Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of warm, sugary cinnamon wafting through the kitchen can transport you to your sweetest memories, and that’s exactly what this Easy Cinnamon Focaccia will do. As I whisked together the simple ingredients for this airy, golden bread, it reminded me of lazy Sunday mornings spent enjoying homemade treats rather than fast food. With no rolling or shaping required, this uncomplicated recipe delivers a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll that’s perfect for brunch or dessert. The joy doesn’t stop at the prep; imagine cutting into a soft slice, each piece drizzled with creamy vanilla icing that seeps into the fluffy goodness. Not only is this Cinnamon Focaccia easy to make, but it’s also a fantastic crowd-pleaser that’ll keep your family coming back for more. Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the mouthwatering scent of cinnamon and gather around the table for a slice of bliss? Why is Cinnamon Focaccia so Special? Airy Texture: This focaccia is soft and fluffy, making it the perfect comfort food, reminiscent of a cinnamon roll but without the fuss of rolling or shaping. Decadent Flavor: The combination of brown butter and cinnamon creates an indulgent, caramelly taste that is simply irresistible. Quick Preparation: With an effortless dough prep and just a short rise time, you’ll have a delectable treat ready in no time. Versatile Delight: Enjoy it warm for breakfast or as a cozy dessert paired with your favorite beverage—this recipe fits any occasion! Baker-Friendly: Perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs, this recipe invites everyone to experience homemade goodness. For a sweet twist, try adding a drizzle of maple icing or even a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a richer taste! Discover more ideas here. Cinnamon Focaccia Ingredients For the Dough Warm Water – Hydrates the dough and activates yeast; use water heated to about 110°F. Active Dry Yeast – Essential leavening agent for rising; ensure it’s fresh for best results. White Granulated Sugar – Feeds the yeast for proper fermentation; can be swapped with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Bread Flour – Provides structure and chewiness; all-purpose flour can be used but results in a softer texture. Salt – Enhances flavor and strengthens gluten structure; essential for balance in the dough. Olive Oil – Adds moisture and a subtle flavor; melted butter works as a suitable replacement. For the Topping Unsalted Butter – Used for greasing the pan and contributes richness to the topping. Brown Butter – Deepens the flavor profile with a nutty note; be cautious not to overcook it. Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and caramelly notes; can substitute with white sugar but results will differ. Cinnamon – The key flavoring spice for that signature cinnamon taste in your focaccia. For the Icing Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth drizzle for icing; a must for that sweet finish. Vanilla Extract – Adds a delightful aroma and flavor to the icing. Milk – Adjusts the icing’s consistency; can be replaced with non-dairy options for versatility. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cinnamon Focaccia Step 1: Activate Yeast In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water heated to about 110°F with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the mixture, gently stir, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, or until frothy. This vital step ensures your Cinnamon Focaccia dough rises beautifully, giving it that airy texture we love. Step 2: Mix Dough In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of bread flour and 1 teaspoon of salt until well combined. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir using a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. The dough should be slightly tacky but cohesive, which is perfect for our delicious focaccia. Step 3: First Rise Cover the dough bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place it in the refrigerator. Let it rise for at least 12 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the dough to become airy. The long, slow rise enhances the nuances of flavor in your Cinnamon Focaccia, so don’t rush this step! Step 4: Second Rise Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 450°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter. Gently remove the cold dough and transfer it into the pan, dimpling it with your fingers. Cover the pan with a towel and let it rise for 1.5 to 2 hours in a warm place, until puffed and expanded. Step 5: Prepare Brown Butter While the dough rises, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Take care to watch it closely, as overcooking can lead to bitterness. This brown butter will add depth to the flavor of your Cinnamon Focaccia. Step 6: Make Cinnamon Topping In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of light brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Once your brown butter is ready, pour it over the sugar-cinnamon mixture, stirring to combine into a gooey topping. This delectable blend will enhance your Cinnamon Focaccia with that classic sweet and spicy flavor. Step 7: Dimple Dough After the second rise is complete, gently press deep dimples into the surface of the dough with your fingertips. This will create pockets for the cinnamon-butter topping to seep in, ensuring each bite is infused with flavor. Drizzle your cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dimples, making sure to cover as much of the dough as possible. Step 8: Bake Now it’s time to bake! Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake the Cinnamon Focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and beautifully puffed. The edges should be crisp, and the aroma will fill your kitchen, promising a delightful treat ahead. Step 9: Finish with Icing While the focaccia cools slightly, prepare the icing by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this creamy icing over the warm Cinnamon Focaccia before serving, adding a sweet finish that elevates each fluffy slice to perfection. How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Focaccia Room Temperature: Keep your Cinnamon Focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its delightful softness and flavor. Fridge: If you need a bit more freshness, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Be sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out. Freezer: To enjoy your focaccia later, wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best flavor, freeze without icing to maintain the best texture. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw your focaccia in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and fluffy, then drizzle with icing before serving. Cinnamon Focaccia Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative and make this delicious Cinnamon Focaccia truly your own! Maple Frosting: Swap vanilla icing for delightful maple icing to add a rich, warm flavor accent. Cream Cheese Icing: Substitute the vanilla icing with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist that’s simply irresistible. Nutmeg Boost: Enhance the spice profile by adding a teaspoon of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon for a warming, aromatic touch. Nuts or Fruits: Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried fruits like raisins into the dough for a delightful texture and added flavor with every bite. