simple ingredients into a treat that feels special but never intimidating. Baking homemade bagels sounds fancy, but this recipe keeps things friendly and doable—plus, the cinnamon spice gives it a warm hug of flavor that’s impossible not to enjoy. This is the kind of recipe that brightens up lazy mornings or makes a casual coffee moment feel like a tiny celebration. I equally appreciate how it satisfies my sweet tooth while still feeling wholesome.
Friends often ask me for bagel recipes that are a little different from the usual cream cheese spread. This Cinnamon Sugar Bagel hits that sweet spot perfectly with its cinnamon sugar topping that crisps up in the oven just right. I even found inspiration from some amazing recipes over at Cinnamon Sugar Bagel – i am baker—that version helped me nail the perfect balance of sweetness and spice the very first time.
If you’re anything like me and sometimes get stuck in the “What should I cook?” loop for breakfast or brunch, this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel has your back. Think of it as your new easy answer that brings warmth and joy to the table without taking forever. I’m super excited to share this recipe with you—because nothing feels better than a little cinnamon sugar magic spinning around your kitchen brightening your morning. Ready to dive in? Let’s go make some cinnamon-spiced happiness!
What You’ll Need:
This Cinnamon Sugar Bagel keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s what you’ll grab:

- 3 ½ cups bread flour (you can swap in all-purpose if needed, but bread flour gives the best chew)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast (grab it at any grocery store, it’s a pantry staple)
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F to activate the yeast perfectly)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (you’ll need this for the dough, but don’t worry, the cinnamon sugar topping adds the magic sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (I love using fresh ground cinnamon for the best cinnamon spice flavor, but pre-ground works great too)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (this is for the cinnamon sugar topping mix)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing the bagels before sprinkling on the topping)
Out of butter? No problem! I’ve swapped it with a light olive oil in a pinch for this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel, and it turned out perfectly golden. You can find all these at your local supermarket without breaking the bank, which makes this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel kind to your wallet, too.
A quick kitchen nugget: mix your cinnamon and sugar topping in a small bowl first—makes the sprinkling step super easy. If by chance you’ve got some leftovers, tightly wrap your bagels and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer. They toast up beautifully even after chilling.
Here’s my personal twist: I always add a little extra cinnamon to the topping mix for that punch of cinnamon spice that really sings on every bite. It’s like a cinnamon sugar hug in every nibble!
Let’s Cook This Together:
- Activate your yeast: Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. This is the first step in getting your Cinnamon Sugar Bagel to puff up with that chewy goodness.
- Mix your dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. This Cinnamon Sugar Bagel dough is forgiving and easy to work with!
- Knead it out: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. I find music helps here—dance breaks encouraged!
- First rise: Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours until doubled. This is the step where I learned to be patient with my Cinnamon Sugar Bagel—it makes all the difference in that chewy texture.
- Shape the bagels: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and stretch it gently to form that iconic bagel shape. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; rustic charm is part of the fun!
- Boil before baking: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully lower in the bagels, boiling 1-2 at a time for about 1 minute per side. This quick boil sets the bagel’s chewy crust.
- Add the cinnamon sugar topping: Place boiled bagels on a baking sheet. Brush each with melted butter then sprinkle generously with your cinnamon sugar mix. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible when this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel is ready.
- Bake: Pop the bagels in a 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes until golden and the topping is caramelized. While your Cinnamon Sugar Bagel is doing its thing, this is a great time to pour yourself some coffee or tea and take a well-deserved break.
- Cool and enjoy: Let your bagels cool slightly before digging in. If your Cinnamon Sugar Bagel looks like it’s browned unevenly, that’s totally fine—each one will have its own unique beauty!
Start to finish, this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel comes together in about 3 hours, including rising time—but the actual hands-on work is very manageable. Pro tip: boil the bagels in batches to save time and keep everything moving smoothly!
How to Serve & Savor It:

This Cinnamon Sugar Bagel truly shines when served warm, straight out of the oven with a little slather of cream cheese or butter melting on top. I love pairing it with a homemade whipped cinnamon butter for an extra fun cinnamon spice kick.
