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No-Knead Whole-Grain Cinnamon Raisin Soft Bagels with Honey Glaze – Beginner-Friendly Recipe

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished May 6, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
American 35 mins beginner-friendlyeasyno-kneadstep-by-stepone-bowlwhole-grainmorning-bakecomfort-foodlow-calorieminimal-ingredients

Make soft and chewy whole-grain cinnamon raisin bagels topped with a luscious honey glaze using this easy no-knead, one-bowl recipe. Perfect for beginner bakers seeking a wholesome, comforting breakfast or snack with minimal effort.

No-Knead Whole-Grain Cinnamon Raisin Soft Bagels with Honey Glaze – Beginner-Friendly Recipe
Prep 10 min
Cook 25 min
Total 35 min
Servings 6
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American

Recipe Details

Prep10 min
Cook25 min
Total35 min
Servings6
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican
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Ingredients

Servings 6
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing bowl)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon warm water (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, instant yeast, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
  2. Pour warm water into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or your hand until a sticky dough forms. No kneading required; ensure all flour is hydrated.
  3. Gently fold the raisins evenly into the dough.
  4. Lightly grease the same bowl with vegetable oil. Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1½ to 2 hours, until doubled in size.
  5. Once risen, deflate the dough gently on a floured surface. Divide into 6 equal portions.
  6. Roll each portion into a ball and use your thumb to poke a hole through the center. Stretch the hole to form a bagel shape approximately 2-3 inches wide.
  7. Arrange the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and rest for 20 minutes to puff slightly.
  8. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil.
  9. Boil bagels two at a time for 1 minute per side, then remove with a slotted spoon and transfer back to the baking sheet.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  11. While baking, mix honey and warm water for the glaze until smooth.
  12. Brush the warm bagels generously with the honey glaze upon removal from the oven. Cool on a wire rack.
  13. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for extended freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Customize this no-knead whole-grain cinnamon raisin bagel recipe easily with these beginner-approved ingredient substitutions:

  • Flours: Swap whole wheat flour with spelt or oat flour for different textures. For gluten-free versions, use certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blends with xanthan gum for structure.
  • Raisins: Replace with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried apricots for varied sweetness and texture.
  • Honey Glaze: Use maple syrup or agave nectar as vegan and dairy-free glaze alternatives.
  • Brown Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a lower glycemic index. For no added sugar, omit sugar and increase cinnamon for flavor.
  • Greasing Oil: Use melted coconut or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for a subtle flavor and nut-free baking.

These swaps maintain soft, flavorful bagels while accommodating dietary preferences or restrictions, perfect for easy, wholesome baking beginners.

Equipment Needed

Essential beginner-friendly tools to create these soft, no-knead whole-grain cinnamon raisin bagels with honey glaze include:

  • Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing dough and proofing.
  • Wooden Spoon or Mixing Spoon: Ideal for stirring and combining ingredients without kneading.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurement of flours, spices, yeast, and liquids.
  • Baking Sheet: To rest and bake formed bagels.
  • Parchment Paper: To line baking sheets, preventing sticking and simplifying cleanup.
  • Large Pot: For boiling bagels prior to baking.
  • Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: For safely removing bagels from boiling water.
  • Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap: To cover dough during rising, maintaining warmth and moisture.
  • Pastry Brush: To apply the honey glaze evenly on warm bagels.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows bagels to cool properly without sogginess.
  • Optional: Kitchen thermometer to check water temperature (~110°F/43°C) to activate yeast optimally.

With these basic tools, beginners can easily bake delicious, wholesome cinnamon raisin bagels with minimal fuss.

Ingredient Prep Notes

Flour: Choose fresh whole wheat flour finely milled for tender texture. Adjust by replacing part of whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for lighter crumb. Gluten-free adaptations require certified blends, though texture may vary.

Yeast: Use instant yeast mixed with dry ingredients for ease. When substituting active dry yeast, proof it in warm water for 5-10 minutes until foamy before mixing.

Warm Water: Maintain temperature around 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast safely—using a thermometer is recommended.

Raisins: Opt for plump and soft raisins; soaking dried raisins briefly in warm water then draining improves texture and flavor.

Brown Sugar: Both light and dark brown sugar work; dark brown adds richer molasses notes. For reduced sweetness, lower amount or use alternatives such as coconut sugar.

Spices: Ground cinnamon is key; add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for added warmth if desired.

Oil: Vegetable oil can be replaced with mild olive, avocado, or melted coconut oil for greasing.

Honey Glaze: Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan or dairy-free options, adjusting water for desired glaze consistency.

Additional Tips: For nut-free baking, ensure all ingredients are sourced from nut-free facilities. Keeping ingredients minimal supports the beginner-friendly approach and proper dough hydration.

Oven Note

For soft, chewy bagels with a golden crust, follow these essential oven and baking tips suitable for beginners:

  • Fully preheat the oven: Reach 425°F (220°C) for authentic crust development.
  • Use an oven thermometer: Confirm accuracy, as oven temperatures vary.
  • Middle rack placement: Ensures even heat and balanced baking.
  • Baking sheet and parchment paper: Use parchment to prevent sticking; dark baking sheets promote better browning.
  • Monitor baking time: Bake 18-20 minutes until golden brown; test doneness by tapping for hollow sound. Adjust for ovens running hot or cold.
  • Cool on wire rack: Prevents sogginess by allowing air circulation.
  • Boiling step: Boil bagels gently, two at a time, for 1 minute per side to set crust and develop signature chewy texture.

These expert tips help beginners achieve perfect whole-grain cinnamon raisin bagels with a shining honey glaze every time.

Easy Upgrade Ideas

Add simple yet impressive touches to your soft whole-grain cinnamon raisin bagels with these beginner-friendly upgrades:

  • Nutty Crunch: Incorporate 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for delightful texture and flavor.
  • Spiced Twist: Enhance warmth by adding 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg or allspice.
  • Glaze Variations: Swap honey for maple syrup glaze or finish with powdered sugar and cinnamon dusting.
  • Fruit Boost: Replace or mix raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dried apples for flavor variety.
  • Seed Topping: Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or rolled oats on glazed bagels for added crunch and attractive bakery-style appearance.
  • Vegan-Friendly: Use agave or maple syrup in the glaze for vegan-friendly sweetness.
  • Whole-Grain Blend: Substitute half of all-purpose flour with oat or spelt flour for enhanced wholesome flavor while preserving softness.
  • Mini Bagels: Shape smaller bagels for kid-friendly snacks or party platters.

These simple tweaks keep your beginner-friendly baking easy while personalizing your morning bagel experience.

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