Amazing Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Bread: A Sweet, Soft, and Savory Twist

June 25, 2025

BySophia

Bread

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If you’re looking for a unique and mouthwatering bread recipe, look no further than Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Bread! This twist on the classic focaccia combines the tangy richness of sourdough with the sweet, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack, this bread is sure to become a new favorite.

Not only is this bread incredibly delicious, but it’s also easy to make if you already have a sourdough starter on hand. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a fluffy, cinnamon-sugar-filled focaccia with the signature chewy texture of sourdough. Let’s dive into why this recipe works so well and how you can make it at home!

Why This Recipe Works:

This Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Bread works because it marries the best aspects of two beloved breads: the tangy depth of sourdough and the rich, spiced sweetness of cinnamon rolls. The soft, pillowy dough creates the perfect base for the buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, while the sourdough starter provides the signature tangy flavor and chewiness.

The method of baking the bread as focaccia ensures a soft and airy texture, with the buttery cinnamon sugar swirled throughout for pockets of sweetness in every bite. Plus, this recipe uses sourdough starter, so you can avoid the use of yeast, making it a great way to use your starter and sourdough discard.

Ingredients:

To make this Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

1 cup sourdough starter (fed or unfed)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon milk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

⅓ cup softened butter
½ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

These ingredients combine to make a soft, fluffy dough that’s packed with cinnamon-sugar flavor, making this Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, water, olive oil, salt, honey, sugar, and milk. Mix everything together until a dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but should pull away from the sides of the bowl as you knead.

Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour, but be careful not to add too much. Once the dough is kneaded, cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

While the dough is resting, prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangular shape, about 10×12 inches in size.

Step 4: Spread the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Once the filling is spread, carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one long side.

Step 5: Slice the Dough and Shape

Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch slices and place them into a greased 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×9 square baking dish. Arrange the slices in a circular pattern, or pack them closely together in a square shape. Let the dough rest for an additional 30 minutes to rise slightly.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has rested, bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Finish with Topping

Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and brush the top with melted butter. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra sweetness if desired. Let the bread cool slightly before serving.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Bread into wedges and serve warm. Enjoy it as a breakfast, snack, or dessert with a cup of coffee or tea!

Tools / Kitchen Equipment Needed:

To prepare this Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Bread, you’ll need:

Mixing bowl for the dough
Rolling pin for rolling out the dough
9-inch round cake pan or 9×9 square baking dish
Spatula or butter knife for spreading the cinnamon sugar filling
Oven for baking

Serving and Presentation Suggestions:

This Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Here are a few ideas to enhance your presentation:

Serve with whipped cream or frosting: A drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a dollop of whipped cream adds extra richness and makes it feel like a dessert.
Pair with coffee or tea: This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a warm spiced latte. It’s perfect for cozy mornings or a relaxed afternoon snack.
Serve warm: This bread is best served warm, so enjoy it fresh from the oven or reheat it gently before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions:

If you have leftovers, store the Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual pieces in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Overmixing the Dough: When mixing the dough, avoid overworking it to prevent a dense texture. Mix until the dough just comes together, and then knead it lightly.
Not Allowing Enough Rise Time: Be patient and allow the dough to rise for the recommended time. This ensures a light, fluffy texture in the final bread.
Underbaking: Make sure the bread is golden brown and fully cooked through before removing it from the oven. If in doubt, check the bread by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean when the bread is done.

Variations & Substitutions:

This Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Bread is easy to customize based on your preferences:

Add nuts: You can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a delightful crunch.
Use different spices: For a unique twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for extra depth of flavor.
Make it vegan: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use a dairy-free yogurt or milk alternative in the dough.

FAQs About Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Bread

Can I use sourdough discard for this recipe?

Yes! This recipe is a great way to use sourdough discard. Just ensure the discard is active and bubbly before using it in the dough.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, you can freeze the bread after it’s baked. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Final Thoughts / Why to Bookmark This Recipe

This Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Bread is the perfect combination of soft, pillowy dough and the sweet, spicy flavors of cinnamon rolls. With a slight tang from the sourdough and a rich, buttery filling, it’s sure to be a hit in your household. Whether you’re using sourdough starter or sourdough discard, this recipe is simple, easy to follow, and absolutely delicious.

Bookmark this recipe for your next baking adventure, and enjoy the deliciousness of a cinnamon roll with the twist of focaccia!

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