Cinnamon Swirl Focaccia Recipe

Introduction

Cinnamon Swirl Focaccia is a delightful twist on the classic Italian bread, adding a sweet and spicy swirl that makes it perfect for breakfast or dessert. Soft, fragrant, and lightly crisped, this bread pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
• 2 teaspoons honey or sugar
• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (470 g)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for greasing and topping)
• ½ cup brown sugar (100 g)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
• Optional topping: extra cinnamon sugar or a powdered sugar glaze (½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes, to activate the yeast.
2. Step 2: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix, then knead in olive oil until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to prepare the cinnamon swirl filling.
5. Step 5: Transfer the dough to a well-oiled baking sheet and gently press it out to your desired thickness. Use your fingers to dimple the surface.
6. Step 6: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Use a knife to swirl the filling gently, creating a marbled effect.
7. Step 7: Let the dough rest for 20 to 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
8. Step 8: Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Allow to cool slightly before drizzling with glaze or sprinkling with extra cinnamon sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use melted butter in the filling for a richer flavor, or substitute olive oil for a lighter version.
• For a decorative touch, try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon filling.
• Press dimples deeply into the dough to hold the filling better and create a beautiful texture.
• Make a powdered sugar glaze with ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 to 2 teaspoons milk for an extra sweet finish.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore softness and freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Reduce the warm water slightly and mix the yeast directly with the dry ingredients to save time.

How can I make the cinnamon swirl more pronounced?

Make sure to spread the filling evenly and swirl gently but thoroughly. Adding extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking also enhances the flavor and appearance.

Cinnamon Swirl Focaccia Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 63 reviews

This Cinnamon Swirl Focaccia is a delightful twist on the classic Italian bread, featuring a sweet cinnamon and brown sugar swirl baked into a soft, airy dough. Perfect for breakfast or as a dessert bread, it boasts a tender crumb with a caramelized cinnamon sugar topping that melts in your mouth. The recipe involves a yeast-leavened dough, two rises for lightness, and a swirl of cinnamon filling that creates a beautiful marble pattern inside. Optional toppings like cinnamon sugar or a simple powdered sugar glaze add the finishing touch.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
• 2 teaspoons honey or sugar
• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (470 g)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for greasing and topping)

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar (100 g)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil

Optional Topping:

• Extra cinnamon sugar
• Powdered sugar glaze (½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water, honey, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes. This indicates the yeast is active and ready for use.
2. Mix the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture and begin mixing. Knead the dough while incorporating ¼ cup of olive oil until the dough is smooth, elastic, and not sticky, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter or olive oil until well combined and spreadable.
5. Shape the Dough: Transfer the risen dough to a well-oiled baking sheet. Gently press and stretch the dough out with your fingers to fit the pan, creating dimples evenly across the surface by pressing with fingertips.
6. Add the Cinnamon Swirl: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough surface. Use a knife or a spatula to gently swirl the filling in a marble pattern, without fully mixing it into the dough.
7. Second Rise: Let the dough rest uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes to relax and rise slightly while preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C).
8. Bake: Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the bread is golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges.
9. Finish: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly. Optionally drizzle with the powdered sugar glaze or sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar over the top before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Ensure the water temperature is around 110°F (45°C) to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
• You can substitute the honey with sugar if preferred.
• Melted butter adds richness to the filling, but olive oil can be used for a dairy-free option.
• The dimpling of the bread before the second rise helps create the characteristic focaccia texture.
• For a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, you can increase the cinnamon to 3 teaspoons if desired.
• The glaze is optional but adds a nice sweetness and visual appeal to the finished bread.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Keywords: Cinnamon Swirl Focaccia, Sweet Focaccia, Cinnamon bread, Yeast bread, Italian bread, Dessert bread