Cinnamon Swirl Protein Bagels (Print version)

Soft bagels featuring cinnamon swirls and a creamy vanilla Greek yogurt glaze with added protein.

# What 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 - 1–2 teaspoons milk

# How-To Steps:

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 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
05 - Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30–40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
06 - Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make the swirl filling.
07 - Punch down dough and roll out into a 10x14-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°F.
13 - Bring water and honey to a gentle boil. Boil bagels 30 seconds per side; return to baking sheet.
14 - Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack.
15 - Whisk Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
16 - Drizzle glaze over cooled bagels before serving.

# Tips from the pros:

01 -
  • These bagels keep you satisfied for hours, so you won't be hunting for a mid-morning snack like you usually do.
  • The vanilla Greek yogurt glaze tastes indulgent but actually belongs on a wholesome breakfast plate.
  • Homemade bagels with protein powder cost a fraction of what fancy bakeries charge for similar quality.
02 -
  • The boiling step sounds weird but it's what separates bagels from fancy bread rolls—don't skip it or rush it, or you'll lose that signature chew.
  • Protein powder can sometimes make dough drier, so if yours feels stiff after mixing, add water one teaspoon at a time until it feels right under your hands.
03 -
  • If your protein powder is chocolate or strawberry flavored, the vanilla glaze won't work—switch to a simple cream cheese frosting or just butter instead.
  • The dough is forgiving, so if you miss your 30 to 40 minute rise window, it won't ruin everything; just punch it down and continue—overproofed bagels still taste good, they're just slightly denser.
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