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Oh, dear friends, gather ’round because I’ve got a story for you that will warm your hearts and fill your kitchens with heavenly aromas. Picture this: a rainy Sunday afternoon, the kind that makes you want to wrap up in a soft blanket with a good book and a cup of tea in hand. That’s exactly when I stumbled upon this delightful creation—Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia! As I played around with my sourdough starter, a tender memory of sweet cinnamon rolls danced in my mind. What if I could infuse that comfort, that warmth, into a cloud-like focaccia?
The moment I pulled it out of the oven, the sweet scent of cinnamon and sugar enveloped my kitchen like a snug hug. The result was a golden, fluffy focaccia swirled with brown sugar and warm spices—a unique blend that hit all the sweet spots! Friends and family would come running the moment they caught a whiff, and I know you’ll be just as enchanted the first time you try it. This delightful treat brings a blend of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible. Trust me; this recipe will not just be loved—it will become a cherished part of your baking routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can create this showstopper!
- Sourdough Goodness: Utilizes your sourdough starter, adding a special tang and texture.
- Heavenly Aroma: The cinnamon and sugar will fill your home with the coziest scents.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Share this with friends and family, and watch the smiles grow!
- Frosting Dreams: The luscious cream cheese frosting takes it over the top!
Ingredients
2 cups sourdough starter: This adds flavor and helps your focaccia rise beautifully. Make sure it’s bubbly and active for the best result!
4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough, giving it structure.
1/4 cup sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance out the flavors.
1 teaspoon salt: Always essential in enhancing the other flavors in the dough.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds that quintessential warm note we all adore.
1/2 cup water: Hydrates the dough; be sure it’s lukewarm for optimal rising!
1/4 cup milk: For extra richness—feel free to use plant-based milk if that’s your style!
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Gives that luscious buttery flavor—yum!
1/2 cup brown sugar: Sweet, sticky goodness that adds depth to the filling.
1 tablespoon cinnamon: The star of the filling; this is where all the cozy magic lives.
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: This makes your frosting irresistibly rich and creamy.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens up the frosting to perfection.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings everything together in harmony.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Mix the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, water, milk, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for about 5-10 minutes until it’s silky smooth. Don’t rush this step; the more you knead, the fluffier it will be!
2. Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for several hours or overnight until it doubles. You can almost hear the dough whispering sweet nothings while it rises!
3. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). As the temperature rises, you may want to start dreaming about that warm, gooey focaccia!
4. Shape the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release any air. Spread it into a greased baking dish, molding it into soft edges that fit snugly.
5. Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the dough. The smell alone will make your heart flutter!
6. Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into equal pieces. Place these lovely rolls back into the baking dish, nestling them closely together. They’re like little cuddly buddies!
7. Bake It Up
Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye out; you want it to be a nice, toasted color, enveloping your kitchen in warm, sweet scents.
8. Frost it Right
While your focaccia is baking, prepare the creamy frosting by blending the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and dreamy.
9. Drizzle and Serve
Once your focaccia is done, let it cool slightly. Then, drizzle that heavenly cream cheese frosting over the top! Serve warm, and watch your guests’ faces light up.
Pro Tips for Success
- Patience is Key: Letting your dough rise fully makes a huge difference, so don’t rush it!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your milk and cream cheese to room temp for a smoother mix.
- Test for Doneness: If unsure, tap the bottom; it should sound hollow when done.
- Make-Ahead Rises: You can mix your dough the night before and bake it fresh the next day!
Flavor Variations
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
- Seasonal Spices: Try incorporating nutmeg or cardamom for a flavor twist to play with your taste buds!
- Fruit Addition: Toss in some raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity surprise.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia with a steaming cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte for a cozy breakfast vibe. It’s not just a treat; it’s an experience! Serve it on a rustic cutting board and top with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for that Instagram-worthy moment.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the dough the night before! After mixing, let it rise in the fridge overnight. It’ll be ready to bake the next day. To store, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Leftovers
Transform day-old focaccia into French toast by dipping slices in an egg mixture and pan-frying them until crispy. It’ll be like a new, delightful breakfast treat!
Freezing
Yes, this delicious focaccia can be frozen! Simply wrap slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about an hour.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and a little crispy on the outside. You can also use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of starter?
Absolutely! If you have a whole wheat or rye starter, feel free to swap it in, but keep an eye on your liquid levels.
What if I don’t have sourdough starter?
You can make a quick dough using instant yeast instead, but the loving sourdough flavor will be missed!
How long can I store the frosting?
The frosting can be stored in the fridge for up to one week, so you can enjoy it on other treats too!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute gluten-free flour for a delightful gluten-free version.
Final Thoughts
Oh, delightful friends, as you embark on making this Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia, just remember: it’s all about the joy of baking and the love that fills your kitchen. Enjoy every moment, from the mixing to the mouthwatering frosted finish. I can’t wait for you all to share the love and the joy that this focaccia will surely beam into your kitchens. Happy baking, and may your slices always be warm and sweet!
Stay cozy, Chef Emily ❤️
Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, water, milk, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for about 5-10 minutes until silky smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for several hours or overnight until it doubles.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. Spread into a greased baking dish.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Sprinkle this over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into equal pieces. Place these in the baking dish.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, blend softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once baked, let cool slightly and drizzle the frosting over the focaccia. Serve warm.