Name: Cinnamon Focaccia
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-487905H57M48S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cinnamon Focaccia; 2 cups warm water (about 110℉); 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar; 4 cups bread flour (spooned and leveled); 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; Cinnamon-Sugar Topping; 6 tablespoons brown butter (see notes); ⅓ cup light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; Vanilla Icing; 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ tablespoons milk (adjust as needed)

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If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but dread the time and effort they require, this Cinnamon Focaccia recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine soft, airy bread with golden, crispy edges, all those perfect little dimples filled with buttery cinnamon sugar that caramelizes in the oven, topped with a smooth vanilla icing drizzle that melts into every bite. It’s everything you want in a cinnamon roll, without the fuss. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, this focaccia brings that cozy sweetness with way less hassle.

Cinnamon Focaccia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cinnamon Focaccia combines the best of both worlds—airy, fluffy bread with the irresistible flavor of cinnamon sugar baked right in. It’s perfect for those who want a deliciously sweet treat but don’t want to spend hours rolling dough and layering fillings. Plus, the long, slow rise in the fridge develops incredible flavor and a tender crumb that makes every bite unforgettable.

Ingredients

2 cups warm water (about 110℉)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon white granulated sugar
4 cups bread flour (spooned and leveled)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

6 tablespoons brown butter (see notes)
⅓ cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Vanilla Icing

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Tip: You can find a full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Instructions

Activate the yeast by combining the warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes foamy. This signals that your yeast is alive and ready.

In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Lightly rub olive oil on the dough’s surface to prevent drying.

Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 12 hours for the first rise. This slow fermentation develops fantastic flavor.

When ready, grease a 9×13-inch pan and line it with parchment paper. Pour 2 tablespoons of melted butter into the center of the pan.

Gently deflate the dough by pulling it from the sides and folding it toward the center several times. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours.

While the dough rises, prepare the brown butter by melting ½ cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it smells nutty and turns a golden amber color. Be careful not to burn it. Let it cool for 10 minutes.

Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon into the cooled brown butter until the sugar dissolves.

Preheat your oven to 450℉. Using wet fingertips, press deep dimples all over the surface of the risen dough. Drizzle the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dimples.

Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

For the icing, combine powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Whisk until smooth and drizzle over the warm focaccia. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Variations

You can customize this focaccia by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar topping for extra crunch. For a twist, try swapping the vanilla icing for a cream cheese glaze or sprinkle some orange zest into the icing for a citrusy kick. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar or skip the icing altogether.

Heating and Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350℉ for 5-7 minutes until soft and slightly crisp again. This focaccia also freezes well—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and warm before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the dough need to rise?

The dough needs a slow rise in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours and a second rise at room temperature for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Can I make this focaccia without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It may take a bit longer to develop gluten but works just as well.

What is brown butter and why use it?

Brown butter is butter cooked until the milk solids turn golden brown, giving it a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the cinnamon sugar topping.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour, but bread flour gives a chewier, airier texture due to higher protein content.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough overnight?

Refrigerating slows fermentation, enhancing flavor and texture, but you can do a quicker rise at room temperature if short on time.

Can I add other spices?

Yes! Nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves work well alongside cinnamon.

How do I store leftover focaccia?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Can I make this gluten-free?

This recipe relies on gluten development, so it’s not suitable for gluten-free flours without adjustments.

How do I prevent the icing from being too runny?

Add powdered sugar a little at a time and adjust milk gradually until you get the consistency you want.

What’s the best way to cut focaccia without squishing it?

Use a serrated knife or pizza cutter for clean cuts, and let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Focaccia recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the cozy, sweet flavors of cinnamon rolls but wants a simpler, less time-intensive option. Its soft, airy texture combined with the rich cinnamon-sugar topping and vanilla icing makes it a perfect treat for any time of day. With a few simple ingredients and some patience during the slow rise, you’ll have a bakery-worthy focaccia right in your kitchen that friends and family will love.

Cinnamon Focaccia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe