Glazed Cinnamon Focaccia Recipe — A Sweet Twist on the Classic Bread

Move over cinnamon rolls—there’s a new sweet bake in town! This glazed cinnamon focaccia recipe takes the classic Italian bread and gives it a sugary upgrade with a cinnamon-sugar crust and rich vanilla glaze. The result? A soft, chewy center, crisp golden edges, and a drool-worthy finish that’s made for your brunch spread or dessert platter. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this treat is surprisingly simple—and destined to go viral.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Million Dollar Pound Cake if you want another crowd-pleasing, rich dessert.

PART 1: What Is Glazed Cinnamon Focaccia?

A Dessert Version of Italian Focaccia

At its core, focaccia is a rustic, Italian flatbread—soft and airy inside, with a golden, crisp crust thanks to olive oil and a high-temp bake. But in this sweet version, savory ingredients are swapped out for cinnamon, sugar, and a silky glaze. It’s part focaccia, part dessert, and totally addictive.

Traditionally, focaccia is used for sandwiches or served alongside soups. But this twist elevates it to centerpiece dessert status. Instead of herbs and garlic, you’ll find warm brown sugar, aromatic cinnamon, and rich vanilla sweetness layered on top.

Soft and Airy Interior, Crisp Sugary Top

Thanks to a classic dough structure and dimpled surface, this bread has everything: a pillow-soft interior and a crisp, sugary top that caramelizes slightly in the oven. The brown sugar melts into the dough’s surface, creating an irresistible sticky-chewy texture that pairs perfectly with a simple powdered sugar glaze.

Finished with a Drizzle of Glaze

Once the focaccia comes out of the oven golden and fragrant, it’s topped with a smooth vanilla glaze made with just three ingredients: powdered sugar, cream (or milk), and vanilla extract. It’s the perfect finishing touch, soaking into the bread’s warm top and adding that extra indulgence.

A Hybrid Between Cinnamon Rolls and Doughnuts

Think of it as the chewy, golden cousin to cinnamon rolls—but easier to make, without all the rolling or rising in stages. Some even say it’s got a “cinnamon doughnut sheet pan” vibe, which makes sense given the crispiness and sweetness packed into every bite.

Craving a quick dessert idea? Don’t miss our 2-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding—minimal effort, maximum payoff.

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PART 2: Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking this glazed cinnamon focaccia recipe, make sure you have all the essential components ready. This dessert bread uses pantry staples and comes together surprisingly fast once you understand the balance between dough, topping, and glaze.

For the Dough

To achieve that signature focaccia texture—soft, airy, and a little chewy—you’ll need a classic bread dough with a few tweaks:

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure while keeping the crumb tender.
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast – Helps the dough rise quickly and evenly.
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt – Enhances flavor and supports gluten development.
• 1 ½ cups warm water – Activates the yeast; make sure it’s warm, not hot.
• ¼ cup olive oil – Adds richness and keeps the bread moist inside while helping crisp the edges.

Pro tip: Use good-quality olive oil since it’s the base of both the dough and the baking pan.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

Here’s where the sweet magic begins. This layer caramelizes in the oven and creates that crispy, sticky top.

• ⅓ cup melted butter (or olive oil for a lighter version) – Acts as the base to carry the cinnamon flavor and create a crust.
• ½ cup packed brown sugar – Adds that molasses-rich sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – Delivers the warm, cozy flavor that pairs so well with this bread’s soft interior.

Looking for a savory-sweet balance? Check out our Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball—a great contrast when building a snack board.

For the Vanilla Glaze

This glaze adds a sweet finish and ties everything together. It’s quick and customizable depending on how thick or light you want it.

• 1 cup powdered sugar – The smooth base for your glaze.
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream – Adjust the quantity for thicker or thinner consistency.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds fragrance and flavor depth.

Optional upgrades include orange zest, maple syrup, or almond extract for a signature twist.