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of bread flour to make this recipe accessible for gluten-sensitive family members. Coconut Oil: Replace olive oil with melted coconut oil for a unique flavor and a hint of tropical goodness. Heat It Up: If you love some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar topping for a surprising kick of spice. Cinnamon Sugar Air: For another creative dish, explore making Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips to whip up an easy and indulgent snack alongside your Cinnamon Focaccia! Make Ahead Options Cinnamon Focaccia is a fantastic recipe for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it and allowing it to rise in the refrigerator, which enhances the flavor while providing a soft texture. Additionally, the delicious cinnamon topping can be made ahead as well; simply mix it and refrigerate in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake. When you’re set to serve, let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before dimpling it and adding the topping. This way, you’ll have fresh, warm Cinnamon Focaccia that’s just as delightful with minimal effort! What to Serve with Easy Cinnamon Focaccia? Enjoying a slice of warm, pillowy focaccia is even better when paired with delightful accompaniments that enhance every bite. Fresh Fruit Salad: Light and vibrant, a mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing, juicy contrast to the sweet cinnamon flavors. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture and buttery notes of mashed potatoes balance the sweet elements, creating a comforting meal. Spiced Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai, with its aromatic spices and creamy milk, complements the cinnamon beautifully, making each sip and bite a cozy delight. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting drizzled with warm icing creates a heavenly contrast of hot and cold, perfect for dessert lovers. Maple Syrup: Drizzling rich, amber maple syrup over warm slices elevates the sweet experience, enriching those soft layers with a deliciously nutty finish. Rich Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a cup of sweet hot chocolate to enhance the cozy vibe, making it the perfect pairing for afternoon gatherings or cozy brunches. Enjoying your Easy Cinnamon Focaccia with these delights will transform your meal into a heartwarming experience, one slice at a time! Expert Tips for Cinnamon Focaccia Be Patient: Allow your dough to rise fully, as this significantly enhances the airy texture of your Cinnamon Focaccia. Waiting pays off with richer flavors! Handle with Care: Remember that this dough is sticky! Avoid the temptation to add extra flour, as it can affect the fluffy consistency and result in denser bread. Perfect Brown Butter: Watch your butter closely while browning it. If overcooked, it can become bitter; you want that nutty aroma that elevates flavor. Cool Before Icing: Let your focaccia cool slightly before drizzling with icing. This helps the icing maintain its shape and prevents it from sliding off too quickly. Accurate Measuring: Use precise measuring techniques, especially for flour. Too much can weigh down your dough, resulting in a less airy focaccia. Cinnamon Focaccia Recipe FAQs What type of yeast should I use for Cinnamon Focaccia? I recommend using active dry yeast for this recipe because it’s a common and reliable leavening agent. Make sure your yeast is fresh; if it doesn’t foam up during the activation process, it’s best to start over with a new package. How do I know if my dough has risen enough? Look for the dough to double in size during the rising phase. When you gently press a finger into it, the indentation should remain. If it springs back immediately, it needs more time. What is the best way to store Cinnamon Focaccia? Store your Cinnamon Focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresher longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Just ensure to cover it well to avoid drying out! Can I freeze Cinnamon Focaccia? How? Absolutely! To freeze your Cinnamon Focaccia, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for that fresh-baked taste. What if my icing is too runny? If your icing is too runny, simply add a little more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired thickness. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a few drops of milk. This will help you achieve that perfect drizzle over your focaccia! Is Cinnamon Focaccia safe for people with nut allergies? Yes! This recipe does not include any nuts. However, be cautious if you’re using any additional toppings or serving it alongside other items, as cross-contamination can occur if they contain nuts. Always double-check ingredients if serving to those with allergies. Soft and Sweet Cinnamon Focaccia for Your Cozy Mornings This Cinnamon Focaccia offers a soft, fluffy texture combined with the indulgent flavor of brown butter and cinnamon, perfect for cozy mornings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsFirst Rise 12 hours hrsTotal Time 12 hours hrs 40 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: CakesCuisine: Baked GoodsCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 cup Warm Water Heated to about 110°F.2 tablespoons Active Dry Yeast Ensure it's fresh.2 tablespoons White Granulated Sugar Can be swapped with brown sugar.3 cups Bread Flour All-purpose flour can be used.1 teaspoon Salt2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with melted butter.For the Topping1/2 cup Unsalted Butter For greasing and richness.1/4 cup Brown Butter Be cautious not to overcook.1 cup Light Brown Sugar Can substitute with white sugar.2 tablespoons Cinnamon Key flavoring spice.For the Icing1 cup Powdered Sugar For icing.2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract2 tablespoons Milk Can be replaced with non-dairy options. Equipment Mixing bowlWooden Spoon or SpatulaBaking panSaucepan Method Step-by-Step InstructionsActivate Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water with sugar. Sprinkle yeast, stir gently, and let sit for 10-15 minutes until frothy.Mix Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together bread flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Stir until a sticky dough forms.First Rise: Cover dough and place in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.Second Rise: Preheat oven to 450°F. Grease baking pan with butter, transfer cold dough, dimple it, cover, and let rise for 1.5 to 2 hours.Prepare Brown Butter: Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan, stirring until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.Make Cinnamon Topping: Combine light brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, pour in brown butter, and stir until combined.Dimple Dough: Press deep dimples into the dough surface and drizzle cinnamon-butter mixture over it.Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.Finish with Icing: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm focaccia before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesBe patient while allowing dough to rise fully for the best flavor and texture. Handle the sticky dough with care to maintain its airy quality. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
