Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe combines fluffy, golden focaccia with gooey cinnamon swirls—perfect for brunch, dessert, or cozy weekend baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking magic happens when you let a few simple ingredients shine. Each part of the Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe brings something special, from the just-right stretch of olive oil dough to the warm spice of cinnamon and the drizzle of silky glaze. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why you’ll love using each one.
- All-purpose flour: The base for a fluffy yet chewy crumb—don’t substitute with bread flour if you want the classic soft texture.
- Salt: Essential for deepening the flavor of the dough, a little goes a long way.
- Instant yeast: Quick and easy—no need to proof, just add to the dry mix for effortless rise.
- Granulated sugar: A touch boosts browning and adds the hint of sweetness in the dough itself.
- Warm water: The warmth activates the yeast and brings the dough together—make sure it’s not too hot for happy rising.
- Olive oil: Brings a beautiful richness and keeps the focaccia extra moist while giving it that lovely golden exterior.
- Vegan butter (or regular): For swirling through the dough with cinnamon and sugar, contributing rich flavor and a decadent mouthfeel.
- Brown sugar: Packed in for maximum caramel sweetness, it melts into gooey ribbons inside each bite.
- Ground cinnamon: The signature spice for warmth and irresistible aroma—be generous but don’t overpower.
- Powdered sugar: Sifts into cloudlike glaze just waiting to drape over the top.
- Plant-based milk (or regular milk): Creates a silky, pourable glaze—add just enough for your preferred consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with comforting, creamy notes.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and add the flour, salt, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Give everything a quick whisk so the yeast is evenly distributed. Pour in the warm water and olive oil, then stir until you’re left with a sticky, shaggy mass of dough. It won’t look pretty yet but that’s exactly what you want—no need for kneading at this stage!
Step 2: The Overnight Rise
Cover the bowl (I use a simple plate or plastic wrap) and let the dough sit out at room temperature overnight, anywhere from 12 to 18 hours. Don’t rush this—slow fermentation is what gives this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe its airiness and deep flavor. By morning, you’ll see a billowy, bubbly dough just begging to be transformed.
Step 3: Pan and Second Rise
Get your 9-inch round cake pan ready by coating it generously with olive oil—especially the sides! This ensures the focaccia releases easily and gets that signature crisp crust. Scrape the dough into the pan, being gentle to keep it airy. Coax and stretch with your fingertips until it fills the pan, then cover and let it rise again for 45 to 60 minutes. This second rise creates an even lighter, more cloud-like crumb.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is puffing up, stir together the softened vegan butter (or regular), brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and creamy. This sweet-smelling blend is what sets the Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe apart—it’s like the best part of a cinnamon roll, ready to swirl through your bread.
Step 5: Preheat and Swirl
Crank your oven up to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot for baking. Next, with lightly oiled fingers, press dimples all over the dough—it’s a classic focaccia move that helps the filling nestle in. Pipe or dollop the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously across the top, swirling it however you like for that signature cinnamon roll look. Finally, a last drizzle of olive oil over the entire surface amps up the flavor and helps achieve that golden hue.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know the focaccia is ready when it’s deeply golden and the cinnamon ribbons are bubbling with goodness. The aroma is honestly hard to resist—so don’t worry if everyone hovers near the oven! Once out, let it cool for just a few minutes to set.
Step 7: Glaze and Slice
Whisk powdered sugar, plant-based (or regular) milk, and a drop of vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze liberally over your warm focaccia, letting it seep into the cinnamon crevices. Wait until the glaze is just set, then slice and enjoy every soft, gooey, sweet bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe
Garnishes
An extra dusting of powdered sugar is both classic and gorgeous, while a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts makes this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe truly bakery-worthy. For a touch of luxury, try finishing with orange zest for a bright, citrusy pop.
