Cinnamon Roll Cottage Bagels

Name: Cinnamon Roll Cottage Bagels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups cottage cheese; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Ideas

I love the idea of combining two classic breakfast treats into one delightful recipe! These Cinnamon Roll Cottage Bagels are my go-to when I want something both satisfying and unique. The soft chewiness of the bagel meets the sweet, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls for a perfect bite. Plus, with a creamy cottage cheese base, they pack a protein punch that keeps me full and happy. Whether I enjoy them warm from the oven or toasted the next day, they always bring a smile to my face.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-25T19:14:27.676Z

When I first experimented with these bagels, I was amazed at how easily the flavors melded together. Using cottage cheese as a base not only enhances the texture but also makes the bagels incredibly soft and moist. I love adding a dash of vanilla to the dough for an extra layer of flavor, which has become my secret touch. It elevates the typical bagel experience, and I guarantee you'll want to share these with friends!

One thing I found was that letting the dough rest before baking really helps in achieving that perfect rise and chewiness. After testing various baking durations, I settled on a method that gives a beautifully golden exterior while keeping the inside light and fluffy. Trust me—these bagels are the perfect addition to your brunch menu!

        Why You'll Love These Bagels
        The unique combination of cinnamon roll flavors in a bagel format
High protein content from the cottage cheese for a filling breakfast
Easily customizable with nuts or dried fruits for extra texture

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in these bagels, providing a moist texture and boosting the protein content significantly. Unlike traditional bagels, which rely solely on flour and water, incorporating cottage cheese creates a unique chewy consistency that holds up well against the sweet cinnamon flavors. For those looking to cut calories, low-fat cottage cheese can be substituted without compromising the flavor or texture.

Another benefit of using cottage cheese is its versatility. It can be combined with herbs or spices to further enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer a savory twist, consider adding chives or garlic powder to the mixture for a completely different take on these bagels.

Tips for Perfectly Shaped Bagels

Shaping the bagels can be a bit tricky, especially if you're not familiar with the technique. To form a perfect bagel shape, after dividing the dough into portions, roll each piece into a ball before poking a hole in the center. A common mistake is to make the hole too small; remember, the hole needs to be about one inch wide, as it tends to shrink during baking. To ensure even cooking, be gentle when shaping, as overworking the dough can lead to tough bagels.

If you want to experiment, consider making mini bagels by dividing the dough into smaller pieces. Mini bagels can bake faster, so keep an eye on them, checking for a golden brown color, typically around 15 minutes at the same baking temperature.

Flavor Variations and Serving Suggestions

While the cinnamon sugar topping is a classic choice, you can easily customize these bagels with different flavors. Adding nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts can provide a delightful crunch, while dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can enhance the sweetness and add chewiness. If you enjoy a brighter flavor, consider adding citrus zest, like orange or lemon, into the dough for a refreshing twist.

When serving, these bagels are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them even further. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or almond butter for added richness, or enjoy them alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast. They also freeze beautifully; simply wrap individual bagels in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw and toast them for a quick breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these sweet breakfast bagels:

For the Bagels

2 cups cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup melted butter

For the Topping

1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup melted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Make sure to have everything ready before you begin!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delightful Cinnamon Roll Cottage Bagels:

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.

Shape Bagels

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a bagel by poking a hole in the middle.

Prepare Topping

In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Brush melted butter over each bagel and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Bake

Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden.

Make Glaze

While bagels are baking, mix powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over warm bagels once they cool slightly.

Now you can enjoy your warm, delicious bagels!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor punch, try adding chopped nuts or raisins into the dough before baking. These additions can provide a delightful texture and elevate the taste further.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your bagels spread too much during baking, it might be a sign that the dough was too wet or that they weren't shaped tightly enough. Ensure you accurately measure the flour and dry ingredients, and if you notice the dough is sticky, add a teaspoon of flour at a time until it reaches a manageable consistency. Meanwhile, ensure you make the hole in the center wide enough to prevent it from closing as they bake.

Should your bagels turn out too dense, consider reducing the mixing time. Overmixing develops the gluten, making the bagels tough. Instead, mix until just combined and allow the dough to rest for about 5 minutes before shaping. This will help relax the gluten, resulting in a lighter texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Cinnamon Roll Cottage Bagels can be made in advance for a busy morning. After shaping the bagels, place them on the baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just brush with butter, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar, and bake right from the fridge. This lets you enjoy fresh bagels without the morning rush.

To store, keep leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them individually. Wrap each bagel in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them directly into the toaster for a crispy, warm treat.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can be easily scaled up if you're cooking for a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you need. For large gatherings, consider making a double batch and inviting some friends over for a bagel-making party. It's a fun way to bond and allows everyone to personalize their toppings and mix-ins.

If scaling down, remember that the dough can be halved and will still turn out great. Just be cautious with measurements and keep an eye on baking time; smaller batches may bake faster. Enjoying these at any size is bound to add a cheerful start to your day!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or cream cheese, but cottage cheese provides the best texture.

→ How should I store the bagels?

You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these bagels?

Absolutely! They freeze well. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag.

→ What can I serve with these bagels?

These bagels are delicious on their own or can be served with cream cheese, fruit spreads, or even as a base for breakfast sandwiches.