Fluffy Yogurt Bagels Cinnamon Swirl

There's something magical about pulling a tray of homemade bagels from the oven—golden, glossy, and fragrant with cinnamon and warmth. These Fluffy Yogurt Bagels with Cinnamon Swirl bring all the comfort of a bakery favorite right into your kitchen, but with a delightful twist: they're made with Greek yogurt for an incredibly soft, pillowy texture that stays tender for hours. No boiling required, no overnight rising—just simple ingredients, a touch of cinnamon-sugar swirl, and about an hour from start to finish. Whether you're looking for a cozy weekend breakfast project or a show-stopping brunch centerpiece, these bagels deliver bakery-quality flavor with homemade heart.

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The beauty of these yogurt bagels lies in their simplicity and versatility. Unlike traditional bagels that require boiling and lengthy fermentation, this recipe uses baking powder and the natural tang of Greek yogurt to achieve a tender, cake-like crumb with just the right amount of chew. The cinnamon swirl filling—made from melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon—gets rolled right into the dough, creating beautiful spirals that caramelize slightly as they bake. Brushed with an egg wash and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, these bagels emerge from the oven with a glossy, golden crust that's impossible to resist. Serve them warm with a schmear of cream cheese, a pat of butter, or simply on their own for a breakfast that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Ingredients

• 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
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup (65 g) light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp milk
• Extra cinnamon sugar (1 tbsp sugar + 1/2 tsp cinnamon), optional

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 results, use full-fat Greek yogurt to achieve maximum tang and moisture in your bagels. When kneading the dough, work gently—overmixing can make the bagels tough rather than tender. Make sure to seal the cinnamon swirl logs tightly by pinching the seams well; this prevents the filling from leaking out during baking. If your dough feels too sticky, dust your hands and work surface lightly with flour, but avoid adding too much as it can dry out the dough. The egg wash is key to achieving that beautiful golden, glossy finish, so don't skip this step. Let the bagels cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the interior to set properly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These cinnamon swirl bagels are endlessly adaptable. For a fruity twist, add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the cinnamon filling before rolling. Chopped pecans or walnuts mixed into the filling add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. If you prefer a more savory bagel, skip the cinnamon sugar topping and brush with everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds instead. For a decadent breakfast treat, drizzle cooled bagels with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. 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. Experiment with different spices like cardamom or nutmeg in the filling for a unique flavor profile.

Serviervorschläge

These fluffy yogurt bagels are incredibly versatile and can be served in countless ways. Slice them in half and toast until crispy, then spread with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite nut butter. For a breakfast sandwich, layer with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a slice of cheddar cheese. Serve alongside fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, and honey for a complete brunch spread. They're also wonderful paired with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea on a lazy weekend morning. For a sweet treat, toast and top with mascarpone and a drizzle of honey. These bagels are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage—just reheat in the oven or toaster before serving.

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These Fluffy Yogurt Bagels with Cinnamon Swirl prove that homemade doesn't have to mean complicated. With just a handful of pantry staples and about an hour of your time, you can create bakery-worthy bagels that are soft, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. The combination of tender Greek yogurt dough and sweet cinnamon swirl makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable, forgiving, and guaranteed to impress. So preheat that oven, dust off your baking sheet, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas. Your perfect breakfast bagel awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes these bagels soft and fluffy?

The use of Greek yogurt in the dough adds moisture and tenderizes the gluten, resulting in a soft, fluffy texture.

→ How is the cinnamon swirl incorporated?

A mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon is spread over flattened dough pieces, then rolled tightly to create the swirl effect inside each bagel.

→ Can I customize the cinnamon swirl filling?

Yes, adding raisins or chopped pecans to the cinnamon mixture adds extra flavor and texture to the swirl.

→ What is the purpose of the egg wash?

Brushing the tops with a mixture of egg and milk before baking gives bagels a glossy, golden-brown finish.

→ How should these bagels be stored for freshness?

Keep them in an airtight container to maintain softness, best consumed within two days for optimal flavor and texture.