Looking for a delicious and creative twist on traditional sourdough bread? Look no further than this sourdough cinnamon roll focaccia! This recipe combines the soft, airy texture of focaccia with the sweet, indulgent flavors of cinnamon rolls, creating an irresistible bread that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Whether you’re a sourdough enthusiast or a beginner, this sourdough pastry recipe is a fun and easy way to elevate your bread-baking skills.
Made with sourdough starter, this bread is naturally leavened, giving it that perfect chewy texture and tangy flavor that only sourdough can provide. If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want a lighter, more savory base, this is the bread for you!
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What Makes Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia So Irresistible
What sets sourdough cinnamon roll focaccia apart is the delightful combination of sweet and savory. The cinnamon sugar filling creates a luscious swirl throughout the bread, while the sourdough starter adds depth and flavor that makes the dough uniquely tangy and flavorful. The result is a perfect balance of sourdough bread and cinnamon rolls, all in one!
This bread is perfect for night before sourdough recipes because the dough can be made the night before and allowed to rise overnight, making it easy to bake fresh, homemade bread the next morning. Plus, the focaccia bread with sourdough starter brings a wonderful crusty exterior with a soft and tender interior.
Ingredients You Need for the Best Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best sourdough cinnamon roll focaccia:
For the Dough:
- 1 ½ cups sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the dough)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for a touch of sweetness)
For the Cinnamon Roll Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing on top)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for extra flavor)
These ingredients combine to create a sourdough discard focaccia bread recipe that’s both easy to make and incredibly flavorful.
Essential Tools for Making Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
To prepare this sourdough bread recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Large mixing bowl (for mixing and rising the dough)
- 9×13-inch baking dish (for baking the focaccia)
- Whisk (for combining the cinnamon sugar)
- Pastry brush (for brushing on the melted butter)
These tools will help you make the perfect sourdough cinnamon roll focaccia with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
Here’s how to make your own sourdough cinnamon roll focaccia at home:
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, flour, and salt. Mix until the dough begins to come together, then knead for about 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add the olive oil and honey, kneading until well incorporated.
2. Let the Dough Rise
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for 2-3 hours at room temperature, or refrigerate overnight for a longer, more flavorful rise. If you’re looking for a night before sourdough recipe, refrigerating overnight is ideal.
3. Make the Cinnamon Roll Filling
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Melt the unsalted butter and set it aside as well.
4. Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and place it into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the dough out evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.
5. Add the Cinnamon Filling
Brush the dough with the melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Roll the dough up tightly from one edge, just like you would with a traditional cinnamon roll. Slice the dough into about 8-10 pieces, then arrange the slices in the baking dish.
6. Let the Dough Rise Again
Cover the dish and let the dough rise for another 1–2 hours until it has puffed up. You can refrigerate the dough at this point and bake it the next day if you prefer to prep it in advance.
7. Bake the Focaccia
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the focaccia for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown on top and the dough is fully cooked through. The cinnamon sugar should create a beautiful swirl throughout the bread.
8. Finish and Serve
Remove the focaccia from the oven and brush the top with melted butter. Sprinkle with a little sugar and cinnamon for an extra sweet touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
For a savory variation, try making garlic focaccia sourdough bread by swapping out the cinnamon sugar for garlic butter and herbs.
How to Customize Your Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia with Toppings
While this sourdough cinnamon roll focaccia is delicious on its own, you can customize it with different toppings to suit your tastes:
- Add nuts: For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the dough before baking.
- Frosting: If you prefer a sweeter, more indulgent touch, drizzle a simple cream cheese frosting over the warm focaccia after baking.
- Fresh fruit: Add fresh berries or apple slices before baking for a fruity variation.
If you love sourdough pastry recipes, this sourdough discard focaccia bread is another fantastic recipe to try with your sourdough starter.
Serving Ideas: How to Serve Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Like a Pro
Here are some fun and creative ways to serve your sourdough cinnamon roll focaccia:
- For breakfast: Serve the focaccia with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy, indulgent breakfast.
- As a dessert: Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a sweet, comforting dessert.
- As a snack: Enjoy it on its own or serve it with a light fruit salad or yogurt for a snack.
For another great sourdough discard focaccia recipe, try pairing this cinnamon roll version with a side of roasted vegetables.
Tips for Making the Best Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
- Use an active sourdough starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active for the best rise and texture in the bread.
- Don’t overwork the dough: When kneading, be gentle to maintain the airiness of the dough. Overworking it can result in a denser bread.
- Let the dough rise slowly: The longer rise times help develop flavor, so don’t rush the process.
For a simpler take on sourdough bread recipes, try this easy sourdough bread recipe.
How to Store Leftovers from Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
If you have leftover sourdough cinnamon roll focaccia, here’s how to store it:
Refrigeration
Wrap the focaccia in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store in a freezer bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What to Pair with Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
To complete your meal, serve your sourdough cinnamon roll focaccia with:
- Fresh fruit such as berries or sliced apples.
- Cappuccino or a hot chocolate for a cozy pairing.
- Ice cream for a decadent dessert.
For another take on sourdough discard focaccia bread recipes, check out this sourdough focaccia with rosemary recipe for a savory twist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made the night before and left to rise overnight in the fridge. Then, just bake it the next day for a quick and fresh breakfast or snack.
Can I use sourdough discard for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have extra sourdough discard, this recipe is a perfect way to use it up without needing to create a whole batch of starter.
Can I make this without a sourdough starter?
You can try using yeast instead of sourdough starter, but the flavor and texture will differ. If you prefer the tangy flavor of sourdough, the starter is essential.
Why Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Is a Must-Try Recipe
This sourdough cinnamon roll focaccia is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and comforting flavors. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a sourdough pro or just starting to experiment with sourdough discard focaccia bread, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen.
For more focaccia bread recipes sourdough discard, check out this rosemary garlic focaccia.
PrintDelicious 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
Keywords: Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia, Sourdough Bread, Cinnamon Roll Focaccia, Sourdough Focaccia, Cinnamon Bread, Sweet Sourdough Bread