Name: Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492020H16M56S
Total time: 31 min
Ingredients: 1 ¾ – 2 cups self-rising flour, plus more for dusting; 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional); ½ cup raisins; For Egg Wash: 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tsp water or milk; Optional Topping: 1 tbsp turbinado sugar or cinnamon sugar

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Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels: Your New Go-To Breakfast
Why This Recipe Works: Perfect Texture and Flavor Every Time
Ingredients You’ll Need & Smart Substitutions
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels
Expert Tips for Perfect Bagels
What to Serve With Your Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels
Storing and Reheating Your Bagels
Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Yogurt Bagels

Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels: Your New Go-To Breakfast

Imagine biting into a bagel that’s perfectly chewy, slightly sweet, and bursting with warm cinnamon and plump, juicy raisins. Now imagine that bagel was incredibly easy to make, required no yeast, and packed a protein punch! That, my friends, is exactly what you get with these incredible Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels. They are a game-changer for breakfast, an ideal snack, or even a light lunch. From the moment you pull them from the oven, their aroma fills your kitchen with pure comfort, promising a delightful treat that satisfies both your taste buds and your craving for something wholesome. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be wondering where they’ve been all your life. These bagels are not just delicious; they’re surprisingly simple to achieve, even for novice bakers. If you’re looking for more easy and delicious baking adventures, you can See more easy recipes right here!

Why I Love These Bagels: Quick, Healthy & Delicious

Honestly? They tick every single box. In under an hour, you can go from dough to a warm, freshly baked bagel. That’s a huge win on busy mornings! Plus, the Greek yogurt adds a fantastic boost of protein, making them far more satisfying than traditional bagels, and the use of self-rising flour means no waiting around for dough to proof. It’s truly a magical combination of convenience and incredible flavor.

The Magic of Greek Yogurt in Baking

Greek yogurt isn’t just for parfaits anymore! In baking, it acts as a wonderful leavening agent when combined with self-rising flour, creating that beautiful rise without yeast. Beyond that, it adds incredible moisture to the dough, resulting in a tender crumb, and contributes a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the raisins and cinnamon. It’s a secret weapon for tender, protein-packed baked goods.

Why This Recipe Works: Perfect Texture and Flavor Every Time

No-Boil Method for Chewy Perfection: While traditional bagels are boiled, the specific ratio of self-rising flour to Greek yogurt in this recipe creates a naturally chewy interior and a perfectly golden, crisp crust without the extra step of boiling.
Flour-Yogurt Ratio is Key: Our carefully tested ratio ensures the dough is pliable and easy to work with, leading to consistent texture every single time, minimizing guesswork for you.
Optimal Hydration for Plump Raisins: By incorporating the raisins at the right stage, they get just enough moisture from the dough to plump up beautifully without burning during baking.
Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need any specialty ingredients for these bagels, making them an approachable and budget-friendly baking project for anyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need & Smart Substitutions

Here is what you need and why:

Self-Rising Flour: The Secret to No Yeast Bagels
This is the star of the show! Self-rising flour comes pre-mixed with leavening agents (baking powder and salt), meaning you don’t need yeast, and thus, no proofing time. It’s what makes these bagels so quick and easy. Substitution: If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Adjust total quantities accordingly.

Greek Yogurt: Why Full-Fat is Best
Full-fat plain Greek yogurt provides the ideal moisture and fat content for a tender, flavorful bagel. Its thickness is crucial for the dough’s consistency. The acidity also reacts with the leavening in the self-rising flour. Substitution: While full-fat is recommended for the best texture, you can use 2% Greek yogurt. Non-fat Greek yogurt might make the dough a bit drier, so you might need to add a touch less flour or a splash more yogurt.

Cinnamon & Raisins: Flavor Essentials
Ground cinnamon adds warmth and fragrant spice, while plump raisins provide bursts of natural sweetness and chewiness. Use good quality cinnamon for the best flavor! Substitution: Feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste. For variations, see ‘Toppings & Variations’ below.

Honey/Maple Syrup: For Natural Sweetness
A little bit of honey or maple syrup helps to balance the flavors, adding a touch of natural sweetness to the dough without making it overly sugary. It also contributes to the golden crust. Substitution: You can omit it if you prefer less sweetness, or use a tablespoon of granulated sugar.

Egg Wash: Achieving That Perfect Shine
An egg wash (one egg beaten with a splash of water or milk) brushed over the bagels before baking creates that beautiful, glossy golden-brown crust we all love. It also helps any toppings adhere. Substitution: For an egg-free wash, you can brush with milk (dairy or non-dairy) or even a little olive oil, though the shine may not be as pronounced.

