
Homemade bagels are one of those kitchen projects that feel almost magical — you start with a handful of pantry staples and end up with something that genuinely rivals your favorite bakery. The dough gets a long, slow cold rest in the refrigerator, which builds that deep, slightly tangy flavor that makes a great bagel so hard to put down. Barley malt syrup goes into both the dough and the boiling water, giving each ring its characteristic chew and that gorgeous deep-golden crust. Plump raisins and warm cinnamon are folded in just before the rise, so every bite has little pockets of sweetness woven through a sturdy, satisfying crumb. The boiling step before baking is what separates a true bagel from a bread roll — it sets the crust and locks in that dense, chewy interior that toasts up beautifully. Everything in this recipe is naturally free from meat and poultry, so it fits a pescatarian table without any substitutions or workarounds needed. Slice one warm, spread on your favorite topping, and try not to immediately make another batch.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5–8 minutes, until foamy and fragrant.
Add the bread flour, salt, ground cinnamon, and 2 tbsp barley malt syrup to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the dough hook until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes, 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.
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