Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe

If you’re craving a baked treat that brings together the airy, chewy delight of focaccia with the sweet, spiced warmth of cinnamon rolls, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe. Imagine soft, tender dough layered with a luscious cinnamon-sugar filling, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a drizzle of creamy vanilla glaze that melts seductively into every bite. This isn’t just bread; it’s a cozy, comforting experience that turns breakfast, brunch, or even dessert into a moment worth savoring. Let me walk you through how to make this irresistible fusion that feels both familiar and delightfully new.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the sturdy bread and all-purpose flours to the creamy Greek yogurt and nutty brown butter, everything combines to build layers of softness and spice that make this dish unforgettable.

• Bread flour: Provides the strong gluten structure essential for a chewy, satisfying crumb.
• All-purpose flour: Balances the bread flour for just the right softness in the dough.
• Active dry yeast: Powers the rise, creating lightness and fluffy texture.
• Warm whole milk: Activates the yeast and adds richness for tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough gently and feeds the yeast for fermentation.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity.
• Olive oil: Adds moistness and a subtle fruitiness characteristic of focaccia.
• Unsalted brown butter: Imparts a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the dough and filling.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Offers moisture and tang for a tender bite.
• Brown sugar: Sweetens the filling with rich molasses notes.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that warms and spices the filling beautifully.
• Cornstarch: Keeps the filling from getting soggy by absorbing extra moisture.
• Melted unsalted butter: Adds richness to the cinnamon mixture and helps it spread evenly.
• Vanilla extract: Brings depth to both filling and glaze with its sweet aroma.
• Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the glaze for a smooth, sweet finish.
• Whole milk: Thins the glaze just right for drizzling over the warm focaccia.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

Start by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, watching carefully until it foams and turns a beautiful golden brown with a nutty aroma. This browning process adds a stunning depth of flavor that sets this recipe apart. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly so it can be incorporated into the dough without cooking the yeast later.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Combine the warm milk with a tablespoon of sugar to create a cozy environment for the yeast. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until it foams up, signaling that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic to make the dough rise.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the browned butter, olive oil, Greek yogurt, and activated yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to form, bringing together this medley of textures and flavors that promise softness and richness in every bite.

Step 4: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for about 8 to 10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6 to 7 minutes. Kneading develops the gluten, giving the final focaccia its characteristic chewiness and fluffy interior, essential for that cinnamon roll feel.

Step 5: First Rise

Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and set it in a warm, draft-free spot. Let the dough double in size over 1 to 1 1/2 hours. For more complex flavor and flexibility, refrigerate overnight for a slow fermentation; just bring it back to room temperature before shaping.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, melted butter, and vanilla extract until you get a thick, aromatic paste. The cornstarch is a clever trick that keeps the filling from making the dough soggy, ensuring crisp, defined layers after baking.

Step 7: Roll and Shape the Dough

Oil a 9×13-inch pan generously. On a floured surface, roll your dough into a 12 by 15-inch rectangle. Transfer it carefully to the pan and press it gently to the edges. This forms the base layer of focaccia that will cradle the cinnamon rolls beautifully.

Step 8: Spread the Cinnamon Filling

Evenly spread the cinnamon mixture over the dough’s surface, making sure it reaches every corner. This step is where the magic happens — each bite will be packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness!

Step 9: Form Cinnamon Rolls and Second Rise

Starting at a short edge, roll the dough up loosely into a log and slice it into eight equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss to avoid squashing. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in the pan with some space between them. Cover loosely and let them rise until puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes, for that perfect pillowy texture.

Step 10: Bake the Focaccia

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re irresistibly golden and cooked through. If the edges brown too quickly, a loose tent of foil will protect the crust without sacrificing color.

Step 11: Prepare and Apply the Glaze

While the focaccia bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a glossy glaze. Drizzle it generously over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. The glaze seeps into every crevice, creating an indulgent finish that’s simply impossible to resist.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or sliced almonds gives a satisfying nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of these cinnamon focaccia rolls. You can also dust a tiny bit of cinnamon on top of the glaze for an added pop of spice and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or fragrant chai tea for breakfast. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt or fresh fruit salad that balances sweetness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the focaccia into individual rolls to create shareable, hand-held treats perfect for potlucks or brunch gatherings. Alternatively, serve as a large pull-apart traybake that invites everyone to grab a piece while warm — nothing brings people together like a delicious, sticky cinnamon-hugged bread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cinnamon roll focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its softness and flavor. If your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigerate to avoid spoilage.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Place individual rolls or the entire batch in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy the best texture, reheat your focaccia in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the outside. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch but may soften the crust too much.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of brown butter?

You can, but brown butter adds a wonderful nutty depth that enriches the flavor profoundly. If you skip browning, consider adding a touch of vanilla or nutmeg to the mix for enhanced aroma.

Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt in the dough?

Greek yogurt adds moisture and slight tang, resulting in a tender crumb. If you don’t have it, sour cream or buttermilk can work as a substitute, though slight adjustments in texture might occur.

Why do I need to use cornstarch in the cinnamon filling?

Cornstarch helps thicken the filling and absorb excess moisture, preventing it from leaking during baking. This keeps your focaccia nicely layered and avoids sogginess.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

With some modifications like using plant-based butter substitutes, dairy-free yogurt, and non-dairy milk, you can make a vegan version. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will shift somewhat from the original.

How important is the rising time?

Rising time is crucial for flavor development and texture. Skipping or shortening it will produce denser bread. For best results, allow the dough to double in size at each rise as directed.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe is more than a lovely bake; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen and table. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or indulging on a quiet morning, the blend of soft focaccia and sweet cinnamon swirls is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite. So why wait? Roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to this deliciously cozy delight today!

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