Cinnamon Focaccia

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of bread-making, then you’ve come to the right place! This Cinnamon Focaccia is an absolute delight and one of my favorite go-to treats. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Just imagine pulling a golden, fluffy focaccia from the oven, with its airy texture and sweet cinnamon aroma filling your home. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your household.

What makes this Cinnamon Focaccia extra special is how effortlessly it comes together. You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise while you sleep, making it a fantastic option for brunch or breakfast. The drizzled vanilla icing? Oh, it takes this treat to another level!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and minimal fuss, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cinnamon and sugar! This focaccia is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough overnight for an easy morning treat that’s ready to bake when you are.
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of brown butter and cinnamon creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it as breakfast, brunch, or even dessert — it fits any occasion perfectly!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful treat. Most of these are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever you’re craving something sweet.

For the Dough

• 2 cups warm water (heated to about 110℉)
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp white granulated sugar
• 4 cups bread flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Topping

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 6 tbsp brown butter (see notes below)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon

For the Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your toppings or add-ins.

• Add nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Try different spices: Swap out cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg if you want a different twist.
• Incorporate fruit: Toss in some raisins or chopped apples into the dough before baking for a fruity surprise.
• Experiment with glazes: Instead of vanilla icing, try a lemon glaze for a zesty kick!

How to Make Cinnamon Focaccia

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

To start off on the right foot, we need to activate our yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water and granulated sugar. This step is crucial because it helps ensure that our dough rises beautifully. Once mixed, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it’s all foamy. That foam indicates that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Now it’s time to bring everything together. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour and salt. Then pour in that foamy yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir until you have a sticky dough ball forming. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect — just make sure everything is combined well! Lightly rub the surface of your dough with some olive oil; this helps keep it from drying out during its first rise.

Step 3: First Rise

Cover your bowl with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap, then pop it into the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. Yes, I know waiting can be tough! But this slow rise allows flavors to develop beautifully while keeping your dough nice and airy.

Step 4: Second Rise

Once you’re ready to bake, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Pour melted butter into the center — oh yes! Now gently deflate your dough by pulling it from the sides of the bowl and folding toward the center several times before placing it into your prepared pan. Cover again and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 ½ – 2 hours until puffy.

Step 5: Make Brown Butter

While your dough is rising again, let’s make that delicious brown butter! In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt half a cup of butter while stirring constantly until you catch that nutty aroma and see golden color starting to form — about 5-7 minutes should do it! Remove from heat immediately so you don’t burn it; we want all those lovely flavors intact.

Step 6: Make Cinnamon Topping

Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon into your browned butter until dissolved completely. This topping will create those delightful caramelized pockets of sweetness once baked!

Step 7: Dimple the Dough

Preheat your oven to 450℉ while you dimple that lovely risen dough! With wet fingertips, press deep dimples all over its surface — this step is important as they’ll hold onto our cinnamon-butter mixture beautifully later on.

Step 8: Bake

Time for baking magic! Drizzle your cinnamon-butter evenly over those dimples then bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool in the pan for around ten minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack where they can finish cooling down.

Step 9: Finish with Vanilla Icing

Lastly, let’s drizzle on some icing! Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth; adjust milk as necessary depending on how thick you’d like your icing. Once mixed well enough, drizzle generously over warm focaccia slices before diving straight in!

Enjoy every fluffy bite of this Cinnamon Focaccia—it’s truly comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Focaccia

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure your Cinnamon Focaccia turns out perfectly every time!

• Use a kitchen scale: Measuring your ingredients by weight leads to more consistent results. A kitchen scale ensures that you have the perfect flour-to-water ratio, creating a tender and airy dough.
• Don’t rush the rising process: Allowing the dough to rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight enhances its flavor and texture. Patience pays off, leading to beautifully developed gluten and a wonderfully fluffy focaccia.
• Dimple deeply: When pressing dimples into the dough before baking, make sure to press down firmly. This helps create pockets for the cinnamon-butter mixture, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with additional toppings! Chopped nuts or fresh fruit can add delightful crunch and sweetness, making your focaccia even more special.
• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary in temperature, so check on your focaccia a few minutes before the suggested baking time. You want it golden brown but not overcooked.

How to Serve Cinnamon Focaccia

Serving Cinnamon Focaccia is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, making your focaccia look even more inviting.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans not only add crunch but also enhance the nutty flavors from the brown butter.
• Fresh berries: Serve alongside fresh raspberries or blueberries for a pop of color and tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet focaccia.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt makes a lovely contrast to the sweet focaccia, adding richness while keeping it light and refreshing.
• Fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad brings freshness and acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the focaccia—perfect for breakfast or brunch!
• Coffee or tea: Pairing this treat with a warm beverage elevates your experience; consider serving it with freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea for a cozy touch.
• Smoothie bowl: A colorful smoothie bowl filled with fruits, nuts, and seeds is an excellent side that complements Cinnamon Focaccia’s sweetness while adding nutritional benefits.

Enjoy this delightful recipe as part of your breakfast spread or as a sweet afternoon treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cinnamon Focaccia is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors even on busy days. Preparing it ahead of time not only saves you stress but also means you can indulge in warm, fluffy goodness whenever the craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover Cinnamon Focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider placing it in the refrigerator where it can last up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or use an oven preheated to 350℉ for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Cinnamon Focaccia.

Can I make Cinnamon Focaccia without yeast?

While yeast is essential for achieving that airy texture, you could experiment with baking powder or soda for a quicker alternative. However, the result will differ from traditional focaccia.

How long does it take to make Cinnamon Focaccia?

The total time includes rising periods and baking, so expect around 12 hours plus active preparation and cooking time. Most of this is hands-off while the dough rises!

Can I customize my Cinnamon Focaccia?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch or try different spices such as nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon for a unique twist.

What makes this Cinnamon Focaccia special?

This recipe combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease of focaccia. Its soft texture paired with caramelized topping makes every bite feel indulgent.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?

Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the bread flour, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this warm and inviting Cinnamon Focaccia as much as I do! It’s a delightful treat that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try; I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Happy baking!