Xanthan Gum Free Classic Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
Homemade bagels feel like a serious kitchen achievement, and these cinnamon raisin ones deliver that chewy, golden crust that store-bought versions rarely get right. The dough relies on bread flour, yeast, and a slow cold retard in the refrigerator — no stabilizers or additives needed — which means the structure and chew come entirely from proper gluten development and technique. That makes this recipe a natural fit for anyone avoiding thickening agents, since there is simply nothing here that calls for them in the first place. The barley malt syrup goes into both the dough and the boiling water, giving these bagels their characteristic deep color and subtly sweet, malty backbone. Ground cinnamon is worked right into the dough, and the raisins are kneaded in last so they stay plump and evenly distributed throughout every bite. Boiling before baking is the step that sets real bagels apart — it locks in that signature dense, glossy chew that no amount of oven time alone can replicate. Pull one apart while it is still slightly warm and you will understand immediately why the process is worth it. These are the kind of bagels that make a plain schmear of cream cheese feel like a special occasion.
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Learn more →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)
- 3 ½ cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 ½ tsp fine salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp barley malt syrup or honey
- 1 cup raisins
For the boiling water
- 2 tbsp barley malt syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp baking soda
Instructions
- 1
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5–8 minutes, until foamy and fragrant.
- 2
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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