Cinnamon Free Classic Bagels

Total time2 hr 20 min

Prep time40 min

Cook time25 min

5.0

(15)

Chewy, golden, and deeply satisfying, these homemade bagels are the real deal — the kind with a crackly crust and a dense, springy interior that store-bought versions rarely manage to pull off. The dough comes together with just yeast, bread flour, salt, sugar, and water, so there's nothing hidden to worry about for anyone avoiding certain spices or flavoring blends. The secret to that signature chew is the boiling step, where each bagel gets a quick bath in water spiked with barley malt syrup and baking soda before it ever sees the oven. That process sets the crust and gives you that glossy, bakery-style finish without any mystery ingredients. A brush of egg white and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning (check your blend if spice sensitivity is a concern) takes them over the top. Baked at high heat until deeply golden, these come out of the oven looking and smelling absolutely incredible. Slice one warm and pile on your favorite toppings — you'll never reach for a packaged bagel again.

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Ingredients

8 servings

For the dough

1 ½ tsp active dry yeast
1 ½ tsp granulated sugar
1 ¼ cups warm water (105–110°f / 40–43°c)
4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
1 ½ tsp fine salt

For the boiling water

2 tbsp barley malt syrup
1 tbsp baking soda
1 tbsp granulated sugar

For topping

1 egg white, lightly beaten
2 tbsp sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Instructions

1
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 1/2 tsp sugar. Stir briefly and let stand for 5–8 minutes, until foamy and fragrant.
2
Add the bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the dough hook for 2 minutes to bring the dough together, then increase to medium speed and knead for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, stiff, and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should feel firm and not tacky — stiffer than a typical bread dough.

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