Side Dishes
Pair your warm, glazed focaccia with strong coffee, chai, or even a simple fruit salad for a breakfast spread that wows. It’s also wonderful as a sweet counterpoint to savory brunch favorites—think herby scrambled eggs or salty veggie sausage. You can even serve it alongside some extra vanilla yogurt for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the focaccia into sticks for dipping, or slice it into wedges and serve on a cake stand for dramatic effect. For parties, stack cubes of Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe on skewers with fresh berries, or wrap up slices in parchment paper for the prettiest edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The focaccia stays surprisingly soft thanks to the olive oil in the dough, and the cinnamon filling keeps its flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, let the Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe cool completely and slice it into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pop into a freezer-safe zip bag. It’ll keep beautifully for up to a month—just thaw overnight at room temp before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) until just heated through. To refresh the glaze, whisk a tiny bit of milk and powdered sugar, then drizzle right before serving for that gooey-fresh feel.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter and milk instead of vegan?
Absolutely! Both vegan and traditional dairy ingredients work beautifully in this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe, so just use what you prefer or have on hand.
Do I need to knead the dough?
No kneading required at all! The long, slow rise creates all the structure and airiness you need, making this recipe perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try substituting a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just know that the texture may change a bit, but it’ll still be sweet and delicious.
How do I know when the focaccia is done baking?
Look for a deep golden brown color around the edges and on top, and the middle should feel firm (not doughy) when gently pressed. The cinnamon swirls will be bubbling slightly as well!
Is it possible to prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! The first rise can be easily done overnight or even started in the morning for baking later in the day. Simply keep the dough covered until you’re ready for the second rise and bake.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to level up your brunch game or need a sweet treat that impresses with minimal fuss, this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe is destined to become a new favorite. It brings bakery flavors right into your kitchen and guarantees smiles with every slice—so go ahead, give it a try and let the scent of cinnamon work its magic!
More Sweet Bakes to Satisfy Your Cravings
If you loved the warm, gooey layers in this Cinnamon Roll Focaccia, you’ll want to dive into more indulgent sweet bakes from our kitchen. Try the Apple Fritter Bread Recipe for a fruity twist with crunchy edges, or explore the classic Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls for a nostalgic favorite with a modern upgrade. For a cozy autumn-inspired treat, don’t miss our Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling. If you enjoy fruit-meets-bread creations, the Strawberry Banana Bread is a must-bake. Finally, elevate your dessert bread game with the rich and moist Chocolate Banana Bread.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe
- Total Time: 13 hours
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Focaccia brings together the pillowy softness and rustic character of Italian focaccia with the sweet, spiced swirl of classic cinnamon rolls. It’s a delightful twist that’s easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. An overnight rise gives maximum flavor and a gorgeous texture, while an irresistible vanilla glaze finishes it off beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240g) warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing and drizzling)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1/3 cup vegan butter (or regular), softened
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons plant-based milk (or regular milk)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Add in the warm water and olive oil, then stir until a sticky dough forms and no dry flour remains.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours. The dough should double in size and appear bubbly on the surface.
- Prepare the Pan: Generously grease a 9-inch round baking pan with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough into the pan, then use your hands to gently stretch it to fill the pan. Cover and let it rise again for 45–60 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Mix Cinnamon Filling: While the dough is rising, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir until you have a creamy, spreadable mixture.
- Shape & Top: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). With oiled fingers, dimple the surface of the dough all over. Spread or pipe the cinnamon filling in swirls across the dough.
- Bake: Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the focaccia is golden brown, puffed, and cooked through.
- Glaze & Serve: While the focaccia cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm focaccia. Let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Use bread flour for an even chewier texture, if preferred.
- Ensure your dough rises in a warm, draft-free spot for best results.
- You can prepare the cinnamon filling in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
- Adjust the amount of glaze to your taste—add extra milk for a thinner drizzle, or more sugar for a thicker glaze.
- For a dairy-free version, stick to vegan butter and plant milk options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ overnight rise)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg