Name: Cinnamon Scroll Sweet Focaccia Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-497232H32M14S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 10 tbsp Westgold unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla paste; 1 tsp cinnamon; 2 cups icing sugar; 4 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tbsp full cream milk; 1 tsp vanilla paste; 700 g bread flour; 680 g lukewarm water (100°F / 34°C, 98% hydration); 7 g dry yeast; 12 g fine sea salt; 1 tsp honey; 2 tbsp brown butter (prepared from butter browned in pan)

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If you have a sweet tooth and love the comforting aroma of cinnamon, you are going to adore this Cinnamon Scroll Sweet Focaccia Recipe. This recipe takes the classic Italian focaccia and transforms it into a sweet, cinnamon-laden treat that’s wonderfully soft, fragrant, and generously swirled with brown butter and cinnamon sugar. It’s the kind of bake that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or whenever you need a hug in bread form. The magic lies in the tender, yeasty dough paired with a rich, gooey cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that makes each bite unforgettable.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a close-up of three stacked pieces of a dessert with a golden-brown crust that looks crispy and airy with large holes inside. Each piece has a visible dark brown filling layer that appears shiny and sticky, surrounded by a light brown toasted dough. On top of the dessert, there is a thin layer of white glaze that looks smooth and slightly shiny, dripping down the sides. The dessert sits on a white marbled surface, with a blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is the best part because each one is simple yet essential, contributing to the final texture, flavor, and appearance of your cinnamon scroll focaccia masterpiece. From the flour that builds the structure, to the aromatic cinnamon and brown sugar that create the luscious filling, every item plays a delicious role.

Bread flour 700g: This gives your focaccia its chewy texture and open crumb that's perfect for holding the filling.
Lukewarm water 680g (100°F / 34°C): Vital for activating the yeast and creating the perfect dough hydration.
Dry yeast 7g: Responsible for that light, airy lift in the dough.
Fine sea salt 12g: Enhances the flavor throughout the dough without overpowering it.
Honey 1 tsp: Feeds the yeast and adds just a hint of sweetness to the dough.
Brown butter 10 tablespoon + 4 tablespoon (unsalted): The star of the show, bringing a nutty, caramelized depth to the filling and glaze.
Brown sugar 1 cup: Sweetens the filling and caramelizes beautifully during baking.
Vanilla paste 2 tsp: Adds warmth and aroma to both filling and glaze.
Cinnamon 1 tsp: The classic spice harmonizing perfectly with the butter and sugar.
Icing sugar 2 cups: Forms the base of the smooth and sweet glaze that finishes the focaccia.
Full cream milk 1 tbsp: Helps create the perfect consistency for the glaze.

How to Make Cinnamon Scroll Sweet Focaccia Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter and Filling

Start by browning the butter to unlock its rich, nutty aroma—this step fills your kitchen with an irresistible smell. Stir the butter constantly over medium heat until it foams and develops that golden hue with toasty milk solids. Then mix two thirds of this brown butter with brown sugar, vanilla paste, and cinnamon to create the luscious filling that will make every bite a delight.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

While the dough gets going, whisk together icing sugar, the remaining melted brown butter, milk, and vanilla paste until silky smooth. The glaze will be fairly runny, perfect for drizzling over your baked focaccia to add sweetness and shine.

Step 3: Activate the Yeast

Combine lukewarm water, yeast, and honey in a bowl. Wait about five minutes until frothy bubbles appear - that’s your signal that the yeast is alive and ready to work magic in your dough.

Step 4: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix with a spoon or your hands until sticky and wet throughout, no dry spots. Cover with plastic or cloth for 10 minutes to rest.

Step 5: Stretch and Fold for Strength

With damp hands, gently stretch and fold the dough over itself four times, turning the bowl each time. This technique strengthens the dough without kneading it. Cover again for 10 minutes, then repeat once more until the dough forms a smooth ball.

Step 6: First Proof in the Fridge

Coat a bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let it rest in the fridge for 12 to 72 hours for slow fermentation that develops flavor. Remember, you only need half the dough for this recipe, so save the rest for another baking adventure.

Step 7: Shape, Fill, and Second Proof

Drizzle a third of the brown butter into a lined baking tin. Transfer half your dough, stretch it gently into a rough rectangle without reaching the edges. Spread two thirds of the cinnamon filling over the dough, then carefully fold the edges over to enclose it. Flip the dough over so the seam is underneath, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 2 hours until puffy.

Step 8: Bake Your Cinnamon Scroll Sweet Focaccia Recipe

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Dimple the surface of the risen dough with your fingers—this helps the focaccia develop its signature texture. Warm the remaining filling to loosen it up, drizzle it evenly on top, then bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown and irresistible.

Step 9: Rest and Glaze

Allow your focaccia to cool slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to rest for 30 minutes. Finish by drizzling the sweet vanilla glaze over the top. Slice it up and get ready to enjoy a truly special sweet treat.

How to Serve Cinnamon Scroll Sweet Focaccia Recipe

A close-up view of a golden brown rectangular pastry with a textured, slightly crispy surface showing dark caramelized spots. It is covered unevenly with a thick layer of white glaze that drips down the side, creating smooth, shiny streams. The pastry rests on a black wire cooling rack that sits on a white marbled textured surface. The background is softly blurred white with light gray veins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this cinnamon scroll sweet focaccia is it needs so little embellishment once glazed, but for a finishing touch, sprinkle some toasted chopped pecans or a dusting of extra cinnamon to elevate the look and taste. A few dollops of whipped cream or mascarpone on the side add a luscious contrast to the spice and sweetness.

Side Dishes

This recipe makes a fantastic centerpiece for breakfast or afternoon tea. Serve alongside fresh seasonal fruit or a warm cup of chai or coffee. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns it into a dessert to celebrate any day of the week.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the focaccia sliced thick and stacked on a rustic wooden board, perfect for sharing. Alternatively, cut into smaller squares for a brunch buffet or pack slices into parchment paper for an irresistible homemade gift your friends and family will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cinnamon scroll sweet focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining its softness and flavor beautifully.

Freezing

This focaccia freezes wonderfully. Slice it first, wrap individual pieces in cling wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. This is great to have on hand when you need a quick, indulgent treat without baking from scratch.

Reheating

To revive frozen or leftover focaccia, warm slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10-15 minutes. This brings back the flaky edges and soft crumb, almost like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Simply add it directly to the dry ingredients along with the water and honey without needing to activate it first. This can save a little time without affecting the result.

Is it necessary to brown the butter for the filling?

While not absolutely necessary, browning the butter adds a rich, nutty depth that truly elevates the flavor of the filling and glaze. It’s worth the extra few minutes for that special touch.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour?

Absolutely! Bread flour creates a chewier texture due to higher protein content, but all-purpose flour will still yield a tender, delicious focaccia if that’s what you have on hand.

How long does the dough need to proof in the fridge?

The dough needs a minimum of 12 hours and can be kept up to 72 hours for a slow, flavor-developing proof. The longer fermentation results in better texture and taste.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky to handle?

Keep your hands damp while working with the dough to prevent sticking. If it’s overly sticky, sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and hands sparingly to help, but avoid adding too much or you risk a dense focaccia.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Scroll Sweet Focaccia Recipe is a true delight that blends the charm of Italian breadmaking with irresistible cinnamon scroll flavors. It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or treating yourself on a cozy morning. Give this recipe a go and watch it become a treasured favorite in your home – I promise, every bite will bring a smile.