There’s something magical about fresh, warm bread, and when you combine the tangy goodness of sourdough starter with the sweet comfort of cinnamon rolls, you create an irresistible treat—Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia. This unique bread recipe combines the rich, chewy texture of focaccia with the sweet, spiced flavors of cinnamon rolls, creating a delightful hybrid that will quickly become a family favorite.
Whether you’re a sourdough enthusiast or new to baking with sourdough starter, this sourdough pastry recipe offers the perfect introduction to baking with sourdough. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a comforting breakfast or snack.
Let’s dive into what makes this bread so special and how you can make the best Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia right in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is the Ultimate Comfort Bread
There are many reasons why Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is the perfect recipe for your next baking adventure:
- Perfect balance of flavors: This bread marries the deep, tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar. The result is a bread that’s both savory and sweet, making it the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
- Chewy, soft texture: Thanks to the sourdough discard and long fermentation process, this focaccia has a wonderfully chewy and airy texture that’s hard to beat. It has the perfect balance of crispness on the outside and softness on the inside.
- Versatile and customizable: While Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is delicious on its own, it’s also highly adaptable. You can add extra toppings, such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of frosting, to suit your taste.
- Healthier alternative: Using sourdough starter in the dough not only gives it a unique flavor, but it also provides some of the health benefits associated with fermented foods, such as improved digestion and better absorption of nutrients.
- Great for using up sourdough discard: If you’re wondering what to do with sourdough discard, this recipe is the perfect solution. It allows you to use your leftover sourdough starter in a delicious and creative way.
If you love making focaccia bread with sourdough starter or experimenting with different sourdough recipes, Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is a fun and flavorful choice. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this delicious bread.
Ingredients for the Best Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
To make the best sourdough cinnamon roll focaccia, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup sourdough starter (discard is fine)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing)
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional for softness)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a flavorful, moist bread that’s full of cinnamon goodness. You’ll love how the sourdough discard focaccia creates an amazing texture and depth of flavor in this bread.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
Before you start making your Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia, here are the essential kitchen tools you’ll need:
- Large mixing bowl: For combining the dough ingredients.
- Rolling pin: To roll out the dough and shape it for the cinnamon filling.
- Baking dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish or a round pizza pan works well for baking the focaccia.
- Spatula: For spreading the cinnamon butter filling evenly across the dough.
- Oven: To bake the focaccia until golden and bubbly.
- Pastry brush: To apply the melted butter on top before baking.
With these basic tools, you’ll be able to create this sourdough bread recipe with ease, ensuring a perfect loaf every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
Here’s how to make the best Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia:
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Slowly add the warm water while mixing to form a soft dough. If the dough feels too stiff, you can add the milk to make it more pliable.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead it for you.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the cinnamon filling: While the dough is rising, make the cinnamon filling by combining the brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and pinch of salt in a small bowl. Mix well until it forms a smooth paste.
- Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangular shape, about 12×18 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll up the dough: Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log, like you would with cinnamon rolls. Once rolled, cut the dough into 12 equal slices.
- Place the dough in the pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or pizza pan and arrange the cinnamon roll slices in the dish, placing them close together but not overcrowding them. Allow the dough to rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
- Bake the focaccia: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, brush the top with the melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Once the focaccia is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.
This easy method ensures that you get soft, pillowy sourdough focaccia bread with the perfect balance of sweetness and cinnamon flavor.
Tips for Perfect Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
To make sure your Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips:
- Allow enough time for fermentation: Sourdough works best when given time to ferment. Be patient during the rising periods, as this will develop the flavor and texture of the dough.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your sourdough starter and butter are at room temperature for better integration with the dough.
- Don’t rush the baking: Baking time may vary depending on your oven. Check the focaccia for golden color and a slight crisp on the edges. If it’s browning too quickly, cover it with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
- Add frosting for an extra indulgence: For a treat that’s even closer to a cinnamon roll, drizzle a simple cream cheese frosting on top after the focaccia has cooled slightly.
For a variation, try our Garlic Sourdough Focaccia for a savory twist!
How to Serve Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
Once your Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is ready, here are some serving suggestions:
- For breakfast: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea as a decadent breakfast treat.
- As a snack: This bread is perfect for snacking throughout the day. It’s soft, flavorful, and a little bit indulgent.
- For dessert: Serve it as a sweet ending to a meal. A light drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the sweetness.
- Pair with fruit: Pair the focaccia with fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices for a refreshing contrast.
Substitutions and Variations for Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients:
- Add nuts: If you enjoy a little crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon filling.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the bread gluten-free. Be sure to add the necessary adjustments for gluten-free baking.
- Try different toppings: Switch the sugar topping for a caramel glaze or even drizzle with dark chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness.
For a more savory version, try our Garlic Sourdough Focaccia Bread for a bread that’s great with soups and salads.
How to Store Leftovers and Reheat Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them again:
- Store: Let the focaccia cool completely, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or oven for a few minutes to restore its softness. You can also freeze it for up to a month and reheat when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
Can I use a different sourdough starter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fed or discard sourdough starter for this recipe. Both work well, though discard adds a slight tangier flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it in the morning for a fresh breakfast.
How do I know when my focaccia is done baking?
The focaccia should be golden brown on top and the edges should be slightly crispy. You can also check the internal temperature, which should be around 190°F (88°C).
Explore More Sourdough Bread and Focaccia Recipes
If you loved this Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia, check out these other delicious recipes:
- Garlic Sourdough Focaccia – A savory focaccia with garlic and herbs.
- Sourdough Discard Focaccia – A simple way to use up your sourdough discard.
- Classic Sourdough Bread – For a more traditional sourdough loaf.
Final Thoughts on Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
This Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia combines the best of both worlds—fluffy, chewy focaccia and sweet, spiced cinnamon rolls. It’s easy to make, versatile, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will impress anyone who tastes it.
Print
Delicious Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia – A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is a delightful hybrid, blending the tangy goodness of sourdough with the sweet, spiced flavors of cinnamon rolls. The result is a chewy, sweet, and savory bread that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup sourdough starter (discard is fine)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing)
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional for softness)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Slowly add the warm water while mixing to form a soft dough. If the dough feels too stiff, you can add the milk to make it more pliable.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the cinnamon filling: While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and pinch of salt to form a smooth paste.
- Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangular shape, about 12×18 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Roll up the dough: Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log, like you would with cinnamon rolls. Once rolled, cut the dough into 12 equal slices.
- Place the dough in the pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or pizza pan and arrange the cinnamon roll slices in the dish. Allow the dough to rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
- Bake the focaccia: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, brush the top with the melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Once the focaccia is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Allow enough time for fermentation: Sourdough works best when given time to ferment. Be patient during the rising periods, as this will develop the flavor and texture of the dough.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your sourdough starter and butter are at room temperature for better integration with the dough.
- Don’t rush the baking: Baking time may vary depending on your oven. Check the focaccia for golden color and a slight crisp on the edges. If it’s browning too quickly, cover it with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
- Add frosting for an extra indulgence: For a treat that’s even closer to a cinnamon roll, drizzle a simple cream cheese frosting on top after the focaccia has cooled slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