Ingredient Substitutions and Add-Ons Table

Ingredient	Substitute Option	Add-On Ideas
Olive oil	Melted coconut oil	Infused oils (e.g. vanilla, orange)
Brown sugar	Coconut sugar	Sprinkle of flaky sea salt
Milk in glaze	Plant-based milk	Maple syrup for flavor
Cinnamon	Pumpkin spice blend	Mix in cardamom for warmth

Need another recipe that wows with just a few ingredients? Discover our Classic Shrimp Scampi for a quick and elegant meal idea.

PART 3: Step-by-Step Instructions

This glazed cinnamon focaccia recipe comes together in four simple stages: making the dough, shaping it, adding the topping, and glazing the finished bread. No stand mixer or complicated proofing methods—just a bowl, your hands, and your oven.

1. Make the Dough

This is the foundation of your focaccia. It should be soft and slightly sticky—don’t overflour it.

• In a large bowl, combine 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, and 1 ½ teaspoons salt.
• Add 1 ½ cups warm water and ¼ cup olive oil, then mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place it back in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1 to 2 hours.

2. Shape and Add the Cinnamon Topping

Once the dough has doubled, it’s time to prep it for baking.

• Grease a rectangular pan (9×13 works best) with olive oil.
• Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it to the corners. Don’t worry if it bounces back a little—give it 10 minutes to relax.
• Dimple the surface with oiled fingers—press straight down to create small indentations.
• In a small bowl, combine ½ cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Melt ⅓ cup butter and brush it over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the top. Make sure it gets into the dimples.

3. Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Now the magic happens.

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are deeply golden and the top is bubbling with sugary goodness.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan for 5–10 minutes.

Check out our Ultimate Loaded Nachos if you want a fun contrast to this sweet bread on your snack table.

4. Drizzle the Glaze

This final step adds the indulgent touch that brings everything together.

• In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the still-warm focaccia, letting it melt into the cinnamon topping and settle into the dimples.
• Optional: Top with chopped nuts, flaky sea salt, or a pinch of orange zest.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t skip dimpling the dough—it helps trap the cinnamon topping and prevents bubbling.
• Let the dough rest again after stretching, especially if it keeps springing back.
• Use parchment paper if your pan isn’t nonstick to make cleanup easier.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and a nutty contrast.

PART 4: Topping Ideas & Flavor Variations

One of the best things about this sweet focaccia recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to go fruit-forward, add a nutty crunch, or play with new glazes, these ideas will help you make your cinnamon focaccia truly one-of-a-kind.

Add Fruit Before Baking

Fruit brings a natural sweetness and moisture that complements the cinnamon beautifully.

• Sliced Apples or Pears – Press thin slices into the dough before adding the sugar topping. They’ll roast gently as the bread bakes, adding a caramelized fruitiness.
• Bananas – For a sticky banana bread twist, layer ripe banana slices just before baking.
• Berries – Raspberries or blueberries add tartness, especially when baked into the sugar crust.

Want to try another dish with bold, vibrant flavor? Don’t miss our Classic Shrimp Scampi.

Swirl in Chocolate or Caramel Sauce

These additions create a gooey, indulgent interior that feels more like a pastry.

• Caramel Sauce – Drizzle over the topping before baking to create chewy caramel pockets.
• Nutella or Chocolate Chips – Swirl directly into the dough or layer under the sugar topping for a rich surprise.
• Peanut Butter Swirls – A touch of savory with sweet creates an unforgettable bite.

Try a Maple or Citrus Glaze

Swap out the standard vanilla glaze for one that brings a new flavor dimension.

• Maple Glaze – Replace milk and vanilla with real maple syrup. It enhances the cozy, fall vibe of the cinnamon topping.
• Orange or Lemon Zest – Add zest to the glaze or sprinkle over the finished bread. The citrus brightness cuts through the richness.
• Cream Cheese Glaze – Mix softened cream cheese into your glaze for a tangy, decadent topping.

Add Nuts for Crunch

Adding texture on top gives your glazed cinnamon focaccia a bakery-style upgrade.

• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts – Sprinkle on before baking to toast and deepen flavor.
• Almonds or Pistachios – Thinly sliced almonds add elegance, while pistachios bring color and a slightly sweet crunch.
• Candied Ginger or Coconut Flakes – For a bold or tropical variation, try small amounts of either.

