Introduction
Cinnamon focaccia merges the soft, chewy texture of traditional Italian bread with the sweet, warm notes of cinnamon. This delightful combination brings comfort and joy with every slice, making it perfect for any time of day. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a dessert, this recipe is sure to brighten your day.
The beauty of cinnamon focaccia lies in its simplicity and the ease of preparation. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a bread that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas. As it bakes, the sweet smell of cinnamon will make it hard to resist indulging in a warm piece straight from the oven.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
This flour serves as the foundational structure of your focaccia, providing the necessary gluten that creates its chewy texture. It's versatile and readily available, making it an ideal base for bread-making. - 1 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the flavor of the focaccia and controls the fermentation process. It ensures that yeast works effectively while also adding depth to the overall taste of the bread. - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
Yeast is crucial for leavening the focaccia, causing it to rise and become airy. It ferments the sugars in the dough, creating gas bubbles that give the bread its light and fluffy texture. - 1 1/2 cups warm water
Warm water activates the yeast, which is essential for fermentation. The right temperature (around 110°F) promotes yeast health, ensuring a good rise for the focaccia. - 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Olive oil adds richness and moisture to the dough, contributing to a soft interior and enhancing the flavor. A drizzle on top creates a beautifully crisp crust during baking. - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Sugar not only sweetens the focaccia but also helps to feed the yeast, promoting a good rise. It caramelizes during baking, giving the top of the focaccia a beautiful golden color. - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Cinnamon imparts warm, aromatic notes to the focaccia, making it fragrant and inviting. It plays a central role in creating the sweet flavor profile that defines this recipe. - 1/4 cup brown sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor due to its molasses content. It enhances the sweetness and creates a lovely contrast with the cinnamon.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Activate the yeast.
In a small bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for about five minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work, providing a good rise to your focaccia dough.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures an even distribution of salt and sugar, which helps the fermentation process and gives the bread a uniform flavor.
Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients.
Add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. This process is crucial as you want everything to be mixed evenly, resulting in a cohesive dough that will be easier to knead.
Step 4: Knead the dough.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten structure, providing the focaccia with its signature chewiness and strength. A well-kneaded dough will spring back when poked and should be slightly tacky to the touch.
Step 5: Let the dough rise.
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm environment for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic happens, as the yeast ferments and creates bubbles that leaven the bread, leading to a light texture.
Step 6: Prepare for baking.
Once risen, punch down the dough to release excess air. Then transfer it to a greased baking pan. Gently stretch and pat the dough into the pan so it fits snugly. This step is essential as it shapes the bread, ensuring even baking and a consistent thickness.
Step 7: Create dimples.
Use your fingers to create deep dimples across the surface of the dough. These dimples allow for better absorption of olive oil and provide texture, which enhances the overall appearance and experience of the focaccia.
Step 8: Prepare the cinnamon topping.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the surface of the dough, ensuring that each dimple is filled with the sweet spice. This topping will create a caramelized, crunchy crust and infuse the bread with cinnamon flavor as it bakes.
Step 9: Let it rise again.
Cover the pan with a cloth and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise allows the flavors to develop and yields a lighter focaccia. Be patient during this phase—the additional time will reward you with a more airy texture.
Step 10: Bake the focaccia.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the focaccia for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Baking at the right temperature ensures that the focaccia cooks evenly and develops a delicious crust, while the interior remains soft and fluffy.
Step 11: Cool and serve.
Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling period allows the bread to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, drizzled with more olive oil if desired.
The Perfect Pairing: Toppings for Cinnamon Focaccia
While cinnamon focaccia is delicious on its own, it can be enhanced further with various toppings. Consider drizzling it with a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or serving it alongside cream cheese or ricotta for extra creaminess. A sprinkle of sea salt can also contrast beautifully with the sweetness, elevating the flavor profile.
Embrace Your Creativity: Add-Ins and Variations
Cinnamon focaccia serves as a great base for creativity in the kitchen. You might add nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added sweetness. Chocolate chips could also be folded into the dough for a decadent twist. Feel free to experiment with flavors and textures that appeal to you.
Serving Suggestions: Making It a Meal
Cinnamon focaccia can shine as part of a meal or a lavish brunch spread. Serve it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or as a dessert component with ice cream. It can also complement savory dishes, like cheese platters, where the sweet and salty contrasts create a balanced flavor experience.
FAQs
Why is my cinnamon focaccia too dense?
If your focaccia turned out dense, it may be due to insufficient rising time or over-kneading. Ensure your dough doubles in size each time it rises and avoid excessive kneading that could toughen the gluten.
Can I scale this cinnamon focaccia recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just ensure you have a large enough baking pan, and adjust the baking time as necessary, checking for doneness.
What if my cinnamon topping burns during baking?
If the cinnamon topping begins to burn, you can cover the focaccia loosely with foil to protect it while it continues to bake. This will help prevent the sugar from scorching while allowing the bread to cook through.
How do I know when my focaccia is fully baked?
The focaccia is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. A digital thermometer should read around 190°F (88°C) in the center.
Can I use another type of sugar if I don't have granulated sugar?
You can substitute granulated sugar with white beet sugar or coconut sugar generally, but avoid using liquid sweeteners as they can alter the dough's consistency.
Why does my focaccia have a bland taste?
If the focaccia tastes bland, it may require more salt or additional spices in the dough. Seasoning is key in bringing out the flavors, especially when paired with the sweetness of the cinnamon.
Can I add fresh fruits to the dough?
Fresh fruits like apples or pears can be added, but make sure to chop them finely and reduce the sugar in the recipe to adapt to their sweetness and moisture content.
Conclusion
Cinnamon focaccia offers a delightful twist on a beloved classic, perfectly blending flavors that appeal to both sweet and savory palettes. It's a versatile bread, ideal for various occasions, from casual snacking to festive gatherings.
With this recipe, you'll not only enjoy the process of making bread but also the joy of sharing this delicious treat with friends and family. Trust in your baking instincts, and soon you'll have a warm, fragrant focaccia that everyone will love.
Recipe Card
Irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Stir in the baking soda until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and caramel bits gently.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
