Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe (Soft, Fluffy & Perfect for Winter)

If you love cinnamon rolls and warm, fluffy focaccia bread, this recipe combines the best of both worlds. Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is soft, buttery, lightly crisp on the edges, and swirled with cinnamon sugar goodness, then finished with a simple vanilla glaze. It’s perfect for weekend baking, holiday brunch, or a cozy winter treat.

This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require complicated shaping, making it ideal even if you’re new to bread baking.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Focaccia

• Soft and pillowy interior
• Crispy, golden edges
• No rolling or slicing required
• Perfect for sharing
• Great for breakfast, dessert, or brunch

Ingredients

Dough

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 large egg

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons melted butter

Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Dough

Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth.

3. First Rise

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Pan

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Transfer dough to the pan and gently stretch it toward the edges. Let rest 15 minutes if it resists stretching.

5. Add the Signature Dimples

Using your fingertips, press deep dimples all over the dough.

6. Add Cinnamon Sugar

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly on top.

7. Second Rise

Cover and let rise another 20–30 minutes.

8. Bake

Bake at 375°F for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

9. Make the Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

10. Glaze & Serve

Drizzle glaze over warm focaccia. Slice and serve.

Tips for Best Results

• Use warm (not hot) milk to avoid killing the yeast
• Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area
• For extra richness, brush edges with melted butter after baking
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

Variations to Try

• Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace milk with softened cream cheese
• Apple Cinnamon: Add thin apple slices before baking
• Maple Glaze: Substitute vanilla with maple extract

Let us know if you try it! ✨