While flipping through old cookbooks, I stumbled upon a delightful gem: Cinnamon Focaccia. This recipe is the perfect embodiment of comfort, blending the beloved qualities of cinnamon rolls with an effortlessly simple preparation. Imagine pulling apart soft, fluffy squares with crispy edges, each bite revealing a luscious swirl of buttery cinnamon-sugar that has caramelized beautifully in the oven. Not only is this treat a showstopper for any brunch, but it also offers a warm, cozy aroma that sweeps through your kitchen as it bakes. With minimal effort required and the indulgence of fresh vanilla icing, you’ll find that making this Cinnamon Focaccia is a sweet triumph that will have your friends and family coming back for more. Are you ready to make something that will fill your home with joy? Let’s dive in!
Why is Cinnamon Focaccia a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavor: This Cinnamon Focaccia combines rich, buttery sweetness with just the right amount of spice, creating an aroma that will pull everyone into the kitchen. It’s a delightful reminder of the cozy comfort of cinnamon rolls.
Effortlessly Simple: You won’t need advanced baking skills — just mix, let rise, and bake!
Versatile Treat: Whether it’s for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack, it fits perfectly with any occasion.
Showstopper Presentation: A drizzle of decadent vanilla icing makes it visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests.
Freezing Friendly: Make a batch, slice it, and store in the freezer for an easy indulgent treat on busy days. Try it with a side of Cinnamon Roll Cake for an even sweeter brunch spread!
Cinnamon Focaccia Ingredients
• Gather these delightful components for your irresistible Cinnamon Focaccia.
For the Dough
- Warm Water – Activates the yeast; heat to about 110°F for optimal results.
- Active Dry Yeast – The leavening agent that makes your dough rise; make sure it’s fresh for best outcomes.
- White Granulated Sugar – Aids in activating yeast and adds a hint of sweetness; you can substitute with honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Bread Flour – Provides structure and chewiness; though all-purpose flour works, bread flour is preferred for the best texture.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and tightens gluten structure; opt for sea salt or kosher salt for a burst of flavor.
- Olive Oil – Keeps the dough tender and moist; substitute with another neutral oil if you like.
For the Topping
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; ensure it’s melted before use.
- Brown Butter – Elevates the flavor with a nutty essence; don’t skip this for maximum depth.
- Light Brown Sugar – Sweetens the topping and complements the cinnamon; you can swap for dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Cinnamon – Infuses cozy warmth and spice; feel free to substitute with nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice if desired.
For the Icing
- Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth and sweet icing; coconut sugar can be a less processed substitute.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic flavor to your icing; you may substitute with almond extract or omit as needed.
- Milk – Adjusts the icing’s consistency; use non-dairy alternatives for a vegan option.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cinnamon Focaccia
Step 1: Activate Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water (heated to about 110°F) with white granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This step is crucial for ensuring your Cinnamon Focaccia rises beautifully, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Mix Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until the dough comes together. It will be slightly sticky; don’t be tempted to add more flour. Lightly grease the surface and cover the bowl with plastic wrap, allowing the dough to rest.
Step 3: First Rise
After mixing, refrigerate the dough covered for at least 12 hours. This slow fermentation process enhances the flavor and texture of your Cinnamon Focaccia, giving it that delightful fluffiness. Plan to prepare this step the night before for the best results!
Step 4: Second Rise
Take the chilled dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while you prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment and coated in melted unsalted butter. Once the dough has warmed slightly, deflate it gently and shape it, placing it into the pan. Cover with a towel and allow it to rise for 1.5-2 hours in a warm area until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Prepare Brown Butter
While the dough is rising, melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly; this brown butter adds rich flavor to the topping of your Cinnamon Focaccia.
Step 6: Make Topping
In a bowl, mix the cooled brown butter with light brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined and smooth. The sugar should dissolve completely, creating a luscious topping that will envelop your focaccia once baked.
Step 7: Dimple Donut
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Once the dough has risen, use your fingers to create dimples across the surface, being careful not to deflate it too much. Drizzle the brown butter topping evenly over the dimples, allowing it to seep into the dough for that delicious, gooey cinnamon flavor.
Step 8: Bake
Place the Cinnamon Focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy. As the aromas fill your kitchen, resist the urge to peek too soon to maintain that temperature!
Step 9: Finish Icing
While the focaccia cools for about 10 minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and drizzleable. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed. Once slightly cooled, drizzle the icing generously over the focaccia, creating a beautiful finish. Now, it’s ready to slice and savor!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Cinnamon Focaccia are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first rising step and refrigerating it overnight (this enhances flavor!). When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature, then deflate and shape it in your baking pan, letting it rise for 1.5-2 hours before proceeding. Additionally, the brown butter topping can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator; just reheat it slightly to return it to a pourable consistency. By prepping these components in advance, you’ll enjoy freshly baked, restaurant-quality Cinnamon Focaccia with minimal effort on busy mornings or brunch gatherings!
Storage Tips for Cinnamon Focaccia
Room Temperature: Store Cinnamon Focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain its soft texture and delightful flavor.
Fridge: If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. However, this may alter the texture slightly, making it less fluffy.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze your Cinnamon Focaccia without icing for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy the focaccia warm, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, keeping it covered to retain moisture.
Expert Tips for Cinnamon Focaccia
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Patience is Key: Allow adequate rising time during both the first and second rises. Rushing this process can lead to dense dough; let it puff up beautifully.
