What is glazed cinnamon focaccia?

Glazed cinnamon focaccia is a sweet take on the traditional Italian flatbread. It features a chewy, airy base topped with a cinnamon-sugar crust and a smooth vanilla glaze. Think cinnamon rolls meet focaccia—crispy, soft, and completely crave-worthy.

How do you make sweet cinnamon focaccia from scratch?

You make it using simple ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, water, and olive oil for the dough. Once it’s risen, press it into a pan, top it with melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then bake and drizzle with a vanilla glaze. No fancy tools required—just your hands and an oven.

Can focaccia be made as a dessert?

Yes! While focaccia is often savory, it's incredibly versatile. Sweet versions like this cinnamon-glazed focaccia transform it into a dessert or brunch treat. Just swap herbs and garlic for sugar, spice, and glaze.

What’s the difference between cinnamon focaccia and cinnamon rolls?

Cinnamon focaccia is flatter, chewier, and has a crisp crust, while cinnamon rolls are soft spirals with a buttery interior. Focaccia doesn’t require rolling or slicing dough—it’s more rustic, with a caramelized topping that mimics the best parts of a cinnamon bun.

What toppings go well with glazed cinnamon focaccia?

Try sliced apples, bananas, or berries for a fruity twist. Want crunch? Add chopped pecans, pistachios, or almonds. Swap out vanilla glaze for maple or citrus glaze, or swirl in Nutella or caramel before baking.

Can you store or freeze glazed focaccia?

Absolutely. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To freeze, slice and wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or toaster for best texture.

Glazed Cinnamon Focaccia Recipe – The Best Sweet Bread Twist

Ingredients

Scale

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 ½ cups warm water
¼ cup olive oil
⅓ cup melted butter (or olive oil)
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix 3 ¾ cups flour, 2 teaspoons yeast, and 1 ½ teaspoons salt. Add 1 ½ cups warm water and ¼ cup olive oil. Stir to form a shaggy dough.
Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours.
Grease a 9×13 pan with olive oil. Press dough into pan and let rest 10 minutes. Dimple with oiled fingers.
Combine ½ cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Brush dough with ⅓ cup melted butter, then sprinkle cinnamon-sugar evenly over top.
Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until golden. Let cool for 5–10 minutes.
Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream, and ½ teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm focaccia and serve.

Notes

Serve warm for best flavor. Add nuts or fruit before baking for a custom touch. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Author: delicious dishes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 pan)
Calories: 260
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 170mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: glazed focaccia, cinnamon bread, sweet focaccia, brunch dessert, vanilla glaze