Cinnamon Focaccia: A Sweet Twist on Classic Italian Bread

Focaccia is a beloved Italian bread known for its airy, soft interior and slightly crisp crust. While traditionally savory, adding cinnamon and sugar transforms this classic bread into a sweet, indulgent treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This Cinnamon Focaccia is soft, flavorful, and topped with a rich cinnamon-sugar layer and optional vanilla icing for a touch of elegance.

The combination of warm, yeasty dough with buttery cinnamon sugar creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience reminiscent of a cinnamon roll but with the rustic charm of focaccia. This recipe is approachable for home bakers, with detailed steps for kneading, rising, and baking to ensure perfect results every time.

This article will guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step preparation, tips for best results, variations, serving suggestions, and frequently asked questions, ensuring your Cinnamon Focaccia turns out soft, sweet, and irresistible.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it balances the airy, slightly chewy texture of focaccia with the rich, sweet flavor of cinnamon sugar. Using active dry yeast and warm water ensures a strong rise, while bread flour provides structure and elasticity. Melted butter enhances the softness, and a cinnamon-sugar topping caramelizes slightly in the oven, adding flavor and texture. The optional vanilla icing adds a sweet finishing touch, making this focaccia perfect for a treat or festive occasion.

Unlike cinnamon rolls, this bread is easy to shape and does not require rolling or individual portioning, making it a simpler alternative with all the flavors of your favorite spiced pastries.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 2 cups warm water (about 110℉) – Activates the yeast and ensures proper rise.
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast – Provides the lift needed for soft, airy focaccia.
• 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar – Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
• 4 cups bread flour – Spoon and level for accurate measurement; provides structure and chew.
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Adds moisture and a subtle richness.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Keeps the dough soft and tender.

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

• 6 tablespoons brown butter – Adds nutty, deep flavor; see notes below.
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar – Sweetens and caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon – Provides classic cinnamon flavor.

Vanilla Icing (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted – For smooth, lump-free icing.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances sweetness and aroma.
• 2 ½ tablespoons milk – Adjust for desired consistency.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, olive oil, and melted butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes on medium speed.

Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or similar-sized ovenproof dish. Transfer the risen dough to the pan and gently stretch it to fit the pan evenly. Use your fingertips to create dimples across the surface of the dough.

Step 6: Add Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
In a small saucepan, melt brown butter until fragrant and slightly browned. Mix in brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour the mixture evenly over the dough, spreading carefully to coat the surface and fill the dimples.

Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the dough loosely and let it rise for another 20–30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a light, airy texture.

Step 8: Bake
Bake the focaccia for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cinnamon-sugar topping is bubbly. Check that the center is set; the bread should spring back lightly when pressed.

Step 9: Prepare Vanilla Icing (Optional)
While the focaccia is cooling slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Adjust milk to achieve a drizzle-able consistency. Drizzle the icing over the warm focaccia for added sweetness and visual appeal.

Step 10: Serve
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm. The bread is delicious on its own or paired with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Focaccia

• Brown butter carefully: Keep an eye on it while melting; it should be fragrant and slightly browned, not burned.
• Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature butter and water helps achieve a tender dough.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Knead until smooth, but avoid over-kneading which can result in a tough texture.
• Dimples matter: Pressing dimples into the dough helps hold the cinnamon-sugar mixture and creates the signature focaccia look.
• Cool slightly before icing: Allow the focaccia to cool 5–10 minutes before drizzling icing to prevent it from melting too quickly.

Flavor Variations

• Apple Cinnamon Focaccia: Add thinly sliced apples between dimples before baking for fruity sweetness.
• Pecan or Walnut Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts over the cinnamon-sugar mixture for crunch.
• Caramel Drizzle: Instead of vanilla icing, drizzle warm caramel over the focaccia.
• Maple Glaze: Replace the vanilla icing with a simple maple syrup glaze for autumn-inspired flavor.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Focaccia: Add mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar topping for a chocolatey twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Cinnamon Focaccia is perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch, served with coffee or tea.
• A sweet snack or dessert for gatherings or holiday meals.
• Pairing with a fruit compote or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Gifts for friends and family during festive seasons.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough and topping in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day for fresh, sweet focaccia.

Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for 3–4 days.

Freezing: Fully baked focaccia can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw at room temperature and warm before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, 1/8 of focaccia)

Calories: 280
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 12g

Values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this focaccia without vanilla icing?
Yes, it’s delicious with just the cinnamon-sugar topping. The icing is optional for added sweetness and presentation.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, though bread flour provides slightly more chew and structure. All-purpose flour will yield a softer, slightly less structured focaccia.

Do I need to brown the butter for topping?
Browning the butter adds a nutty, deep flavor, but regular melted butter will also work.

Can I add fruit or nuts?
Yes, thinly sliced apples, berries, or chopped nuts can be added for extra flavor and texture.

How do I keep focaccia soft?
Store in an airtight container or cover with foil while slightly warm to retain moisture.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Focaccia combines the best of Italian bread with sweet, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. With a soft, airy interior and caramelized topping, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The optional vanilla icing elevates it to a visually appealing and indulgent treat.

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Whether served plain, with fruit, or as a festive centerpiece, this focaccia is simple to make, versatile, and sure to impress family and friends. Its balance of buttery richness, warm cinnamon flavor, and light sweetness makes it an irresistible addition to any baking repertoire.