Cinnamon Swirl Protein Bagels (Printable Version)

Soft, chewy bagels with cinnamon swirls and a creamy vanilla Greek yogurt glaze, perfect for a wholesome start.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ For the Bagels

01 - 2 cups bread flour
02 - 1 cup vanilla protein powder
03 - 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 cup warm water
07 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

→ For the Cinnamon Swirl

08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
09 - ¼ cup brown sugar
10 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

→ For Boiling

11 - 2 quarts water
12 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

→ For the Vanilla Greek Yogurt Glaze

13 - ½ cup Greek yogurt
14 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
15 - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - 1 to 2 teaspoons milk

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine bread flour, protein powder, sugar, and salt.
02 - In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
03 - Add yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
04 - Knead dough on a floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
05 - Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 to 40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
06 - Meanwhile, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make the swirl filling.
07 - Punch down dough and roll out into a 10 by 14 inch rectangle.
08 - Spread cinnamon mixture evenly over dough.
09 - Roll up tightly from the long side. Cut into 8 equal pieces.
10 - Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center and gently stretch into a bagel shape.
11 - Place shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
12 - Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
13 - Bring water and honey to a gentle boil. Boil bagels 30 seconds per side; return to baking sheet.
14 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack.
15 - For the glaze, whisk Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
16 - Drizzle glaze over cooled bagels before serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • You get the satisfaction of homemade bagels without needing fancy equipment or years of experience.
  • The protein powder actually works with the flavor instead of making everything taste like a gym shake.
  • That vanilla glaze is addictive and makes people think you spent way more effort than you actually did.
  • They freeze beautifully, so Sunday baking means easy wins all week.
02 -
  • The boiling step is absolutely essential and not optional—it's what creates that bagel chew; skipping it gives you dense bread.
  • Don't skip the egg wash step if you want professional-looking bagels with serious shine and color.
  • Your protein powder choice matters hugely; cheap varieties can leave a chalky aftertaste that overpowers the cinnamon.
03 -
  • If you don't have a thermometer, test yeast water on your inner wrist—it should feel warm but not uncomfortably hot.
  • Dental floss cuts dough cleaner than a knife because it doesn't compress the swirl layers, which keeps them distinct and beautiful.
  • Room temperature matters more than you think; if your kitchen is cold, find a warm spot or the rise takes forever.
  • Make the glaze right before serving so it stays smooth and glossy instead of separating.
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