Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe
If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but crave something a little different and delightfully fluffy, you absolutely have to try this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia. It’s all the gooey cinnamon-sugar goodness swirled into a soft, tender Italian focaccia bread that’s just waiting to be pulled apart and shared. With a golden crust, pockets of cinnamon butter, and a luscious cream cheese glaze lovingly drizzled on top, this treat is the perfect mix of sweet and comforting—making it an instant favorite for brunch, dessert, or whenever you want a special pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic in this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia starts with a handful of simple, kitchen-staple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that soft, tender dough, the dreamy cinnamon swirl, and the irresistible creamy frosting you’ll love.
- Water (1 cup, warmed to 105°-110°F): Perfect yeast activation requires warm water to get the dough rising beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetness that also feeds the yeast for a good rise.
- Active dry yeast (1 teaspoon): The essential leavening agent that makes the dough light and airy.
- Vegetable oil (⅓ cup, divided): Adds tenderness to the dough and helps create that perfectly golden crust.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The structural base of the focaccia, giving it its soft-yet-chewy texture.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons melted + 3 tablespoons softened): Butter brings richness to both the dough topping and luscious frosting.
- Light brown sugar (¼ cup, packed): Adds a deeper caramel note to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons): The aromatic soul of the cinnamon swirl, warm and comforting.
- Cream cheese (2 ounces, softened): Creates the silky, tangy frosting that finishes the focaccia perfectly.
- Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the frosting with a smooth texture that melts on your tongue.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Lightens and smooths out the frosting for easy drizzling.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of fragrant warmth to the glaze.
- Kosher salt (a pinch in frosting): Enhances flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warmed water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes bubbly and blooms—that’s how you know it’s alive and ready to work its magic in your dough.
Step 2: Mix Dough Ingredients
Pour half of the vegetable oil into the yeast mixture, then add all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Stir everything together until it forms a shaggy dough that’ll soon become soft and pliable.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and place it somewhere warm for about an hour. It should double in size, becoming light and airy—the foundation for your dreamy Cinnamon Roll Focaccia.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Butter
While the dough is rising, combine melted butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This fragrant mixture will later be poured generously over the focaccia to create that signature cinnamon swirl.
Step 5: Shape and Oil the Pan
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Pour the remaining vegetable oil into a 9×11-inch baking pan and use a pastry brush to coat the bottom well. This oil bath helps the focaccia develop a golden crust and prevents sticking.
Step 6: Transfer Dough and Add Dimples
Spread the risen dough evenly into the prepared pan, gently pressing it to the edges. Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface—these pockets will hold the luscious cinnamon sugar butter, infusing the focaccia with incredible flavor.
Step 7: Pour Cinnamon Sugar Butter and Bake
Drizzle the cinnamon sugar butter mixture evenly over the dough’s surface, letting it settle into those beautiful dimples. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the focaccia is golden brown and irresistible.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
As the focaccia cools slightly, mix together softened cream cheese, softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt in a bowl until the frosting is silky smooth and dreamy.
Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
Just before serving, generously drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the warm Cinnamon Roll Focaccia. The warmth will soften the glaze for a luscious finish that melts in your mouth.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
Garnishes
While the Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is delicious on its own, adding some chopped toasted pecans or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can elevate its flavor and texture. Freshly sliced strawberries or a few raspberries on the side also add a lovely freshness that balances the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Roll Focaccia shines brightest as a sweet treat with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. It also pairs beautifully with a creamy latte, hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk for the perfect cozy indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the focaccia into small squares and serving it as a decadent finger food for brunch or a party dessert table. You can also layer slices with fresh fruit and whipped cream for an indulgent cinnamon roll trifecta that will delight guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cinnamon Roll Focaccia wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days while maintaining its tender crumb and soft texture.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before gently reheating.
Reheating
Warm slices in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to refresh that soft texture. You can also microwave individual pieces for about 15 seconds for a quick warm treat—just be sure not to overheat or it may become tough.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step with warm water and mix it directly with the flour. Just make sure to adjust rising times as the dough may rise faster.
What if I don’t have vegetable oil? Can I substitute?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with a neutral oil like canola or even melted light olive oil. Avoid strong-flavored oils as they can alter the delicate sweetness of the focaccia.
How thick should I spread the dough in the pan?
Spread the dough until it fills the pan evenly, about ½ to ¾ inch thick. This allows for a soft middle and crispy edges that give the perfect focaccia texture with every bite.
Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives such as vegan cream cheese and margarine, and use a plant-based milk. The frosting will still be creamy and delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?
Definitely. This Cinnamon Roll Focaccia uses straightforward steps and simple ingredients, making it a fun and rewarding project whether you’re new to baking or just looking for a tasty new twist on classic cinnamon rolls.
Final Thoughts
Bringing together the warm, familiar flavors of cinnamon rolls with the tender, airy texture of focaccia makes for a truly special treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or simply indulging yourself, the Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is sure to become one of your kitchen favorites. Go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve every sweet, buttery bite!
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Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Focaccia combines the soft, fluffy texture of traditional focaccia bread with the sweet, spicy flavors of a cinnamon roll. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this unique twist on two beloved baked goods makes for a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup water, warmed (about 105°-110°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- ⅓ cup (73 g) vegetable oil, divided
- 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Cinnamon Sugar Butter Mixture
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
Frosting
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warmed water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes until the yeast blooms and becomes frothy, indicating it is active.
- Add Oil: Pour half of the vegetable oil into the yeast mixture and stir well to combine.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Pour the remaining vegetable oil into a 9×11-inch baking pan and use a pastry brush to evenly coat the bottom of the pan.
- Shape Dough: Transfer the risen dough to the prepared pan and gently stretch it to the edges, forming an even layer.
- Create Dimples and Add Topping: Use your fingers to press dimples all over the surface of the dough. Pour the cinnamon sugar butter mixture evenly over the dough, allowing it to seep into the dimples.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Frosting: While the focaccia is slightly cooling, combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Frost Focaccia: Drizzle the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm focaccia before serving to add a luscious final touch.
Notes
- Ensure the water used to activate the yeast is not too hot; between 105°-110°F is ideal to avoid killing the yeast.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese.
- You can add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar butter mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have a pastry brush, use a spoon to spread oil evenly in the baking pan.
- Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting completely and running off.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of focaccia)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Focaccia, Cinnamon Bread, Sweet Focaccia, Cinnamon Roll Recipe, Breakfast Bread, Cream Cheese Frosting