It also pairs beautifully with a hot coffee or chai tea—something with a little spice or nuttiness balances that sweet cinnamon sugar topping perfectly. For weekend brunch, I like serving the bagels alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad which adds a refreshing contrast.
My absolute favorite way to enjoy this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel is on a lazy weekend morning. When friends are over, it’s always a crowd-pleaser and sparks way more conversation than your average bagel.
Got leftovers? No worries! I toast the next day’s bagel and sometimes turn it into bagel French toast—a quick dip in egg and a quick pan-fry adds a new sweet bagel flavor twist that’s pure comfort. For seasonal spins, I’ve added chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon sugar topping for extra texture and bursts of flavor.
If you love homemade bagels and sweet bagel flavors, you might also enjoy the Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread or the Garlic Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels, which bring a savory twist to your bagel game.
Your Questions, Answered:
Can I prep parts of this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel ahead?
Absolutely! You can shape the bagels and refrigerate them overnight before boiling and baking. It’s a great way to break up the work and still have fresh bagels in the morning.
What’s a good swap for bread flour in this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel?
All-purpose flour works in a pinch, but the texture might be slightly less chewy. For a softer crumb, I’ve tried adding a bit of whole wheat flour too—it adds a nice nutty undertone.
Can I make this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel dairy-free?
Yes! Swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter spread when brushing before topping. The cinnamon sugar topping still shines.
How can I make this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel for more or fewer people?
Just scale the ingredient amounts up or down. For just a couple, halve the recipe; for a crowd, double it. This recipe keeps well, so leftovers can feed you for a few days.
Any fun topping variations for this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel?
I’ve seen folks try adding a bit of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar topping for that fall vibe. Others sprinkle coarse sugar on top for extra crunch. You could even try mixing in finely chopped nuts!
What’s the secret to getting the topping to stick well?
Brushing with melted butter right before sprinkling helps the cinnamon sugar topping cling perfectly during baking. Don’t skip this step!
I’m worried about the boiling step—any tips?
It might feel intimidating, but boiling gives bagels that classic chewy crust. Boil gently and use a slotted spoon to avoid dropping them. If a bagel floats or looks a little off, it’s still fine—those are just signs of your homemade effort!
For plenty of inspiration, check out more cinnamon sugar bagel ideas from Cinnamon Sugar Bagel – Cooking With Karli and join the chat about cinnamon sugar toppings at What is a tried and true recipe for a cinnamon sugar topping for ….
Final Foodie Thoughts:
This Cinnamon Sugar Bagel has a really special spot in my foodie heart because it reminds me that homemade treats don’t have to be complicated to feel indulgent and fun. It’s proof that a little cinnamon spice and sweet bagel flavors can turn an everyday breakfast into a joyful moment.
My Top Cinnamon Sugar Bagel Tips:
- Always brush those bagels with butter before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar topping—your taste buds will thank you.
- Be patient during the first rise; it’s key to getting that perfect chew.
- Don’t skip the boil—trust me, it’s worth it.
Some of my favorite variations are adding raisins inside the dough, swapping in pumpkin pie spice for an autumn vibe, or sprinkling crunchy nuts on top for texture. The classic cinnamon sugar topping version still gets requested the most at my table.
I encourage you to play around, make this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel your own kind of cozy. I hope you love the cozy aroma, the cinnamon sparkle, and the way it brings people together, just like it did for me. Happy baking forward, friends—let’s keep the joy and cinnamon-sugar-spice rolling!
For more sweet treats with a cinnamon twist, you might want to try the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes for your breakfast game.
Ready to make your kitchen smell insanely good and deliver some everyday awesome food? This Cinnamon Sugar Bagel is waiting!
Cinnamon Sugar Bagel
Delight in the sweet and aromatic flavors of this Cinnamon Sugar Bagel, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Soft, chewy, and generously coated with cinnamon sugar for a comforting treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 plain bagel, sliced in half
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Spread the softened butter evenly on each half of the bagel.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered sides.
- Place the bagel halves on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the sugar is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For an extra indulgent treat, add a drizzle of honey or cream cheese on top before serving.

