Cinnamon Raisin Bagels - Make these at home

One thing thing I love to do with my son Carter is to bake with him. 
Both of my kids love bagels so much that given the option between a doughnut at Tim's or a bagel the bagel wins! 
This recipe is easy, the ingredients are simple and it is easy to modify this recipe should you want to make a gluten free option (or any other option for that matter) 

The ingredients you will need:

• 1 1/2 cups of warm water
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp dry active yeast (this is equivalent to one small package) 
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil 
• 1 tsp salt *optional 
• 4 - 5 cups whole wheat flour. I use Superstore Organics Multigran all purpose flour 
• 1 1/2  cups of raisins (This can be altereted to your preference) 
• 3 tbsp of cinnamon 
• Large pot of water
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp of baking soda

 Directions:
1. Add the warm water, 1 tbsp brown sugar and yeast to a large bowl or stand mixer. Let ingredients sit until the mixture is frothy.
2. Add the coconut oil and optional salt - mix together. 
3. Add the flour cup by cup until the mixture forms a ball.                                      *Dough should be smooth, not sticky and elastic but not too soft. The dough should be firmer**

4. Form into a ball and place in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rest in a warm place until doubled. (I let sit for 15 minutes) 

5. Preheat oven to 450F.
6. Punch down the dough and divide into pieces. This recipe will make 8 regular size bagels, however divide them into small pieces. 
7. Form the pieces into balls pulling the dough tightly around and pinching it at the bottom to seal. Let rest 2 minutes then form into bagels by poking your thumb through the middle and using your fingers to stretch out the hole in the middle to approximately 2 inches in diameter.                                                                    

**The hole in the middle needs to be at least 2 inches in diameter as the bagels will still expand**

8. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes. While those are resting boil the pot of water and add the tbsp of brown sugar. When the bagels are ready to be boiled add the tsp of baking soda to the pot of boiling water. Add the bagels to the water in batches. Boil for 30 seconds then flip and boil for 30 seconds more. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with desired toppings. (I sprinkled a little more cinnamon on the top) 
9. Place in oven and immediately turn the oven down to 425F. Bake for 17-20 minutes. Flipping them over for the last minute of baking.
10. Enjoy fresh out of the oven.          

These bagels freeze very well and are easy to pull out of the freezer for a quick snack or meal. 

Different options of flavours for these bagels 

• Regular bagels to make pizza bagels. 
• Regular bagels to eat with locks & cream cheese.
• Add poppy seeds
• Add dry fruit such as blueberries 
• Mixing in an italian mix or onion mix

**This recipe works best making just one kind of bagel at once so that flavours don't mix with other flavours**

I would love to hear your successes with this recipe! 

Happy bagel making :)