I’ve always thought of focaccia as that savory Italian bread with olive oil and herbs, but what if we turned it into something completely different? This overnight cinnamon focaccia takes everything you love about traditional focaccia—those perfect dimples, that airy texture—and transforms it into a morning treat that’s halfway between bread and dessert. No kneading required, just a little patience as it develops flavor overnight. Ready to discover how a few simple tweaks can create your new favorite breakfast indulgence?
Why You’ll Love this Overnight Cinnamon Focaccia
While traditional focaccia is typically savory, this cinnamon version will completely transform your breakfast game. The overnight fermentation in the fridge does all the heavy lifting for you, developing deep flavors while you sleep. No kneading required.
I’m obsessed with how the butter melts into those little dimples, carrying cinnamon and brown sugar into every bite. Isn’t that what breakfast dreams are made of? Fresh cinnamon makes all the difference here.
Warm, pillowy, and sweet, this focaccia walks the perfect line between bread and dessert. Morning coffee’s new best friend.
What Ingredients are in Overnight Cinnamon Focaccia?
For this deliciously pillowy cinnamon treat, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples that transform into something magical when combined.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (for the dough)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for the topping)
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon
The quality of your cinnamon really matters in this recipe—using fresh, aromatic cinnamon will elevate the entire focaccia from good to absolutely memorable, so check those spice cabinet dates if your cinnamon’s been sitting around for a while.
How to Make this Overnight Cinnamon Focaccia
Making this cinnamon focaccia is almost meditative, with its slow, overnight process that builds flavor while you sleep. Start by combining 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 1½ teaspoons of salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in 1 cup of warm water and stir everything together until you’ve got a shaggy, somewhat sticky dough. No need for perfection here—a bit of messiness means you’re doing it right.
Once everything’s incorporated, cover your bowl with plastic wrap and tuck it away in the refrigerator to rest overnight, allowing those yeasty flavors to develop slowly.
The next day, your dough will have transformed into something magical. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, then spread 3 tablespoons of salted butter evenly across the surface. Mix together 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar, and ½ tablespoon of cinnamon, then sprinkle this sweet mixture all over the buttered dough. Now for the fun part: roll it up like a cinnamon roll, creating those beautiful swirls that will make your finished focaccia so striking.
Place the rolled dough in a well-oiled baking pan and let it rise until puffy and doubled in size—about an hour in a warm spot. Finally, bake at 375°F until golden brown and fragrant, about 20-25 minutes.
For the smoothest dough preparation, using a premium stand mixer will help you achieve consistent texture without overworking the ingredients.
Remember that patience is key with this recipe. The overnight rest isn’t just convenient—it’s essential for developing those complex flavors and that signature chewy-yet-tender focaccia texture. When testing for doneness, look for a golden-brown top and a hollow sound when you tap the bottom. And while it might be tempting to dive right in (and who could blame you?), letting it cool for just 5-10 minutes allows the cinnamon-sugar mixture to set up properly, giving you those perfect, gooey bites that make this recipe so special.
What to Serve with Overnight Cinnamon Focaccia
This cinnamon-swirled focaccia practically begs to be paired with the perfect accompaniments, creating a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts. I love serving it alongside a frothy cappuccino or rich hot chocolate for breakfast—the bitter coffee notes balance the sweet bread beautifully.
For brunch, try adding fresh berries and a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese. The creamy, tangy spread melts slightly against the warm bread. Divine.
Want something more substantial? Transform it into a grown-up breakfast sandwich with thinly sliced apples and sharp cheddar cheese. Trust me, the sweet-savory combo is worth trying.
Leftovers and Storage for this Overnight Cinnamon Focaccia
Properly storing your leftover cinnamon focaccia can mean the difference between enjoying it for days or facing disappointment with a dried-out brick. I recommend wrapping individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days.
Want to extend that deliciousness? Pop those wrapped slices into a freezer bag where they’ll last up to 3 months. When the craving hits, just microwave for 20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. The aroma, oh my goodness—almost as good as freshly baked!
Overnight Cinnamon Focaccia Substitutions and Variations
While traditional focaccia recipes call for specific ingredients, you can easily customize this overnight cinnamon version to suit your preferences or pantry limitations. I’m all about flexibility in the kitchen, aren’t you?
For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 baking flour blend. Can’t do dairy? Coconut oil works beautifully instead of butter. Not a cinnamon fan? (Is that even possible?) Cardamom or nutmeg create delicious alternatives.
For texture variety, add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the cinnamon filling. A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top gives a lovely crunch that, trust me, takes this treat to another level.
Final Thoughts
After perfecting this overnight cinnamon focaccia recipe, I’m convinced it’s one of the easiest ways to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to be in your kitchen when it comes out of the oven. The combination of that pillowy, airy texture with warm cinnamon swirls just hits differently, don’t you think?
What I love most is how forgiving this recipe is. No fancy equipment needed. No complicated techniques. Just simple ingredients transformed through a bit of time and patience into something that feels special.
Morning, afternoon, or midnight snack—it fits any occasion. Give it a try. Your kitchen will smell divine.
Similar to those delectable cookies that benefit from chilling the dough, this focaccia’s long rest contributes significantly to its amazing flavor development.
