There’s something magical about the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon filling your kitchen, and this cinnamon focaccia is just the way to bring that cozy feeling home. This soft, sweet bread combines the airy texture of traditional focaccia with a delightful cinnamon sugar twist that’s perfect for mornings or an indulgent snack.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this cinnamon focaccia recipe is straightforward and rewarding. It’s a unique take on sweet bread that’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Soft, pillowy texture with a crisp cinnamon sugar crust
- Simple ingredients you likely have on hand
- Perfect balance of sweet and aromatic cinnamon flavor
- Great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat
- Can be made ahead and reheated easily
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your cinnamon focaccia bread. The recipe uses standard pantry staples with a few special touches to create that sweet, fragrant finish.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon, divided
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour rising)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: Approximately 280 per serving
How to Make Cinnamon Focaccia
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a 9x13 inch baking pan. Punch down the dough and transfer it to the pan, pressing it out evenly. Use your fingers to dimple the dough deeply all over.
- Mix brown sugar with remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil on top and, if desired, scatter coarse sugar for extra crunch.
- Bake the focaccia for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. This cinnamon focaccia is delicious on its own or paired with honey or cream cheese.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten for a soft, airy texture.
- Use fresh yeast for the best rise and flavor.
- Don’t skip the dimpling step; it helps hold the cinnamon sugar and oil, creating a beautiful crust.
- For an extra touch, brush the top with melted butter immediately after baking.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To keep it longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour or bread flour?
This recipe works well with all-purpose flour for a tender crumb. Bread flour can be used if you prefer a chewier texture, but expect a slightly different rise and crumb.
Is this cinnamon focaccia vegan-friendly?
The recipe includes egg, milk, and butter, so it’s not vegan as written. You can substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter and use a flax egg or omit the egg, but results may vary slightly.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins make delicious additions sprinkled on top before baking or folded into the dough for extra flavor and texture.
What is the best way to serve cinnamon focaccia?
Cinnamon focaccia is delicious warm or at room temperature. Serve it plain or spread with butter, cream cheese, or honey for a sweet treat at breakfast or snack time.
