Hot Cross Bagels Easter Bakes with a Bagel Twist

Hot Cross Bagels Recipe Yummy Things To Bake with a Twist

By Sally ThompsonSeptember 14, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Bagel Baking Recipe

Fancy some yummy things to bake ? Ever wondered if you could get that Easter bagel recipe vibe all year round? I'm about to drop some food vibes on you.

These Hot Cross Bagels are amazing!

Forget waiting for Easter! You can enjoy the taste of hot cross buns anytime. We're giving them a chewy, homemade bagels makeover. They’re packed with warm spices and sweet dried fruit.

A Hot Cross Bun Alternative

These bagels are not just food; they're a hug in bready form. Baked Recipe for the win!. Originating as a playful twist on a classic, these Hot Cross Bagels blend tradition with modern bagel making.

The spice and fruit combination has roots in Easter traditions. This recipe is medium difficulty. It needs about 2 hours 25 minutes total time to make 6 perfect fruited bagel recipe .

Spice Up Your Baking with Spiced Bagels

One of the main benefits is that these Hot Cross Bagels are fun and satisfying to make. Plus, the spices add a comforting warmth, perfect for a chilly morning.

They're perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just a tasty snack any time of day. What makes them special? They are like a cinnamon raisin bagel , but better! I love how easy they are to adapt to your tastes.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Bagel Adventure Starts Here

Hot Cross Bagels Easter Bakes with a Bagel Twist presentation

Alright, so you're ready to try your hand at Hot Cross Bagels ? Fab! Let's talk about what you'll need to nail this baked recipe .

Don’t worry, it's easier than you think. Trust me, even if your baking track record is dodgy, these are forgiving.

Seriously, even I, with my sometimes questionable kitchen antics, managed to make them delicious. Get ready for some serious food vibes !

Main Ingredients: Time to Get Real

Here's the breakdown for six yummy bagels:

For the Dough:
- Strong bread flour: 3 1/2 cups (420g) . Look for flour labelled "strong" it has more gluten, which is vital for that chewy bagel texture.
- Instant dried yeast: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (6g)
- Ground mixed spice (or allspice): 1/2 teaspoon (3g)
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (1g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g)
- Warm milk: 1 cup (240ml) . It needs to be lukewarm - about 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) is perfect. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast, too cold and it won't activate.
- Melted unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (30g)
- Large egg: 1
- Mixed dried fruit: 1/2 cup (75g) . Raisins, currants, sultanas… whatever floats your boat.
- Zest of 1 orange
For the "Cross" Paste:
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g)
- Water: 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) . Just enough to make a smooth paste.
For the Egg Wash:
- Large egg yolk: 1
- Milk: 1 tablespoon
For the Honey Glaze (Optional):
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Water: 1 tablespoon

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

Cinnamon, mixed spice, and nutmeg? Yes, please! This combo delivers that classic hot cross bun warmth. Honestly, the orange zest is the unsung hero.

It just lifts everything. If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of ground cloves adds a real depth of flavour.

Experiment with this spiced bagel recipe!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Large mixing bowl
Stand mixer (nice to have, but not essential)
Baking sheet
Parchment paper (or silicone baking mat)
Small saucepan (for the honey glaze)
Pastry brush
Small bowl for cross paste
Piping bag (or Ziploc bag)

That’s it! Nothing too fancy. You probably have most of this stuff already. No need to buy special gear for this bagel baking recipe .

A rolling pin works in place of a stand mixer for kneading by hand. Instead of a piping bag, you can use a sandwich bag; just snip off a tiny corner.

These Hot Cross Bagels will be the yummy things to bake for this Easter, a fantastic Hot cross bun alternative .

Or any day you need some comfort food vibes. Are you ready for the Easter bagel recipe ? Do you like Fruited Bagel Recipe and Cinnamon Raisin Bagel ? So, let’s get baking!

Hot Cross Bagels : Yummy Things To Bake with a Twist!

Right, let's ditch the same old routine and bake something seriously scrummy. I'm talking Hot Cross Bagels , the Easter bagel recipe that'll have everyone ditching the hot cross bun alternative .

Honestly, once you've tried these spiced bagel recipe wonders, you'll be hooked!

Prep Like a Pro for these Homemade Bagels

Mise en place , or everything in its place, is your friend here. Get your flour, spices, sugar, and salt all measured out.

