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Cinnamon Brown Butter Focaccia with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 139 reviews

This Cinnamon Focaccia is an irresistible twist on the classic Italian bread, infused with warm cinnamon and brown butter flavors. Soft and fluffy on the inside with a golden crust, it’s topped with a luscious cinnamon-butter glaze and finished with a delicate vanilla icing drizzle. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this recipe combines the comfort of focaccia with the sweet, aromatic notes of cinnamon and sugar.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups warm water (about 110℉)
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp white granulated sugar
  • 4 cups bread flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

Cinnamon Topping

  • 6 tbsp brown butter (see notes below)
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

Vanilla Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water heated to about 110℉ and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Stir thoroughly until the dough clumps together into a sticky ball, then rub the surface of the dough lightly with olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
  3. First rise: Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours to allow a slow fermentation, which enhances the flavor and texture of the focaccia.
  4. Second rise: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Pour 2 tablespoons of melted butter into the center of the pan. Gently deflate the dough by pulling it from the sides and folding it towards the center several times, then transfer the dough into the prepared pan. Cover and leave it in a warm spot for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until it has risen again and doubled in size.
  5. Make the brown butter: In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter turns a golden-amber color and releases a nutty aroma. Remove immediately from heat to avoid burning and let it cool for 10 minutes.
  6. Prepare the cinnamon topping: Mix the cooled brown butter with the light brown sugar and cinnamon until the sugar fully dissolves, creating a flavorful glaze for the bread.
  7. Dimple the dough: Preheat your oven to 450℉. Using wet fingertips, press deep dimples all over the surface of the risen dough in the pan. Drizzle the prepared cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dimpled dough to infuse it with flavor during baking.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.
  9. Finish with vanilla icing: In a small bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth to make a glaze. Drizzle this icing evenly over the warm focaccia. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that really elevates this sweet focaccia. Make sure to remove it from heat as soon as it reaches the golden color to prevent burning.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based milk for the icing.
  • The slow fermentation in the refrigerator develops deeper flavor and improves the texture of the focaccia.
  • Ensure your brown sugar is packed lightly for accurate measurement and best texture.
  • For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking.

Keywords: Cinnamon Focaccia, Sweet Focaccia, Brown Butter Cinnamon Bread, Vanilla Icing Focaccia, Italian Sweet Bread

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/cinnamon-brown-butter-focaccia-with-vanilla-glaze-recipe/