Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

If you’re a fan of sourdough bread and love the sweetness of cinnamon rolls, you’re in for a treat with this Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia recipe. Combining the chewy, airy texture of focaccia with the rich, sweet flavor of cinnamon rolls, this recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the best of both worlds. Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast or a unique dessert, this sourdough focaccia will surely become a favorite. Let’s dive into how you can create this amazing recipe from scratch using a sourdough starter!

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What Is Sourdough Focaccia?

Focaccia is an Italian flatbread, typically seasoned with olive oil, salt, and herbs. It is often described as similar to pizza dough, though it’s thicker, softer, and slightly chewy. Traditional focaccia bread can be made with either yeast or sourdough starter. In this recipe, we use a sourdough starter to give the focaccia an extra depth of flavor, as well as a delightful tanginess that complements the sweet cinnamon swirl perfectly. If you enjoy other types of bread, you might also want to try Quick Baked Bread, which is easy to make for beginners.

Why Use a Sourdough Starter for Focaccia?

Using a sourdough starter in your focaccia bread recipe not only provides a distinct tangy flavor but also contributes to a fluffier texture. The natural fermentation process helps break down gluten, making the bread more digestible. Sourdough starter also results in a longer shelf life for your focaccia, so you can enjoy it over several days. If you already have a sourdough starter on hand, this is the perfect opportunity to use it in a new and exciting way. If you’re looking for other delicious sourdough-based recipes, check out the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie, which also uses similar baking techniques.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia

To make this delightful Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 500g bread flour (about 4 cups)
• 100g sourdough starter (fed and active)
• 50g sugar (about ¼ cup)
• 100ml milk (about ⅓ cup)
• 100ml warm water (about ⅓ cup)
• 10g salt (about 1 teaspoon)
• 25g unsalted butter (melted, about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for the cinnamon swirl)
• 200g brown sugar (about 1 cup, for the cinnamon sugar mixture)
• Olive oil (for greasing the pan and drizzling over the dough)
• Optional toppings: nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of glaze

If you love recipes with a twist, try adding some creative fillings like in Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies, or include cinnamon and other spices for extra flavor.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Before you get started, make sure you have the following kitchen equipment on hand:

• Large mixing bowl
• Dough scraper or spatula
• 9×13-inch baking pan or a similar sized pan
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap (to cover the dough while it rises)
• Rolling pin (for rolling out the dough)
• Pastry brush (for brushing on melted butter)
• Knife or scissors (to cut the dough)
• Oven and baking tray

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Step-by-Step Preparation Process

Making Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia is easier than you might think, especially when you follow this simple, step-by-step guide.

1. Activate Your Sourdough Starter
   Start by ensuring your sourdough starter is fed and bubbly. If you’re using a refrigerated starter, take it out and let it come to room temperature for about 3-4 hours before starting the recipe.
2. Mixing the Dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, active sourdough starter, sugar, warm water, milk, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together, and then knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. You may also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step. Add the melted butter and continue kneading until fully incorporated. Looking for other quick bread ideas? Check out Easy Chili Lime Shrimp Bowls, which also uses fresh ingredients and simple steps.
3. First Rise
   Once your dough is smooth and elastic, shape it into a ball and place it back in the bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours. The dough should double in size, indicating that the yeast and starter are working their magic.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
   While your dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling by mixing the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
5. Shape the Dough
   Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a well-floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Brush the surface of the dough with melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
6. Forming the Focaccia
   Carefully roll the dough up like a jelly roll, starting from the longer side. After rolling, cut the dough into individual pieces (about 2-inch segments). Gently transfer these pieces into your prepared baking pan, arranging them side by side. If you like experimenting with different flavors, you may also enjoy the Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls.
7. Second Rise
   Cover the pan again and let the dough rise for another 1-2 hours, allowing the rolls to puff up and fill the pan.
8. Baking the Focaccia
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, drizzle a little olive oil over the top for a golden, crispy finish. Bake the focaccia for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. You can check by inserting a toothpick in the center of the dough—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready. For a more savory option, you can try Sheet Pan Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon next.
9. Serving
   Let the Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. The result is a fluffy, cinnamon-swirled delight with a soft, airy texture and a delicious sweetness.

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Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia

While this recipe is relatively straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure your focaccia turns out perfect every time:

• Use a well-fed sourdough starter: If your starter isn’t active, your dough may not rise properly, which will affect the final texture and flavor.
• Don’t rush the rising times: Allow the dough to rise properly during both the first and second rises. This is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor.
• Use high-quality butter: For an even richer flavor, use unsalted, high-quality butter when brushing the dough.
• Add nuts or raisins: If you love extra texture, consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the dough or as a topping. Banana Rhubarb Muffins also pairs well with cinnamon flavors.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

While this Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia is already delicious, feel free to make it your own with these variations:

• Citrus zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough or cinnamon-sugar mixture for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Nutmeg: Swap out or add nutmeg alongside the cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate chips: For a richer dessert, incorporate chocolate chips into the dough or the filling. For chocolate lovers, Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters could be a fun choice to serve alongside.
• Herbed focaccia: For a savory take, skip the cinnamon-sugar filling and add herbs like rosemary and thyme instead. You can also add olives or sundried tomatoes.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you prefer to keep it fresh longer, you can freeze the leftover focaccia. Just wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, place the focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until warmed through.

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FAQ

Can I use a regular yeast starter instead of sourdough starter?
Yes, you can use a traditional yeast-based dough, but the flavor won’t be as rich or tangy as sourdough.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight for a slow fermentation. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

Can I make this in a different pan?
Yes, you can use any pan you have, as long as it’s big enough to accommodate the dough. A round cake pan or a larger baking sheet will work as well.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia recipe is a delightful twist on traditional focaccia bread, combining the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweet warmth of cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, it’s sure to be a hit. We hope you enjoy baking this recipe as much as we did. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations with friends and family—and be sure to subscribe for more amazing recipes!

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