Cinnamon Focaccia with Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Vanilla Icing Recipe

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Start Here: Cozy Cravings with Cinnamon Focaccia with Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Vanilla Icing Recipe

There’s something truly magical about waking up to the warm aroma of freshly baked bread infused with cinnamon and that irresistible nutty scent of brown butter. This Cinnamon Focaccia with Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Vanilla Icing Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for weekend breakfasts and sweet afternoon treats. It’s like a hug in bread form—comforting, a little indulgent, and bursting with flavor.

I love serving this focaccia when friends stop by for coffee or during lazy brunches when there’s plenty of time to savor every sweet, buttery bite. The combination of soft, airy bread with those caramelized cinnamon pockets under a drizzle of soft vanilla icing makes it a real showstopper that’s also super approachable to make.

If you’re craving something that feels special but is surprisingly simple, this Cinnamon Focaccia with Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Vanilla Icing Recipe will quickly become a staple you return to. It’s perfect for those slow mornings and busy days alike—just set it going the night before and enjoy the bliss of homemade goodness.

Prep Like a Pro

Before diving in, get your kitchen organized to make the whole process smooth and enjoyable—think of it as setting the stage for deliciousness. Measuring ingredients precisely and having your tools ready really pays off, especially with dough that needs those perfect rises and folds.

• Large mixing bowls for dough prep and rising
• Small bowl for activating yeast
• Measuring cups and spoons (accurate measurements matter!)
• 9×13-inch baking pan, greased and parchment-lined
• Small saucepan for browning butter
• Whisk and mixing spoons for combining ingredients
• Cooling rack for finishing the focaccia

Gather Your Ingredients

Accuracy here makes all the difference. I like to spoon and level flour for perfect dough consistency, and selecting quality cinnamon and fresh vanilla extract really elevates the final result.

• Warm water (around 110℉) – to gently activate the yeast
• Active dry yeast – for that beautiful rise and airy texture
• White granulated sugar – to feed the yeast and balance sweetness
• Bread flour – provides the perfect chewy crumb
• Salt – keeps flavors balanced
• Olive oil – adds moisture and richness to the dough
• Unsalted butter – for melting into the pan and browning
• Brown butter – the star of the cinnamon sugar topping
• Light brown sugar – brings warmth and depth to the topping
• Cinnamon – the cozy spice you crave
• Powdered sugar – for the creamy vanilla icing
• Vanilla extract – fragrant and sweet
• Milk – to adjust icing consistency

Can’t find bread flour? All-purpose flour works in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly less chewy. Feel free to swap milk with your favorite plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.

Step-by-Step to Cinnamon Focaccia with Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Vanilla Icing Recipe Bliss

Ready to bring this dreamy Cinnamon Focaccia with Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Vanilla Icing Recipe to life? Follow along each step—I’ll guide you through textures, aromas, and timing so your kitchen fills with baking magic.

1. Activate the yeast. Combine warm water (about 110℉) and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and wait 10-15 minutes until it foams up like a frothy cappuccino.
2. Mix the dough. Whisk flour and salt in a large bowl. Pour in the yeast mix and olive oil. Stir until a sticky ball forms. Lightly rub olive oil over the dough’s surface for smoothness during rising.
3. First rise. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours—this slow rise deepens flavor and texture.
4. Second rise prep. Grease and parchment-line a 9×13-inch pan. Pour 2 tablespoons melted butter in the center. Gently deflate dough with fingers by folding edges toward the center several times, then place in the pan.
5. Second rise. Cover and let rise 1½ to 2 hours in a warm spot until puffy and almost doubled.
6. Make brown butter. Melt ½ cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it smells nutty and turns a deep golden-amber—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Cool for 10 minutes.
7. Prepare cinnamon topping. Stir brown sugar and cinnamon into the cooled brown butter until sugar dissolves and the mixture is silky.
8. Dimple the dough. Preheat oven to 450℉. Wet your fingertips and press deep dimples evenly across the dough. Drizzle the cinnamon-butter topping over the surface, filling the indentations with sweet pockets.
9. Bake. Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the focaccia turns golden brown and the edges get that perfect crispness. Let cool 10 minutes in the pan before moving to a rack.
10. Finish with vanilla icing. Mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle generously over warm focaccia. Slice into squares and enjoy the melty, sweet melody of flavors.

Serve & Savor

Once your Cinnamon Focaccia with Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Vanilla Icing Recipe is ready, plate up those golden squares with pride. The texture will delight with a soft crumb, crisp edges, and that swirl of cinnamon-butter sweetness paired perfectly with the lush vanilla glaze. It’s great fresh from the oven, best shared with friends or enjoyed slowly with a cozy cup of tea or coffee.

Creative Variations with Cinnamon Focaccia with Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Vanilla Icing Recipe

• Swap cinnamon for cardamom or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
• Add finely chopped apples or pears into the topping for fruity bursts.
• Try a maple glaze instead of vanilla icing for richer sweetness.
• Make it vegan by using plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
• Stir in toasted pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar topping for crunch and warmth.
• For a savory-sweet twist, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before baking.

Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat

• Make-ahead: Prepare dough and do the first rise overnight in the fridge.
• Store: Keep leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 1 month.
• Reheat: Warm slices in a 350℉ oven for 10 minutes or toast gently to revive that fresh-baked texture.
• Icing Tip: Add fresh drizzle of vanilla icing after reheating for best flavor and appearance.

Your Cinnamon Focaccia with Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Vanilla Icing Recipe Questions Answered

• Can I skip the overnight rise? The slow refrigerator rise really develops flavor and texture, but if short on time, a 2-hour room-temperature rise can work—expect subtle differences.
• What’s the best way to brown butter? Melt butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. When it turns golden and smells nutty, remove immediately to prevent burning.
• How do I get deep dimples without tearing the dough? Keep your fingertips wet and gently press to avoid sticking—this helps hold the cinnamon butter in the pockets.
• Is this focaccia sweet or savory? It leans toward sweet with the cinnamon sugar and vanilla icing, but still has focaccia’s light crumb and slight richness.
• Can I make this gluten-free? You’d need a gluten-free bread flour blend with xanthan gum, but texture will differ from original focaccia.

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