This Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is a delightful fusion of soft, airy focaccia and the warm, spiced sweetness of cinnamon rolls. Made with a simple no-knead dough, this dessert bread is layered with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, dessert, or afternoon treat, this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers incredible flavor and texture.

Ful Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 cup + ⅓ cup + 1 tsp (336 ml) water
⅔ tsp (3 g) dry yeast
2 cups + ¾ cup + 3 ½ tbsp (400 g) bread flour
1 ½ tsp (7 g) salt
4 tbsp (57 ml) melted unsalted butter, divided

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

⅓ cup (70 g) dark brown sugar
1 tsp (5 g) cinnamon

For the Glaze:

½ cup (70 g) powdered sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) heavy cream
½ tbsp (7 ml) melted unsalted butter
½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough (Night Before)

In a large bowl or container, mix water, yeast, flour, and salt until a shaggy dough forms.
Drizzle oil over the dough, cover, and refrigerate overnight (12-24 hours).

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Spread 1 tbsp melted butter on an 11×9-inch pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar on top.
Lightly oil your fingers and fold the sides of the dough inward, rotating until all sides are pulled in.
Flip the dough onto the prepared baking pan and let it proof at room temperature for 1-3 hours until doubled in size.

Step 3: Dimple and Bake

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the dough and sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
Dimple the dough by pressing your fingers into it, making small indentations.
Bake for 23-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze and Serve

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm focaccia before serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate Values)

Calories: 250 kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 180mg

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Focaccia

This recipe is a fun and unique take on two classic baked goods. Here’s why you’ll want to try it:

No-Knead Dough – Requires zero kneading, just mix, rest, and let time do the work.
Incredible Texture – Soft and airy on the inside, with a slightly crispy, golden-brown crust.
Rich Cinnamon Sugar Layers – Creates a caramelized, warm, spiced sweetness in every bite.
Perfectly Glazed – The vanilla glaze adds the perfect amount of sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough can be refrigerated overnight, making it super convenient for busy mornings.

What Makes This Focaccia Different?

Unlike traditional focaccia, which is known for its savory olive oil and herb flavor, this recipe leans toward the sweeter side. Instead of herbs and salt, it’s topped with cinnamon sugar and melted butter, creating a sweet, caramelized top. The dimpled dough holds pockets of buttery cinnamon flavor, making each bite soft and delicious.

It’s also lighter than a classic cinnamon roll, thanks to the airy structure of focaccia, which doesn’t require rolling, cutting, or proofing multiple times. The result is a beautifully textured, pull-apart bread with a sweet finish.

The Secret to Soft and Fluffy Focaccia

The key to getting the best texture in this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is:

Cold Fermentation – Refrigerating the dough overnight enhances flavor and allows the gluten to develop without kneading.
Generous Butter Application – Brushing the dough with melted butter ensures a rich, golden crust.
Proper Proofing Time – Allowing the dough to sit at room temperature before baking ensures it rises properly and bakes evenly.
Creating Dimples – The signature focaccia dimples trap pockets of melted butter and cinnamon sugar, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

How to Customize Your Cinnamon Roll Focaccia

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to experiment with flavors. Here are some creative variations:

Add Nuts – Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunch.
Make it Extra Buttery – Swap the melted butter for brown butter to add a deeper, nutty richness.
Spice it Up – Add nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice for extra warmth.
Use Different Glazes – Try a maple glaze, cream cheese frosting, or a honey drizzle instead of the vanilla glaze.
Citrus Twist – Add orange or lemon zest to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a fresh citrus kick.
Chocolate Lovers’ Version – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before baking for a chocolatey twist.

Best Ways to Serve Cinnamon Roll Focaccia

This sweet focaccia is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways:

For Breakfast or Brunch – Pair with hot coffee, tea, or a chai latte.
As a Dessert – Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Snack or Afternoon Treat – Enjoy a slice with a drizzle of honey or alongside fresh fruit.
Gift-Worthy Baked Good – Perfect for bringing to holiday gatherings, brunch parties, or as a homemade gift.

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Roll Focaccia

This focaccia is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but leftovers can be stored and reheated easily.

At Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, then warm before serving.
Freezing – Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating – Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dough without refrigerating it overnight?
Yes! If you’re short on time, let the dough rise at room temperature for about 2-3 hours instead. However, overnight fermentation gives the best flavor and texture.

What type of yeast should I use?
Active dry yeast or instant yeast works best. If using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step and mix it directly into the flour.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but bread flour gives the focaccia a chewier texture. If using all-purpose flour, the result will be slightly softer.

How do I prevent the glaze from soaking in too much?
Let the focaccia cool slightly before drizzling the glaze so it stays on top instead of absorbing into the bread.

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute vegan butter for regular butter and use almond milk or coconut milk for the glaze.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory baking traditions, bringing together the softness of focaccia and the warmth of cinnamon rolls. It’s a no-knead recipe, making it accessible for beginners while still delivering gourmet-level flavor and texture.

The cinnamon sugar layers melt into the dough, creating a rich, caramelized crust, while the vanilla glaze adds a final touch of sweetness. Whether you’re hosting brunch, looking for a cozy dessert, or just want a new way to enjoy homemade bread, this recipe is a must-try.

With simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor, this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and discover a new favorite way to enjoy the magic of cinnamon rolls in a unique, easy-to-make format!

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