Panera Copycat Cinnamon Crunch Bagels

These Panera Copycat Cinnamon Crunch Bagels taste exactly like the bakery favorite — soft and chewy inside with a thick, crackly cinnamon-sugar crust on top. Made with just 5 simple ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes, you can bake them in the oven or cook them in the air fryer.

If you’ve ever stood in line at Panera just for one of their Cinnamon Crunch Bagels, this recipe is going to be your new favorite. These Panera Copycat Cinnamon Crunch Bagels taste exactly like the bakery version — soft, chewy, and loaded with a crackly cinnamon-sugar topping — but you can make them at home in about 20 minutes with just 5 simple ingredients. No yeast, no rising time, no boiling required.

I love that you can bake these in a regular oven OR pop them in the air fryer, so no matter what your kitchen setup looks like, you can have warm, sweet, cinnamon-crunchy bagels by breakfast.

If you love this recipe, you’ll also love my Air Fryer Weight Watcher Two-Ingredient Bagels, Keto Bagels, and Toasted Coconut Bagels.

What Are Panera’s Cinnamon Crunch Bagels?

Panera’s Cinnamon Crunch Bagel is the chain’s most famous and most-requested bagel. The original is made with a yeast dough sweetened with honey and brown sugar, then topped with a thick layer of cinnamon sugar that bakes into a sweet, crunchy crust. It tastes more like a cinnamon-sugar donut than a traditional bagel — and that’s exactly why people are obsessed with it.

This copycat version skips the yeast and uses a simple 2-ingredient Greek yogurt dough, so you get that same sweet, cinnamon-sugar magic in a fraction of the time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 5 ingredients — no yeast, no special equipment needed
• Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish
• No boiling or proofing like traditional bagel recipes
• Higher protein thanks to the Greek yogurt base
• Two cooking methods — bake in the oven OR cook in the air fryer
• Way cheaper than Panera — make 4 bagels for less than the cost of one at the bakery.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the simple ingredients to make Panera Copycat Cinnamon Crunch Bagels:

• Self-Rising Flour — Has the leavening built in, so the bagels rise without yeast.
• Plain Greek Yogurt — Adds moisture, protein, and a soft, tender chew. Use full-fat for best results.
• Brown Sugar — Gives the topping that deep, caramel-y Panera flavor.
• Granulated Sugar — Helps create the crackly, crunchy crust on top.
• Ground Cinnamon — The warm, cozy flavor that makes this bagel iconic.

How to Make Panera Copycat Cinnamon Crunch Bagels

Oven Method (Primary)

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Lightly flour your surface and gently knead the dough for about a minute, until smooth. Form into a round, then cut into 4 equal pieces.

Step 4: Roll each piece into a 5- to 7-inch rope and pinch the ends together to form a bagel shape. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Press each bagel into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating the tops generously (don’t be shy — this is what makes it taste like Panera!).

Step 6: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and the topping is crackly. Let them cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

Air Fryer Method (Alternative)

If you’d rather use your air fryer, here’s how:

1. Place a parchment round in your air fryer basket, or spray the basket lightly with cooking spray.
2. Shape the bagels and top them with the cinnamon sugar mixture as directed above.
3. Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown. Don’t let them touch — work in batches if needed.
4. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Crunch Bagels

• Coat the tops generously. The thick layer of cinnamon sugar is what gives Panera’s bagels their signature “crunch.” Don’t skimp.
• Use full-fat Greek yogurt. Lower-fat versions can make the dough too sticky and the bagels less tender.
• Shape them evenly. Uniform ropes = uniform bagels that bake evenly.
• Let them cool before slicing. The topping firms up as it cools, giving you that signature crackly crust.
• Don’t overcrowd (if air frying). Give each bagel breathing room for even cooking.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour? Yes! For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt? Greek yogurt is best because it’s thicker. If you use regular yogurt, the dough will be too wet — you’ll need to add extra flour to compensate.

How do I get a thicker cinnamon crunch topping like Panera’s? Brush the tops of the shaped bagels with a little water or melted butter before pressing them into the cinnamon sugar. The moisture helps the topping cling and bake into a thicker crust.

Can I add a glaze on top? Absolutely. Whisk ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons of milk and a splash of vanilla, then drizzle over the cooled bagels for an extra-sweet finish.

How do I store leftover bagels? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crunch.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes — refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Shape and bake when ready.

Can I make mini bagels? Yes! Divide the dough into 8 pieces instead of 4. Reduce baking time to 12–15 minutes (or 6–7 minutes in the air fryer).

Why are my bagels dense? Most often this means the dough was overworked. Knead just until smooth — about a minute — and stop.

More Panera Copycat Recipes to Try

• Copycat Panera Mac N Cheese in the Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Copycat Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
• Air Fryer Copycat Panera Wild Blueberry Muffins
• Copycat Panera Granola Recipe

Already love the air fryer? Check out my original Air Fryer Panera Copycat Cinnamon Crunch Bagels post for the air-fryer-specific version with full step-by-step photos.