Warm up that milk until it's 105- 115° F and melt your butter. This is the key to delicious food vibes ! Organisation is key, get those ingredients ready.

This saves time and avoids a mad scramble later. Don't be rushing while you're making these Baked Recipe beauties!

step-by-step to Bagel Baking Recipe Perfection

Mix 3 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon yeast, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon mixed spice, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt.
Add 1 cup warm milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix 'til it's shaggy.
Knead for 8- 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Trust me, it's worth the arm workout.
Knead in 1/2 cup dried fruit and zest of 1 orange. Fruity goodness overload!
Let rise for 1 hour , or until doubled. You can also use Cinnamon raisin bagel !
Shape into bagels, let rise 30 minutes .
Preheat oven to 425° F Prepare the Egg Wash .
Boil and Bake for 20- 25 minutes .

Pro Tips for the Fruited bagel recipe

Want that extra "oomph"? Add a honey glaze after baking for a sweet touch. Avoid over kneading, or they'll be tough as old boots.

And remember, boiling is essential for that signature chewiness. Trust me on this one!

Recipe Notes for Your Hot Cross Bagels : Some Yummy Things To Bake

Alright, let's get into the nitty gritty to make these Hot Cross Bagels sing! This Baked Recipe is about more than just following steps. It’s about creating amazing Food Vibes !

Plating, Presentation & Perfect Partners

Think about making these Easter bagel recipe look amazing . A little effort goes a long way, you know?

Presentation: Lightly toasted, warm, and maybe a dusting of powdered sugar. Arrange them nicely on a plate.
Sides: A classic cream cheese is brilliant. Honey or jam is another option!
Drinks: A hot cup of tea. Maybe a spiced latte for some autumnal warmth.

Storing Your Spiced Bagel Recipe

Fridge: Keep leftover Homemade bagels in an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Let the bagels cool fully. Then wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the toaster or oven.
Reheating: Toaster for a quick bite. Or, oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 5- 10 minutes.

Variations on This Bagel Baking Recipe

Fancy mixing things up a bit? Honestly, I love a good twist.

dairy-free: Use almond milk and dairy-free butter. You'll have amazing Fruited bagel recipe .
Seasonal Swap: Try apple and cinnamon for an autumn twist. You can create a nice Hot cross bun alternative .

Nutrition Made Easy

Let’s be honest, we’re not baking for kale chips, are we? But knowing what you're eating is always useful.

Basics: One bagel is about 350 calories. It has 10g of protein. 5g of fat and 65g of carbs.
Benefits: These Cinnamon raisin bagel have some fiber from the fruit! Plus, the spices are naturally anti inflammatory.

So there you have it! These Hot Cross Bagels are totally doable. Don't worry if they aren't perfect. Just have a go and enjoy the process, and these Yummy Things To Bake !

Yummy Things To Bake Fruited Hot Cross Bagels Delight

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Hot Cross Bagels ahead of time? Like, can I prep the dough the day before?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough for your Hot Cross Bagels the day before. After the first rise, punch the dough down, wrap it tightly in cling film, and store it in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and continuing with the recipe.

It's like giving your dough a relaxing spa day before the big bake!

My bagels didn't rise enough. What went wrong? Is my yeast a dud?

A few things could be at play here. First, make sure your milk wasn't too hot, as that can kill the yeast, think "Goldilocks" temperature. Also, check the expiration date on your yeast to ensure it's still active.

A cold environment can also slow down the rising process, so try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like near a radiator or in a slightly warmed oven (turned off, of course!).

What's the best way to store leftover Hot Cross Bagels so they don't go stale?

The best way to keep your Hot Cross Bagels fresh is to store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature. They'll stay good for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to slice them before freezing for easy toasting later!

A quick zap in the toaster will make them good as new.

Can I add anything else to the dough for more flavour in these Hot Cross Bagels?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different spices. A pinch of cardamom or ginger would add a lovely warm note. You could also substitute some of the mixed dried fruit with chopped dried apricots or cranberries for a different twist.

For a bit of indulgence, add chocolate chips to create chocolate chip Hot Cross Bagels a real treat!

Why do I need to boil the bagels before baking them? Does it really make a difference?

Boiling the bagels before baking is essential for that signature chewy texture. The brief boil gelatinizes the starches on the surface of the dough, creating a skin that prevents the bagels from rising too much in the oven.

This results in a dense, chewy interior and a slightly crisp exterior that's the proper "bagel feel" for you.