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Don’t Add Extra Flour: The dough will be a bit sticky, which is normal! Adding flour can result in a less fluffy Cinnamon Focaccia.
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Brown Butter Magic: Never skip the brown butter! It enriches the flavor with a lovely nutty essence that takes your focaccia to another level.
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Watch the Oven: Baking times can vary. Keep an eye on your focaccia in the last few minutes to avoid over-browning; it should be golden and crispy on the edges.
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Cool Before Icing: Let your focaccia cool slightly before drizzling with icing. This ensures the icing stays beautiful and doesn’t run off too much.
Cinnamon Focaccia Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to add your own twist to this delectable Cinnamon Focaccia recipe and personalize it to your liking!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegan margarine and use almond milk instead of regular milk for the icing.
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Extra Nutty: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for a delightful crunch that complements the warm spices. It adds another layer of flavor and texture with every bite.
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Fruit-Infused: Top the dough with sliced apples or pears before drizzling with the cinnamon topping for a fruity addition. The natural sweetness of the fruit pairs wonderfully with the spiced sugar.
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Pumpkin Spice: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist. This variation adds a cozy autumn flavor, making it perfect for fall celebrations.
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Maple Icing: Use maple syrup instead of powdered sugar in your icing for a rich, sweet finish that harmonizes beautifully with the cinnamon in the focaccia.
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Coconut Sugar: For a less processed sweetener, replace light brown sugar with coconut sugar in both the topping and the icing. This will create a deeper, caramel-like flavor that’s truly satisfying.
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Savory Twist: Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for a savory variation. This unexpected flavor will keep your guests guessing and intrigued.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum. Just ensure it’s designed for baking for the right texture.
This Cinnamon Focaccia is versatile enough to adapt and personalize. For more sweet inspirations, don’t forget to check out our delicious Cinnamon Roll Protein or give our scrumptious Cinnamon Roll Cake a try!
What to Serve With Cinnamon Focaccia
Experience a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will make your meal truly unforgettable.
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Coffee or Tea: The warm, cozy notes of cinnamon foccacia complement the rich flavors of coffee or a soothing herbal tea nicely.
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Fresh Berries: A side of mixed berries adds a refreshing, juicy contrast, brightening up each bite of the sweet focaccia.
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Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy, yogurt enhances the sweetness of the focaccia and adds a lovely velvety mouthfeel. Serve it drizzled with honey for extra sweetness!
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Breakfast Sausages: The savory, spiced profile of breakfast sausages provides a delicious contrast to the sweet, airy focaccia, making it a well-rounded morning meal.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy sweetness, perfect for draping over a warm slice.
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Maple Syrup: A drizzle of pure maple syrup elevates the indulgence of cinnamon focaccia, enhancing its buttery goodness and complementing the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
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Cream Cheese Icing: Consider a ginger cream cheese icing for an inviting twist that pairs exquisitely with the spice and sweetness of the focaccia.
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Sparkling Cider: This fizzy drink is an elegant touch to the table, cleansing the palate while adding a festive vibe!
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Nutty Granola: Serve a small bowl of nutty granola alongside. The crunch and texture contrast wonderfully with the soft focaccia.
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Chocolate Milk: For a playful twist, chocolate milk offers an indulgent, sweet pairing that entertains both kids and grown-ups alike.
Cinnamon Focaccia Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my yeast is fresh?
To ensure your yeast is fresh, check the expiration date on the package, and perform a quick test by mixing it with warm water and sugar. It should become foamy within 10-15 minutes. If it doesn’t, it’s best to buy new yeast for optimal rising.
What’s the best way to store the Cinnamon Focaccia?
Store your Cinnamon Focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for maximum freshness. If you plan to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days, but the texture might become less fluffy. For the longest shelf life, freeze it without icing for up to 2 months, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Can I freeze leftover Cinnamon Focaccia?
Absolutely! To freeze your Cinnamon Focaccia, wait until it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This will prevent freezer burn and keep it fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, covered to retain moisture.
What if my dough doesn’t rise correctly?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Always ensure your yeast is fresh, and that the water temperature is around 110°F — too hot or too cold can impact yeast activation. If the dough feels too sticky after the first rise, let it rest a bit longer in a warm area, as sometimes, extra time is all it needs.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
While this Cinnamon Focaccia is best with bread flour, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure you use a blend designed for bread, as this will provide a better structure. Follow the packaging instructions, as gluten-free flours often require different liquid ratios or additional binding agents.
Is this recipe pet-friendly?
While the Cinnamon Focaccia is a delicious treat for humans, it’s not suitable for pets, especially due to ingredients like sugar, flour, and butter. Always keep baked goods away from animals, as they can cause digestive issues. If you’d like to treat your furry friend, consider making a special dog-friendly recipe instead!
Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Focaccia: Easy and Delicious!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water with white granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let sit for 10-15 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk the bread flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until the dough comes together. Lightly grease the surface and cover to rest.
- Refrigerate the dough covered for at least 12 hours for slow fermentation to enhance flavor and texture.
- Let the chilled dough sit at room temperature while preparing a baking pan lined with parchment and coated in melted butter. Once warmed, deflate it gently, shape it, and place it in the pan to rise for 1.5-2 hours.
- Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until golden brown and nutty. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
- Mix cooled brown butter with light brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth and well combined for the topping.
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Create dimples across the risen dough's surface, drizzle the topping evenly over it.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on edges. Resist opening the oven too soon!
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle generously over the slightly cooled focaccia.