This Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia is a fun twist on two favorites! It combines fluffy focaccia with sweet cinnamon and sugar for a treat that’s soft and gooey.
Just imagine pulling apart warm slices, all the gooey filling hugging each piece. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack, and trust me, you’ll want to share… or not! 😉
I love making this when I have a little extra sourdough starter. Just mix, let it rise, and bake. It fills the house with the best smell ever—what a delight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: The heart of this recipe! A healthy, active starter will give the focaccia its lovely flavor. If you’re new to sourdough, you can use store-bought starters or try a homemade one. Just ensure it’s bubbly and active.
All-Purpose Flour: This is my go-to choice for this recipe. You can swap it for bread flour for a chewier texture or a gluten-free blend if needed. Just check that it works for yeast recipes!
Brown Sugar: This brings the sweetness! Light or dark can be used interchangeably, depending on your flavor preference. You can substitute with white sugar, but it won’t have the same deep flavor.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that classic roll flavor. If you like a twist, try adding nutmeg or cardamom for a unique touch!
How Do You Get the Perfect Rise in Your Focaccia?
Getting a fluffy rise is crucial! Start by letting your dough rise in a warm spot. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing it in an oven that’s turned off but with the light on to keep it cozy.
- First rise: Let the dough rise for 4-6 hours until doubled. Don’t rush this step!
- Second proof: After cutting and arranging the slices in the pan, give them another hour or two to puff up. This adds airiness to your rolls.
Patience pays off here—trust the process and enjoy that delightful aroma filling your kitchen!
Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 250g (1 cup) active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 350g (2 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 180g (3/4 cup) warm water
- 40g (3 tbsp) sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 4-6 hours for the first rise, plus an additional 1-2 hours for proofing after shaping. Baking takes about 25-30 minutes. In total, plan for approximately 6-8 hours, including preparation time. Perfect for a slow, delicious day at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, and sugar. Use a whisk to mix until the sugar is fully dissolved. This mixture will activate the dough!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix everything together until a sticky dough starts to form. It’s okay for the dough to be a bit messy at this stage!
3. Knead the Dough:
Dust a clean surface with flour and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Once you’re done, cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
4. First Rise:
Let the dough rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until double its size. Keep an eye on it; the time may vary depending on the strength of your sourdough starter and the temperature in your kitchen.
5. Prepare the Filling:
After the dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out! Transfer the dough to a greased round baking pan. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle about 9×12 inches.
6. Add the Cinnamon Sugar:
Brush the melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Next, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough.
7. Roll Up the Dough:
Starting from the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a log. Aim for a tight roll to keep those delicious layers compact!
8. Slice and Arrange:
Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 10-12 equal slices. Arrange the slices cut-side up in the greased pan, fitting them snugly together.
9. Second Proof:
Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls proof for another 1-2 hours, or until they look puffy and slightly enlarged.
10. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
11. Glaze and Serve:
After baking, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until you have a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over your warm cinnamon rolls.
12. Enjoy:
Serve the focaccia warm or at room temperature. You can pull apart the slices for a sweet and gooey treat that everyone will love!
This Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia is the perfect combination of fluffy dough and sweet cinnamon filling, making for a delightful treat for any time of day. Happy baking!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend! Just ensure it’s one suitable for yeast baking, as some brands may work better than others. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and complete the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before rolling and proceeding with the filling and second rise. This is a great time-saver!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. Just reheat them in the oven to refresh the texture!
What Can I Substitute for Sourdough Starter?
If you don’t have a sourdough starter, you can use 1 cup of all-purpose flour mixed with 1/2 cup of water and a packet of instant yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp) for a similar effect. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor and texture slightly, but it will still be tasty!
