Fluffy Yogurt Bagels Cinnamon Swirl

There's something magical about pulling a tray of golden, cinnamon-swirled bagels from your oven—especially when they're made with just a handful of simple ingredients. These Fluffy Yogurt Bagels with Cinnamon Swirl are soft, pillowy, and unbelievably tender thanks to the secret ingredient: Greek yogurt. No yeast, no boiling, no fuss. Just mix, roll, swirl, and bake. The result? Bagels that are beautifully marbled with sweet cinnamon sugar, perfectly golden on top, and ready to make your breakfast or brunch feel like a cozy bakery moment at home.

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These bagels are a wonderful twist on the traditional two-ingredient yogurt dough, elevated with a luscious cinnamon swirl filling that caramelizes slightly as it bakes. The Greek yogurt not only adds tang and moisture, but also creates a dough that's easy to work with and doesn't require any rising time. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is forgiving, fun, and deeply satisfying. Serve them warm with a schmear of cream cheese, a pat of butter, or even a drizzle of honey.

Ingredients

• Dough: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp fine sea salt; 1 1/2 cups (360 g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat); 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• Cinnamon Swirl: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1/3 cup (65 g) light brown sugar; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Egg Wash: 1 large egg; 1 tbsp milk
• Optional Topping: Extra cinnamon sugar (1 tbsp sugar + 1/2 tsp cinnamon)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

Step 3

Add the Greek yogurt and stir with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 4

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 2–3 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to form the cinnamon swirl filling.

Step 6

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a rectangle (about 5 x 3 inches).

Step 7

Spread about 1 tsp of the cinnamon swirl filling over each rectangle. Roll up tightly from the short end to form a log. Pinch the seams closed.

Step 8

Shape each log into a ring, pinching the ends together to seal and form a bagel shape.

Step 9

Place bagels onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 10

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the tops of the bagels with the egg wash.

Step 11

Sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar if desired.

Step 12

Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 13

Let bagels cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt—it adds extra richness and tang. When kneading the dough, work gently and avoid adding too much extra flour, as this can make the bagels dense. Make sure to seal the ends of each bagel ring tightly so they don't open during baking. If the cinnamon filling leaks out slightly, that's okay—it creates delicious caramelized edges. Brushing with egg wash gives the bagels a beautiful golden sheen, but you can skip it if preferred. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes to allow the interior to set properly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully versatile. For a fruitier twist, fold raisins or dried cranberries into the cinnamon filling. You can also add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. If you prefer a plain bagel, simply skip the cinnamon swirl and brush with egg wash and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or poppy seeds. For a savory version, omit the sugar and cinnamon, and instead mix in shredded cheese, garlic powder, or everything bagel seasoning. You can also make mini bagels by dividing the dough into 12 pieces instead of 8—just reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

Serviervorschläge

These cinnamon swirl bagels are delicious served warm with a generous smear of cream cheese, butter, or even a drizzle of honey. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for breakfast or brunch. For a more indulgent treat, toast them lightly and spread with Nutella or almond butter. They also make a lovely addition to a weekend brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and yogurt parfaits. Because they're best enjoyed fresh, consider baking them in the morning for a special homemade breakfast that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked dough.

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These Fluffy Yogurt Bagels with Cinnamon Swirl are proof that homemade baking doesn't have to be complicated to be absolutely delicious. With their tender crumb, sweet cinnamon ribbons, and golden tops, they bring warmth and comfort to any morning. Whether you're treating yourself to a quiet breakfast or impressing guests at brunch, these bagels are sure to become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire. So preheat that oven, grab your Greek yogurt, and get ready to enjoy the simple pleasure of fresh, homemade bagels.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of yogurt works best?

Full-fat Greek yogurt provides the best tang and moistness, but low-fat versions also work well without compromising texture.

→ How is the cinnamon swirl made?

It’s a mix of melted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon spread over the dough before rolling up to create spirals.

→ Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Yes, raisins or chopped pecans can be incorporated into the cinnamon swirl for extra texture and flavor.

→ What’s the best way to shape the bagels?

After rolling the dough with filling into logs, pinch seams closed, then shape each log into a ring by pinching the ends together.

→ How do I get a shiny, golden finish?

Brush bagels with an egg and milk wash before baking to achieve a glossy, golden crust.

→ Can these bagels be stored?

Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness, though they’re best enjoyed warm.