Cinnamon Focaccia

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease of bread baking, you’re in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Focaccia recipe! Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of freshly baked bread, each fluffy bite infused with sweet cinnamon goodness. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something special without spending all day in the kitchen.

What makes this Cinnamon Focaccia truly special is its versatility. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it fits right into any occasion. Plus, it’s a fun project to tackle with your loved ones. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love making this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you can whip this up even on a busy day.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds (or thirds) once they get a taste!
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough overnight for a quick bake in the morning.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of brown butter and cinnamon creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone asking for your secret.
• Perfectly shareable: Slice it into squares and share with friends or save some for yourself—if there’s any left!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Focaccia is made from simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need:

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 how flexible it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Change up the spices: Swap out cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice if you’re feeling festive!
• Mix in fruit: Add raisins or dried cranberries to the dough before baking for a fruity twist.
• Go savory: Try adding herbs like rosemary to create a savory focaccia option—perfect as an appetizer!

How to Make Cinnamon Focaccia

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 110℉) with granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise beautifully!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Pour in your activated yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir everything together until it forms a sticky dough ball. Don’t forget to rub the surface lightly with olive oil; this prevents sticking as it rises.

Step 3: First Rise

Cover your bowl with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. This slow rising process develops flavor and texture—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 4: Second Rise

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Pour 2 tablespoons of melted butter into the center of the pan. Gently deflate your dough by pulling it from the sides of the bowl toward the center several times before placing it into your buttered pan. Cover again and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1½ to 2 hours.

Step 5: Make the Brown Butter

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt half a cup of butter while stirring continuously until you smell that nutty aroma and see golden-amber color. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning! Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before using—it adds depth of flavor that makes this focaccia irresistible.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Topping

Add light brown sugar and cinnamon into your browned butter, mixing until dissolved smoothly. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen—get ready!

Step 7: Dimple the Dough

Preheat your oven to 450℉. Once your dough has risen nicely, use wet fingertips to press deep dimples all over its surface—this helps hold onto that delicious cinnamon-butter topping we just made! Drizzle it evenly over those dimples.

Step 8: Bake

Bake your focaccia for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. Let cool in the pan for just ten minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack—it’s going to smell heavenly!

Step 9: Finish with Vanilla Icing

Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle this delicious icing over your warm focaccia. Slice into squares, serve warm, and enjoy every fluffy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Focaccia

Making Cinnamon Focaccia can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll create an even more scrumptious treat!

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your yeast is active and your flour is fresh. This will help the dough rise beautifully, resulting in a light and airy focaccia.

• Don’t rush the rising time: Allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator overnight not only develops flavor but also improves the texture. Patience is key to achieving that perfect fluffiness!

• Dimple deeply: When you’re dimpling the dough before baking, press down firmly to create deeper pockets. This allows more of that delicious cinnamon-butter mixture to seep into the focaccia, enhancing every bite.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit on top before baking for additional flavor and texture. This can transform your focaccia from simple to extraordinary!

• Serve warm: For the best experience, serve the Cinnamon Focaccia warm out of the oven. The melting icing and gooey cinnamon-sugar are at their peak when fresh!

How to Serve Cinnamon Focaccia

Cinnamon Focaccia is not only delightful on its own but can also be served in various ways that make it even more enjoyable! Here are some creative ideas for presentation.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
• Fresh fruit: Add slices of apple or pear on top after drizzling with icing for a fresh twist that enhances both flavor and presentation.
• Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh mint or rosemary can provide a surprising contrast with its aromatic qualities, making each bite unique.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt brings a tangy balance to the sweetness of the focaccia. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
• Fruit salad: Fresh seasonal fruits will provide a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with Cinnamon Focaccia’s rich flavors.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of your favorite brew will complement this dish perfectly, making it an ideal addition to brunch gatherings.
• Cheese platter: Serve alongside a selection of soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast that elevates your meal.

With these serving suggestions, you can easily impress friends and family while enjoying every soft, sweet bite of your homemade Cinnamon Focaccia!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cinnamon Focaccia is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious homemade treats throughout the week. You can prepare the dough in advance or store any leftovers to savor later!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the focaccia to cool completely before storing.
• Place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cool the focaccia completely, then slice it into individual squares.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The focaccia can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, remove the desired pieces and let them thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Warm in a preheated oven at 350℉ for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• For a quick option, microwave individual pieces on medium power for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Cinnamon Focaccia!

Can I use regular flour instead of bread flour for Cinnamon Focaccia?

Using all-purpose flour will change the texture slightly, resulting in a less chewy focaccia. However, if that’s what you have on hand, go ahead!

How long does Cinnamon Focaccia stay fresh?

Cinnamon Focaccia stays fresh for about 2 days at room temperature or up to a week when refrigerated. Just make sure it’s stored properly!

Can I make Cinnamon Focaccia ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator, making it easy to bake fresh focaccia whenever you’re ready.

What makes this Cinnamon Focaccia special?

This recipe combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with an easier baking method. It has airy dough with crispy edges and a delightful drizzle of icing that brings everything together.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about this Cinnamon Focaccia! It’s truly a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Enjoy making this recipe in your kitchen and share it with friends and family. Happy baking!