Toppings & Variations: Experimentation Encouraged
While cinnamon raisin is classic, don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries, or even a pinch of nutmeg. A sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top before baking adds a lovely crunch. Find your favorite combination!

How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels

Follow these step-by-step photos:

1. Prepare the Dough: Mixing & Kneading

In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, Greek yogurt, cinnamon, and honey/maple syrup. Stir with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Incorporate the raisins during the last minute of kneading, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

2. Shape the Bagels: The Simple Way

Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions (depending on your desired bagel size). Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Using your finger or the handle of a wooden spoon, poke a hole in the center of each ball. Gently stretch the hole to about 1-1.5 inches in diameter, shaping it to resemble a bagel. Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Egg Wash & Toppings: Pre-Bake Prep

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and a splash of water or milk to create your egg wash. Brush the tops and sides of each bagel generously with the egg wash. This helps achieve that beautiful golden sheen and allows toppings to stick. If desired, sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon sugar or turbinado sugar at this stage. You can also experiment with other toppings like poppy seeds or sesame seeds if you decide to go with a savory twist on some of your King Arthur Flour cinnamon raisin bagels, for instance.

4. Baking for Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed up, golden brown, and cooked through. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your bagels. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-browning.

5. Cooling & Enjoying

Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. While they are tempting to eat immediately, allowing them to cool for about 10-15 minutes will help them set and achieve the best chewy texture. Serve warm with your favorite spreads!

Expert Tips for Perfect Bagels

Don’t Overmix the Dough: Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic. Overmixing can lead to tough bagels.
Achieving the Ideal Dough Consistency: If your dough is too sticky, add a sprinkle of flour. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add a tiny bit more yogurt, a teaspoon at a time, until it comes together. It should be firm but pliable.
Preventing Raisin Burn: If you find your raisins are burning on top, cover the bagels loosely with foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
Customizing Your Bagel Flavors: Beyond cinnamon raisin, try adding orange zest, a mix of dried fruits, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
Even Shaping is Key: Try to make your bagels roughly the same size so they bake evenly.

What to Serve With Your Cinnamon Raisin Greek Yogurt Bagels

Classic Cream Cheese Pairings

Nothing beats the classic combination of a warm, toasted cinnamon raisin bagel with a generous schmear of cream cheese. Try plain cream cheese, whipped cream cheese, or even make your own honey-cinnamon cream cheese for an extra treat.

Sweet Spreads and Butters

Elevate your experience with delicious sweet spreads. Think apple butter, pumpkin butter, or even a simple spread of softened butter with a sprinkle of brown sugar. Nut butters like almond or cashew butter also pair wonderfully, adding healthy fats and additional protein.

Savory Options for a Balanced Meal

While sweet, these bagels can still complement savory elements. A side of scrambled eggs, a slice of turkey sausage, or even a small fruit salad can create a well-rounded and satisfying breakfast or brunch.

Storing and Reheating Your Bagels

Best Practices for Freshness

These homemade bagels are best enjoyed fresh, ideally on the day they are baked. To keep them fresh for up to 2-3 days, store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating, as this can dry them out.

Freezing for Future Enjoyment

If you have leftovers or want to bake a big batch for convenience, these bagels freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Slicing them in half before freezing can make for quicker toasting later.

Quick Reheating Methods

From Fresh/Thawed: Slice and toast in a toaster or toaster oven until warm and slightly crispy.
From Frozen: You can toast them directly from frozen, though it might take a bit longer. Alternatively, microwave a frozen bagel for about 30 seconds to soften it, then toast to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Yogurt Bagels

Can I use regular flour?

No, this recipe specifically calls for self-rising flour because it contains the leavening agents (baking powder and salt) that react with the Greek yogurt to create the bagel texture without yeast. If you use regular all-purpose flour, you would need to add baking powder and salt separately. For 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

What if my dough is too sticky?

The stickiness can vary slightly depending on the brand and thickness of your Greek yogurt. If your dough is too sticky to handle, add a tablespoon of self-rising flour at a time, kneading it in until the dough is smooth and manageable. Be careful not to add too much flour, or your bagels will be dry.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the bagels, and then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the refrigerator for up to 12-24 hours. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. When ready to bake, remove them from the fridge about 15-20 minutes before baking to come closer to room temperature, then egg wash and bake as directed.

Are these bagels healthy?

Compared to traditional bagels, these Greek yogurt bagels are generally considered a healthier option. The Greek yogurt significantly boosts the protein content, which helps with satiety. They are also made with fewer ingredients and no added oils often found in store-bought bagels. While they still contain carbohydrates and some sugar from the raisins, they offer a more nutritious profile than many processed breakfast options.