Name: Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Focaccia Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 45°C); 2 teaspoons honey or sugar; 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (470 g); 1 ½ teaspoons salt; ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for greasing and topping); ½ cup brown sugar (100 g); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil; Extra cinnamon sugar; Powdered sugar glaze (½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

If you love the comforting aroma of cinnamon and the fluffy texture of focaccia, this Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Focaccia is the perfect treat you didn’t know you needed. It combines soft bread with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar swirl for a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite.

A close-up view of a square pizza slice with a golden-brown crust resting on a cooling rack above a white marbled surface. The pizza has a cheesy top layer that is melted and slightly bubbly, with browned spots and scattered small dark purple-black olives embedded in the cheese. The crust edge is thick and textured, with a toasted look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
2 teaspoons honey or sugar
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (470 g)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
¼ cup olive oil (plus more for greasing and topping)
½ cup brown sugar (100 g)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
Optional: Extra cinnamon sugar or a powdered sugar glaze (½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes, to activate the yeast.
Step 2: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix and then knead in the olive oil until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the filling by stirring together brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
Step 5: Transfer the risen dough to a well-oiled baking sheet and gently press it out to shape. Use your fingers to dimple the top of the dough.
Step 6: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Use a knife to gently swirl the filling, creating a marble effect without over-mixing.
Step 7: Allow the dough to rest for 20–30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 8: Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes, until it turns golden brown and bubbly on top.
Step 9: Let it cool slightly before drizzling with powdered sugar glaze or sprinkling with extra cinnamon sugar, if desired. Serve warm for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

For the best airy texture, allow both the first and second rises fully.
Be gentle when swirling the cinnamon filling to maintain distinct ribbons of cinnamon in the bread.
Use high-quality olive oil to enhance flavor and create beautifully golden edges.
Try chilling the dough overnight in the refrigerator for a slow rise and more complex flavor.
Enjoy this focaccia warm with a pat of butter, a cup of coffee, or a light drizzle of icing.

Storage

Store the focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in a warm oven or toaster oven to restore softness and warmth before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a rectangular pizza slice with a thick crust, sitting on a black cooling rack. The top layer is golden-brown melted cheese with slightly crispy edges, covering a layer of dark red tomato sauce with visible patches of darker spots from cooked toppings. The crust edges are light brown with a soft, airy texture inside. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Reduce or skip the activation step by mixing it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients, then adjust liquid as needed.

Can I make this cinnamon swirl focaccia gluten-free?

While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can try a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread baking. Keep in mind the texture and rise may vary, so additional experimentation may be needed.