Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe

If you love the warm, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but crave something a little different, let me introduce you to the delightful Cinnamon Roll Focaccia. This recipe brilliantly combines the soft, airy texture of focaccia bread with the sweet, spiced swirl of cinnamon sugar and a luscious cream cheese frosting drizzle. The result is a stunningly beautiful and irresistibly delicious treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia manages to bring together the best of two beloved worlds into one unforgettable dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is made from a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role to achieve the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the yeasty softness of the bread to the buttery cinnamon topping and the rich, creamy frosting, every element enhances this extraordinary bake.

• 1 cup water, warmed (about 105°-110°F): Perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the bread dough.
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast: The magic behind the dough’s rise and airy texture.
• ⅓ cup (73 g) vegetable oil, divided: Keeps the bread tender and moist inside.
• 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour: The foundation for your soft focaccia crumb.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Essential for a rich, cinnamon butter topping.
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes to the cinnamon mix.
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon: The star spice that creates that classic warm and cozy feeling.
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened: Base for the smooth, tangy frosting.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Makes the frosting rich and velvety.
• 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Gives the frosting a perfect drizzle consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a comforting aroma and depth to the frosting.
• 1 pinch kosher salt: Offsets the sweetness and enhances the cream cheese flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Focaccia

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until you see the yeast bloom and foam on the surface. This signals that your yeast is alive and ready to give life to your bread.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Pour half of your vegetable oil into the yeast mixture, saving the rest for later. Then add the flour and salt. Stir gently but thoroughly until you have a sticky, cohesive dough that promises softness and airiness.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Find a warm spot in your kitchen where the dough can rise undisturbed for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This is a crucial step for that fluffy focaccia texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Oven and Topping Mixture

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Meanwhile, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl—this mixture is what will make the focaccia echo the essence of a cinnamon roll so wonderfully.

Step 5: Shape and Dimple the Dough

Oil a 9×11-inch baking pan with the remaining vegetable oil using a pastry brush. Transfer your risen dough to the pan, gently spreading it out evenly to the edges. Using your fingertips, dimple the dough to create little pockets that will hold the buttery cinnamon mixture perfectly.

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Bake

Pour the cinnamon sugar butter over the dough, making sure it seeps into the dimples. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and fragrant. The scent of cinnamon and butter wafting from the oven will be irresistible!

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While the focaccia cools slightly, prepare the luscious cream cheese frosting by blending the softened cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a little pinch of salt until silky smooth. This frosting makes sure every bite of your Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is decadent and dreamy.

Step 8: Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle the frosting generously over the warm focaccia. The warmth will slightly melt the frosting into beautiful ribbons that complement the sweet spiced bread. Now you’re ready to enjoy every bite of this wonderful Cinnamon Roll Focaccia creation!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Focaccia

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts over the frosting just before serving. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or a few fresh berries also adds color and a flavor pop without overshadowing the star cinnamon roll taste.

Side Dishes

This Cinnamon Roll Focaccia shines on its own, but pairing it with a cup of strong coffee or a chai latte creates a cozy combo that’s perfect for weekend mornings. For brunch, a side of fresh fruit or a simple mixed green salad balances the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the focaccia into squares and stacking them on a decorative plate for a festive brunch spread. Or serve it warm from the oven alongside a small bowl of homemade whipped cream or mascarpone cheese for dipping—the contrast in textures will wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Cinnamon Roll Focaccia keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This way, the bread stays soft, and the frosting remains tasty without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this treat later, freeze unfrosted focaccia in a zip-top bag or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it at room temperature and then add the frosting fresh for best results.

Reheating

Warm your leftover focaccia by placing it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes the soft bread and melts the frosting slightly. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works if you’re in a hurry, but be sure to don’t overheat so it doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can! Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the flour without proofing, but you may want to reduce the rising time slightly as instant yeast works faster. Keep an eye on your dough and adjust accordingly.

Is this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The ingredients are straightforward, and the steps are simple to follow. Plus, forgiving focaccia dough means even if your dimples aren’t perfect, the end result will still taste amazing.

Can I substitute the oil with butter in the dough?

While the recipe calls for vegetable oil for a tender crumb, you can substitute melted butter for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that butter solidifies at room temp, so it might change the texture slightly.

How sweet is the Cinnamon Roll Focaccia?

This focaccia strikes a lovely balance between sweet and savory. The cinnamon sugar butter topping and cream cheese frosting add enough sweetness to satisfy cravings without being overpowering.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Because focaccia relies on gluten for its classic texture and rise, a gluten-free version requires special flour blends and possibly extra binders like xanthan gum. It’s doable but might alter the classic fluffy texture you expect from this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Cinnamon Roll Focaccia that makes it a standout treat worth making again and again. It’s a warm, cozy, and irresistibly sweet bread with a twist that will delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and experience how simple ingredients come together to create a little slice of heaven.

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