Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe

Name: Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 215 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1/4 cup, plus 1 tablespoon canola oil, divided; All-purpose flour, for work surface; 2 (1-pound) fresh prepared pizza dough balls; 1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, divided, plus more for sprinkling; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided; 7 tablespoons (3 1/2 ounces) unsalted butter, softened, divided; 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 1 cup (4 ounces) powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Time: 20 minutes

This warm and comforting cinnamon roll focaccia is a delightful fusion of baked goods, combining the best aspects of both cinnamon rolls and focaccia. The shortcut of using premade pizza dough makes it quick and easy to prepare, cutting down the time it takes to make from-scratch rolls. The dough is soft and fluffy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that melts into every crevice. This breakfast treat is perfect for satisfying your morning cravings with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup, plus 1 tablespoon canola oil, divided
All-purpose flour, for the work surface
2 (1-pound) fresh prepared pizza dough balls
1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, divided, plus extra for sprinkling
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon whole milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 450F (230C). Prepare a 13x9-inch baking pan by evenly coating it with 1/4 cup of the canola oil.
On a lightly floured surface, flatten the pizza dough balls to about 1-inch thickness using your hands or a rolling pin.
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of one dough round.
Place the second dough round on top of the first and knead the dough together until fully combined, forming one ball of dough.
Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for 3 hours, gently pressing out the dough every hour to make it as thin as possible.
Once the dough has rested, uncover it and press it into an even layer, making sure it reaches the edges of the pan.
Grease your hands and create deep dimples in the dough with your fingertips. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil evenly over the dough and make dimples again.
Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it begins to rise and turn golden brown.
Meanwhile, melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the remaining 1/4 cup of light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir until well combined, then drizzle the mixture evenly over the baked dough.
Return the dough to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the focaccia is puffed up and deeply golden.
While the focaccia is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Beat them together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 30 seconds).
Gradually add the powdered sugar while beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Once the focaccia is out of the oven, drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the hot bread and serve it warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 397
Total Fat: 19g (25% DV)
Saturated Fat: 7g (34% DV)
Cholesterol: 27mg (9% DV)
Sodium: 304mg (13% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 51g (18% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% DV)
Total Sugars: 16g
Protein: 6g (11% DV)
Calcium: 29mg (2% DV)
Iron: 2mg (12% DV)
Potassium: 80mg (2% DV)

Servings per Recipe: 12

Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe

The Story Behind Cinnamon Roll Focaccia

Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is a creative fusion of two beloved baked goods: the Italian focaccia and the American cinnamon roll. Traditional focaccia dates back to ancient Rome, where it was enjoyed as a simple flatbread often seasoned with olive oil and herbs. Cinnamon rolls, on the other hand, have their roots in Northern Europe, particularly Sweden and Germany, where sweet yeasted pastries filled with cinnamon and sugar became a morning staple. The marriage of these two treats is a modern culinary invention, blending the pillowy, airy texture of focaccia with the sweet, spiced richness of cinnamon rolls.

Regional Variations

While cinnamon roll focaccia is primarily popular in the United States as a breakfast or brunch item, regional adaptations have emerged worldwide. In Italy, variations may incorporate local ingredients such as mascarpone or regional nuts. In the U.S., many bakers add cream cheese glaze, a hallmark of American-style cinnamon rolls, while others experiment with different sugars or spices, including nutmeg or cardamom, to create distinctive flavor profiles. The adaptability of this dish makes it a canvas for regional creativity, blending traditional European and modern American influences.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Unlike a classic cinnamon roll, which is rolled into individual spirals, cinnamon roll focaccia is baked as a single flat loaf, often in a 13 x 9-inch pan, giving it a unique texture that is crisp on the edges and soft inside. Compared to traditional focaccia, which is savory and topped with herbs, this version is sweet and features a rich cinnamon-sugar butter drizzle with a cream cheese glaze. The combination creates a hybrid experience, merging the sweetness and spice of a roll with the structural characteristics of focaccia.

Where Its Typically Served

Cinnamon roll focaccia is most commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch dish. Cafs, bakeries, and brunch restaurants often serve it warm, drizzled with icing to enhance the soft, buttery layers. It is also a popular homemade treat for holidays, family gatherings, or weekend mornings when a comforting, shareable bread is desired. Its presentation as a large, dimpled sheet makes it perfect for communal dining, allowing everyone to pull off a piece and enjoy the combination of textures and flavors.

Interesting Facts

This hybrid bread became popular in the 21st century as bakers began experimenting with combining classic pastries and breads.
Using premade pizza dough is a common shortcut, significantly reducing preparation time while still achieving a soft, pillowy interior.
The dimpling of the dough before baking, a technique borrowed from traditional focaccia, helps the cinnamon-sugar butter and glaze settle into the bread, enhancing flavor distribution.
Despite its sweetness, cinnamon roll focaccia often has a more complex texture than individual rolls, balancing a crunchy crust with a soft, airy interior.
Cream cheese glaze, though optional in traditional focaccia, has become a defining characteristic of this dish, bridging American pastry flavors with Italian bread techniques.

FAQ about Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Recipe

Yes, you can use other types of pizza dough or even homemade dough if you prefer. The key is to ensure the dough is pliable enough to form the focaccia base.

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rest overnight in the fridge. Just allow it to come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe. You can also prepare the cream cheese icing ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore its texture.

Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Once it's been shaped and rested, cover it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it rest at room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.

Yes, if you prefer a different type of frosting, you can replace the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese, Greek yogurt, or a simple powdered sugar glaze. The texture and flavor will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Cinnamon roll focaccia is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for breakfast or brunch.

Yes, you can use white sugar, coconut sugar, or even maple sugar as a substitute for brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a bit of extra moisture and flavor, but any of these alternatives will work well.

If you don't have a 13x9-inch pan, you can use a slightly smaller or larger baking dish. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it while baking.