Flavor Ideas Table

Add-On	Flavor Profile	When to Add
Sliced Apples	Fruity, caramelized	Before baking
Chocolate Chips	Rich, melty	Before sugar topping
Maple Glaze	Deep, earthy sweet	After baking
Orange Zest	Bright, citrusy	Mixed in or sprinkled after
Pistachios	Nutty, crunchy	On top before baking

PART 5: How to Serve Glazed Cinnamon Focaccia

So your kitchen smells amazing, your glazed cinnamon focaccia recipe has come out golden and gorgeous, and now it’s time to serve. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or showing it off on a party board, here are the tastiest ways to present and pair this sweet twist on focaccia.

Best Served Warm

This focaccia is at its peak when it’s still slightly warm from the oven. The glaze melts into the cinnamon crust, and the texture is perfectly chewy on the inside with crispy edges. If you’re serving it later, reheat individual squares in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes.

• Quick tip: If reheating in the microwave, use 10–12 seconds to soften without drying out the glaze.

Pair With Coffee, Tea, or a Seasonal Mocktail

Cinnamon and sugar pair beautifully with warm, cozy drinks.

• Espresso or Latte: The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the bread.
• Chai or Black Tea: Cinnamon loves spice!
• Citrus Sparkler or Ginger Fizz: Light mocktails cleanse the palate between bites.
• Hot Chocolate with Sea Salt: A decadent duo for chilly mornings or dessert nights.

Don’t miss our Million Dollar Pound Cake if you want another sweet treat to add to your brunch menu.

Cut Into Squares or Pull-Apart Strips

There’s no wrong way to slice it! This bread is ultra versatile.

• Classic Squares – Cut into neat 2″ x 2″ pieces for dessert platters.
• Strips or Pull-Apart – Cut into long rectangles for easy grab-and-go snacking at brunch tables.
• Mini Bites – For kids or finger food boards, slice into 1″ squares and serve on toothpicks with glaze on the side.

📌 Serving Tip: For extra flair, sprinkle powdered sugar on top right before serving or garnish with fresh berries.

Make It a Brunch Board Showstopper

Glazed cinnamon focaccia is sweet, stylish, and incredibly photogenic—making it a perfect brunch board centerpiece.

Pair it with:

• Fresh seasonal fruit
• Whipped ricotta or mascarpone
• Hard-boiled eggs and savory mini quiches
• Charcuterie slices (for a sweet-and-savory combo)

Craving something savory to add to the board? Check out our Ultimate Loaded Nachos—a bold contrast to this sweet focaccia.

Perfect for Gifting or Sharing

Wrap cooled squares in parchment and twine for homemade gift bundles. It also travels well for brunches, potlucks, or bake sales.

Occasion	Serving Style
Brunch Parties	Cut in strips, paired with dips
Dessert Table	Neat squares with glaze drizzle
Coffee Breaks	Toasted slice, extra glaze
Gifting	Wrapped in parchment + label

PART 6: FAQ – Glazed Cinnamon Focaccia

You’ve got questions, and we’ve got quick, helpful answers. These FAQs cover everything from how to bake, serve, and store your glazed cinnamon focaccia recipe to creative twists and storage tips.

PART 7: Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for something unique, comforting, and effortlessly trendy, this glazed cinnamon focaccia recipe is your answer. It brings together the rustic charm of Italian baking with the cozy sweetness of cinnamon and sugar, all finished with a creamy vanilla drizzle that practically begs to be photographed and devoured.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, baking for a holiday gathering, or just treating yourself to a warm bite of something special, this sweet focaccia is your golden ticket. It’s beginner-friendly, endlessly customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Even better? It stores beautifully, reheats like a dream, and freezes for future cravings. And once you try it, you’ll probably never look at cinnamon rolls the same way again.

Looking for something equally eye-catching and delicious? Don’t miss our Ultimate Loaded Nachos—perfect for balancing sweet and savory in one spread.