Cinnamon Focaccia Recipe

If you adore the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon baked into a soft, pillowy bread, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Focaccia. This delightful twist on a classic Italian bread marries the fragrant spice of cinnamon with the rich, nutty depth of brown butter, creating a sweet and savory treat that can brighten any breakfast, snack, or dessert moment. With its lightly dimpled surface dripping in cinnamon-butter goodness and finished with a smooth vanilla icing, this Cinnamon Focaccia feels like a warm hug and a little celebration all in one bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Focaccia recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect blend of texture, flavor, and that inviting golden surface. From the active dry yeast that gives the bread its airy rise to the brown butter that adds its signature nutty aroma, every element contributes to this delicious masterpiece.

• 2 cups warm water (about 110℉): Activates the yeast and helps form the dough’s structure.
• 2 tsp active dry yeast: The magic that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
• 1 tsp white granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast for a lively fermentation process.
• 4 cups bread flour (spooned and leveled): Provides the sturdy gluten base for the focaccia’s chewy but tender crumb.
• 1 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Keeps the dough moist and lends a subtle richness.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Used to grease the pan and add richness to the dough.
• 6 tbsp brown butter: Offers a deep, nutty aroma that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar: Sweetens the topping with a molasses note.
• 2 tsp cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the bread with warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted): For the silky vanilla icing finish.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds fragrant sweetness to the icing.
• 2 1/2 tbsp milk: Adjusts the icing to the perfect drizzling consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon Focaccia

Step 1: Activating the Yeast

Start by waking up your yeast to ensure your Cinnamon Focaccia will have that perfect airy crumb. Combine warm water and granulated sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly — this signals your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mixing the Dough

Next, whisk together the bread flour and salt in a large bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until the dough forms a sticky ball. This dough is just right when it holds together but still feels soft to the touch. Give the dough a light coating of olive oil to keep it from drying out in the next step.

Step 3: First Rise in the Refrigerator

Cover your dough with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap, then pop it into the fridge for at least 12 hours. This slow, cold fermentation not only makes the bread easier to digest but also develops a deeper flavor that sets this Cinnamon Focaccia apart from any ordinary loaf.

Step 4: Preparing for the Second Rise

Grease a 9×13-inch pan with melted butter and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Gently deflate your dough by folding it toward the center a few times, then transfer it into the prepared pan. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, allowing the dough to puff back up beautifully.

Step 5: Making the Brown Butter

While your dough rises, melt half a cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it turns a golden-amber shade and releases a nutty aroma—this step is critical for that signature caramelized flavor in your Cinnamon Focaccia.

Step 6: Creating the Cinnamon Topping

Blend the brown sugar and cinnamon directly into the browned butter, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. This luscious cinnamon-butter sauce will seep into every nook and cranny of the focaccia’s dimpled surface for an irresistible taste.

Step 7: Dimpling and Adding the Cinnamon-Butter

Preheat your oven to 450℉. Once your dough has risen, use wet fingertips to press deep dimples all over its surface, a signature of classic focaccia. Then generously drizzle the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dimpled dough, letting it pool in those little indentations for maximum flavor.

Step 8: Baking the Cinnamon Focaccia

Bake your focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes, until it’s beautifully golden brown and filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Step 9: Finishing with Vanilla Icing

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the vanilla icing evenly over the warm focaccia for a glossy, sweet finish. Slice into squares, gather your loved ones, and dive into this little slice of heaven.

How to Serve Cinnamon Focaccia

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or chopped walnuts on top before baking amps up the texture and nutty flavor of this Cinnamon Focaccia. For an extra touch of decadence, dust a light layer of cinnamon sugar just before serving to reinforce the warm spice notes throughout.

Side Dishes

This Cinnamon Focaccia pairs beautifully with a cup of rich, dark coffee or a warming chai tea, making your breakfast or afternoon snack feel special. It’s also fantastic alongside creamy mascarpone cheese or a mild cream cheese spread for contrast and extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cinnamon Focaccia warmed and sliced on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color. For a brunch gathering, offer small squares alongside bowls of honey and nut butters to let guests customize their bites with delightful flavor combos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Cinnamon Focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two days, preserving that soft crumb and sweet cinnamon flavor.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Cinnamon Focaccia longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices or the whole focaccia tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen focaccia can last up to three months.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350℉ for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may make the focaccia chewy rather than delightfully soft and tender.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for Cinnamon Focaccia?

While bread flour is ideal for creating that chewy and airy texture, you can substitute all-purpose flour. Just note that the texture might be slightly less chewy and a bit more tender.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough overnight?

The overnight refrigeration helps develop complex flavors and improves texture, but if you’re short on time, you can do a shorter rise at room temperature. Just expect a milder flavor and slightly different texture.

Can I make this Cinnamon Focaccia vegan?

Yes! Replace butter with plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk alternative in the icing. The yeast and flour combo remains the same, so your focaccia will still rise beautifully and taste fantastic.

What type of cinnamon works best?

Use ground Ceylon cinnamon for a lighter, sweeter flavor or Cassia cinnamon for a more robust, spicy warmth. Either works wonderfully, so choose based on your flavor preference.

Can I add other spices or toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding nutmeg, cardamom, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts before baking. Just keep cinnamon as the star to keep the signature Cinnamon Focaccia flavor intact.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a homemade Cinnamon Focaccia that fills the home with warmth and the promise of deliciousness. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing this delightful bread with friends and family, it’s a recipe that invites smiles and second helpings. I really encourage you to bake this soon and discover just how comforting and joyful Cinnamon Focaccia can be!

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