Cinnamon Focaccia Delight: The Ultimate Cinnamon Focaccia Recipe
Introduction to Cinnamon Focaccia Delight
Cinnamon Focaccia Delight is not just a treat; it’s an experience that fills your home with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and bread. This delightful recipe combines the classic Italian focaccia with a sweet twist, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat to share with loved ones. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.
A Personal Story Behind My Cinnamon Focaccia Journey
I remember the first time I tasted cinnamon focaccia at a family gathering. My grandmother had a knack for baking, and her cinnamon focaccia was always the star of the show. It brought everyone together, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying the sweet, soft bread. Inspired by her love for baking, I decided to recreate this delicious memory and share it with others.
What Makes This Cinnamon Focaccia Recipe Special?
This Cinnamon Focaccia Delight stands out due to its unique combination of flavors and textures. The dough is airy and slightly chewy, thanks to the bread flour, while the cinnamon and brown sugar topping creates a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the savory notes of the focaccia. Additionally, the drizzling of vanilla icing adds a finishing touch that elevates this bread to a whole new level of deliciousness.
The Full Cinnamon Focaccia Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp white granulated sugar
- 4 cups bread flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 6 tbsp brown butter
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ tbsp milk
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial for ensuring your dough rises properly.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough ball forms. Lightly rub the surface of the dough with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. This slow rise develops flavor and texture.
- Second Rise: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Pour 2 tablespoons of melted butter into the center of the pan. Gently deflate the dough by pulling it from the sides of the bowl and folding it toward the center several times. Place the dough into the buttered pan, cover, and let it rise for 1 ½ to 2 hours in a warm spot.
- Make the Brown Butter: In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until it develops a nutty aroma and turns a golden-amber color. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Topping: In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon into the browned butter until the sugar dissolves. This will create a lovely topping that adds sweetness and flavor.
- Dimple the Dough: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Once the dough has risen, use wet fingertips to press deep dimples all over the surface. Drizzle the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dimpled dough.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
- Finish with Vanilla Icing: In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Drizzle the icing evenly over the warm focaccia, slice into squares, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Cinnamon Focaccia Delight
Cinnamon Focaccia Delight is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast, or enjoy it as a dessert topped with fresh fruit. For a unique twist, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the dough before baking. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for added flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Focaccia Delight
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight for a more developed flavor.
How do I store leftover focaccia? Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour? While bread flour gives the best texture, you can use all-purpose flour; just keep in mind the focaccia may be slightly less chewy.
Cinnamon Focaccia Delight
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp white granulated sugar
- 4 cups bread flour, spooned and leveled
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 6 tbsp brown butter
- 0.33 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2.5 tbsp milk
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough ball forms. Lightly rub the surface of the dough with olive oil.
- Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Pour 2 tablespoons of melted butter into the center of the pan. Gently deflate the dough by pulling it from the sides of the bowl and folding it toward the center several times. Place the dough into the buttered pan, cover, and let it rise for 1 ½ to 2 hours in a warm spot.
- In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until it develops a nutty aroma and turns a golden-amber color. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon into the browned butter until the sugar dissolves.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Once the dough has risen, use wet fingertips to press deep dimples all over the surface. Drizzle the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dimpled dough.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
- In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Drizzle the icing evenly over the warm focaccia, slice into squares, and enjoy!