Fluffy Cinnamon Focaccia: Your New Favorite Recipe!
The Secret to the Fluffiest Cinnamon Focaccia You’ll Ever Make
If you’ve ever craved the warm, comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll but dreaded the effort involved in making them, then this Cinnamon Focaccia is your new best friend. Imagine biting into a soft and airy dough that’s perfectly dimpled, with crispy golden edges and luscious pockets filled with melted buttery cinnamon-sugar. Each bite is a delightful experience, especially when drizzled with a smooth vanilla icing that seeps into the fluffy layers. This recipe captures all the cozy goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls without the fuss!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Focaccia
– It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers.
– Soft, airy texture with caramelized edges—just like a dream!
– Brown butter adds a depth of flavor you won’t forget.
– Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
– The dough can be prepared overnight for convenience.
– Drizzled with vanilla icing for an extra touch of sweetness.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To prepare this heavenly Cinnamon Focaccia, you’ll need just a few essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
– Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients and mixing dough.
– Baking pan: A 9×13-inch pan that allows for even baking and easy serving.
– Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and activating yeast.
– Damp tea towel or plastic wrap: Helps cover the dough during rising to keep it moist.
– Small saucepan: For melting and browning butter to enhance flavor.
Preparation Tips
For the best results when making your Cinnamon Focaccia, be sure to activate your yeast properly until it becomes foamy—this ensures a good rise. Additionally, allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator overnight deepens its flavor and improves texture. When dimpling the dough before baking, use wet fingertips to prevent sticking and create those iconic pockets for the cinnamon topping.
Ingredients for this Cinnamon Focaccia
Dough Ingredients
– 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
Topping Ingredients
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
– 6 tbsp brown butter (see notes below)
– 1/3 cup light brown sugar
– 2 tsp cinnamon
Icing Ingredients
– 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Cinnamon Focaccia Recipe
Cinnamon Focaccia is everything you love about a cinnamon roll but without the extra effort. The dough bakes up soft and airy, with golden, crispy edges and all those little dimples filled with buttery cinnamon-sugar that caramelizes in the oven. Lastly, a drizzle of vanilla icing melts over the top, seeping into every warm, fluffy bite. Ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water (heated to about 110℉) with 1 teaspoon of white granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes foamy. This process is crucial as it ensures your dough will rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of bread flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Once mixed, pour in your activated yeast mixture along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir everything until it forms a sticky dough ball. This is where the magic begins! Lightly rub the surface of your dough with olive oil to keep it moist as it rises.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover your mixing bowl with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. This long rise allows the flavors to develop while creating that lovely airy texture we adore in focaccia.
Step 4: Second Rise
After your dough has had its beauty sleep, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Pour in 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter right into the center of the pan. Carefully deflate your dough by pulling it from the sides of the bowl and folding toward the center several times before placing it into the buttered pan. Cover again and let it rise for another hour and a half to two hours in a warm spot.
Step 5: Make the Brown Butter
While waiting for your dough to rise one last time, it’s time to make some brown butter! In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter while stirring continuously. You’ll know it’s ready when you start to smell a nutty aroma and see that golden-amber color—this adds an incredible depth of flavor to our focaccia!
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Topping
Once you’ve made your brown butter, add in 1/3 cup of light brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to the pan. Mix them together until fully dissolved; this sweet topping will create that irresistible cinnamon swirl effect when drizzled onto your focaccia.
Step 7: Dimple the Dough
Preheat your oven to 450℉ so it’s hot and ready for baking! After your dough has completed its second rise, use wet fingertips to press deep dimples all over its surface—this is key for holding onto that cinnamon-butter goodness! Drizzle your prepared cinnamon-butter evenly over those dimples.
Notes
This Cinnamon Focaccia can be customized in so many ways! If you’re looking to add more flavor or texture, try incorporating nuts like pecans or walnuts into the topping or even adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist. You can also swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if you’re after a heartier loaf without sacrificing softness.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider elevating this dish by serving it alongside fresh fruits or a dollop of creamy vegan yogurt for contrast. The options are truly endless!
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Using cold ingredients instead of room temperature can hinder proper rising.
– Not allowing enough time for each rise can lead to dense focaccia.
– Forgetting to dimple before baking may result in uneven topping distribution.
– Burning brown butter happens quickly—stay attentive while it’s on heat.
– Overbaking can dry out your focaccia; keep an eye on those golden edges!
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Cinnamon Focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need longer storage, slice and freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil; they should last up to three months! To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or microwave until warmed through.
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 248 kcal
– Protein: 5 g
– Fat: 9 g
– Carbs: 48 g
– Fiber: 1 g
– Sugar: 7 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Absolutely! While bread flour gives that chewy texture due to its higher protein content, all-purpose flour will work just fine if that’s what you have on hand.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this Cinnamon Focaccia vegan-friendly, simply replace unsalted butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or vegan margarine.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to get creative! You could sprinkle on some chopped nuts, dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or even drizzles of chocolate sauce after baking for added sweetness.
Conclusion
I hope you feel inspired to give this delightful Cinnamon Focaccia recipe a try! It’s perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat anytime during the day. Don’t forget to share your thoughts once you’ve baked up this deliciousness—I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Cinnamon Focaccia
Ingredients
Method
- Activate the yeast by combining warm water and sugar, then sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit until foamy.
- Mix bread flour and salt in a large bowl, then add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 12 hours for the first rise.
- Grease a baking pan, add melted butter, deflate the dough, and place it in the pan. Cover and let it rise for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Make brown butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty.
- Combine brown butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon in the saucepan until dissolved for the topping.
- Preheat the oven to 450℉, dimple the risen dough with wet fingertips, and drizzle the cinnamon topping over it.
