Heat water, sugar, honey, and cinnamon stick, if desired, in a small saucepan over low heat, until the

sugar and honey dissolve and the syrup comes to a gentle boil.

Remove from heat, add lemon juice, and mix well.

Cool well before using. Syrup can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator for future use.

To proof the yeast, mix one cup flour, the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast in a container with a lid. Close the lid and let sit in a warm place for 30 minutes, until the mixture rises significantly.

Pour the cold water into the bowl of an electric mixer. Add the proofed yeast mixture and spread the remaining flour on top. Knead with a dough hook on the lowest speed for five minutes.

Add salt and continue kneading on second speed for another five minutes, until dough is soft, smooth, and elastic and balls up around the dough hook. If the dough is not elastic and is still a bit cool to the touch, knead it for an additional one to two minutes.

Transfer the dough to your work surface and knead a little. Shape it into a ball and transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 40 minutes.

Return the dough to your work surface. Divide it into six balls, five and 1/3 ounces (150 grams) each. Place

on a lightly floured surface, cover, and allow to

rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Put flour in a small bowl and dip each ball of dough in the flour on all sides. Using your thumb, create a hole in the center. Gently widen the hole and stretch the ball into a ring that’s six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter. Repeat with all balls.

Line a baking sheet with Gefen Parchment Paper. Prepare two wide bowls. In one, put a bit of water and in the other, mix the topping ingredients.

Dip each dough ring into the water, shake off excess water, and dip into the topping bowl. The rings should be evenly coated with sesame on all sides. Place bagels on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Let rise 40 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

Spray bagels with a bit of water, then place in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden. If they get dark too quickly, reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

Remove from oven. While bagels are still warm, brush well with cool honey syrup. Serve warm.