Introduction
Cinnamon focaccia is an enticing twist on the classic Italian flatbread, bringing a warm, sweet aroma and delightful flavors to your kitchen. Ideal for any occasion, whether enjoyed as breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent afternoon snack, this recipe showcases the beautiful synergy of dough, cinnamon, and sugar.
The process of making cinnamon focaccia allows home cooks to embrace their baking skills while creating something truly special. This sweet bread is soft and fluffy, embellished with a sugary cinnamon topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Prepare to impress your family and friends with a loaf that not only fills the room with a delightful scent but also satisfies the palate.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, providing structure and chewiness. Its moderate protein content ensures the bread gets a good rise while maintaining a tender crumb. - 1 teaspoon instant yeast
Yeast is essential for leavening the dough, causing it to rise and develop air pockets that give the focaccia its characteristic airy texture. - 1 teaspoon salt
Salt not only enhances the overall flavor of the focaccia but also strengthens gluten, contributing to the overall texture and chew of the bread. - 1 cup warm water (110°F)
Warm water activates the yeast, ensuring it starts the fermentation process quickly. It's crucial to use the right temperature to prevent hindering yeast activity. - 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Olive oil enhances the richness of the focaccia, providing moisture and flavor. A drizzle on top before baking adds a beautiful golden finish. - 1/2 cup brown sugar
Brown sugar brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the bread and contributes to its moist texture due to its molasses content. - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cinnamon infuses the focaccia with a warm, aromatic spice, essential for creating that signature flavor you expect from a cinnamon treat. - Flaky sea salt for topping
Adding flaky sea salt on top enhances the sweetness of the focaccia while providing a pleasing contrast in texture with bursts of salty flavor.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Activate the yeast by mixing warm water and yeast in a bowl.
Begin by combining the warm water and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Within a few minutes, you’ll notice bubbles forming, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic. This crucial step ensures that your dough will rise properly.
Step 2: Incorporate flour, salt, and olive oil into the yeast mixture.
Next, gently stir in the flour, salt, and olive oil. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. This step is essential for building the dough's structure and gluten, which is key to a well-risen focaccia.
Step 3: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Flipping the dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead it for about 10 minutes. This helps develop the gluten, resulting in a more elastic dough. You will know it's ready when the dough is smooth and bouncy to the touch.
Step 4: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour.
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. During this rising period, the yeast will ferment, producing carbon dioxide and causing the dough to expand. Look for the dough to double in size, which typically takes around an hour.
Step 5: Punch down the dough and roll it out on an oiled baking sheet.
After an hour, gently punch down the dough to release any trapped air, then transfer it to an oiled baking sheet. Use your fingers to stretch it into an even rectangle, ensuring it fills the sheet. This shaping creates the ideal base for the cinnamon sugar topping.
Step 6: Prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture and sprinkle it on the dough.
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the dough, creating a layer of sweetness throughout the focaccia. This step is vital for imparting that delicious cinnamon flavor in every bite.
Step 7: Let the dough rise again for 30 minutes.
Cover the dough once more and allow it to rise for an additional 30 minutes. This second rise ensures a light, airy texture by encouraging further fermentation and expansion of the dough.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 400°F and make dimples in the dough.
While the oven preheats, use your fingers to create dimples across the surface of the dough. This technique not only adds visual appeal but allows the melted butter and cinnamon sugar to pool in the dimples as it bakes, ensuring a flavorful crust.
Step 9: Drizzle olive oil over the surface, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake.
Before placing the focaccia in the oven, drizzle olive oil over the dimples and sprinkle flaky sea salt. This topping creates a savory contrast to the sweetness of cinnamon and brown sugar, enhancing the overall flavor. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 10: Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Once removed from the oven, allow the cinnamon focaccia to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This brief resting time allows the sugar topping to set and makes cutting easier. Serve warm for the best experience.
Innovative Twists on Cinnamon Topping
While traditional cinnamon sugar is delicious, experiment with other toppings to elevate your focaccia. Consider adding nuts for a crunchy texture or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for additional bites of sweetness. For a gourmet touch, a drizzle of cream cheese glaze after baking can turn this loaf into an elegant dessert.
Perfect Pairings with Cinnamon Focaccia
Cinnamon focaccia pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it with a warm cup of coffee or chai for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack. Additionally, light spreads such as mascarpone or cream cheese blend harmoniously, enhancing the sweet and spicy notes of the bread.
Storing and Reheating for Freshness
To maintain the freshness of your cinnamon focaccia, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in foil. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes for that freshly baked warmth, bringing back the loveliness of the original loaf.
FAQs
What can I do if the dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, ensure the yeast is fresh and that the water temperature was correctly around 110°F. Yeast thrives in warmth but is killed by boiling water.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but reduce the amount slightly as it absorbs more moisture.
What if the cinnamon sugar topping is too sweet?
Adjust the amount of brown sugar in the topping to taste. Less sugar will still provide flavor but will reduce the sweetness considerably.
Can I add nuts to the focaccia for texture?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be mixed with the cinnamon sugar topping for added crunch and flavor.
Why did my focaccia come out dense?
A dense focaccia can result from overworking the dough during kneading or not allowing it to rise adequately. Be gentle with the dough.
What should I do if my focaccia smells burnt after baking?
If you notice a burnt smell, reduce the baking time or check your oven temperature, which may run hotter than indicated.
Conclusion
Cinnamon focaccia is a delightful twist that shines with its sweet, aromatic flavors. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite spreads, this bread is sure to become a new family favorite. Embrace the ease of preparation and share the joy of baking with others, making each loaf a personal touch of warmth that can brighten any table.
As you savor each bite of your homemade cinnamon focaccia, take pride in your accomplishment. The journey from raw ingredients to a golden, comforting loaf illustrates the magic of baking—an art and a science that bring communities together around the comforting embrace of freshly baked bread.
Recipe Card
Crispy Meat Pies Filled with Flaky Goodness
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the pastry dough.
- Cook the filling mixture.
- Roll out the dough.
- Assemble the pies.
- Prepare for baking.
- Bake the pies.
- Cool and serve.
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.
