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Golden cinnamon roll focaccia topped with icing drizzle on a baking tray

Easy Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe | Sweet Brunch Bread

Make cinnamon roll focaccia with this easy recipe. Fluffy focaccia bread swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with icing drizzle. A sweet twist perfect for brunch, dessert, or snacking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Sweet Bread
Cuisine American Baking, Italian-inspired (focaccia style), Modern fusion baking
Servings 10 squares
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Rubber spatula
  • Whisk
  • Pastry brush
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup melted butter

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Activate the Yeast

    In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar.Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is active.
    Tip: The milk should be warm, not hot, or it can kill the yeast.

  • Step 2: Make the Dough

    Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture.
    Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
    Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer.

  • Step 3: First Rise

    Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
    Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

  • Step 4: Shape the Focaccia

    Grease a 9×13 baking pan with butter or oil.
    Transfer the dough into the pan and gently stretch it to fill the corners.
    Let the dough rest for 20 minutes.
    Press your fingers into the dough to create deep dimples across the surface.

  • Step 5: Add Cinnamon Sugar

    In a small bowl, mix together:
    Brown sugar
    Cinnamon
    Melted butter
    Vanilla
    Spread or drizzle the mixture evenly over the dough, letting it settle into the dimples.

  • Step 6: Bake

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    Bake the focaccia for 22–25 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are lightly crisp.
    Let the bread cool slightly in the pan.

  • Step 7: Add the Glaze

    Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth.
    Drizzle the glaze over the warm focaccia.
    Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Notes

Use fresh cinnamon
Fresh ground cinnamon gives the strongest aroma and flavor.
Do not over-flour the dough
A slightly sticky dough produces the softest focaccia.
Try an overnight rise
Refrigerating the dough overnight develops deeper flavor.
Add toppings for variation
  • chopped pecans
  • cream cheese frosting
  • maple glaze
  • diced apples
Serving idea
Warm slices pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a weekend brunch spread.
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