Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups warm water (heated to about 110℉)
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp white granulated sugar
- 4 cups bread flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Brown Butter Cinnamon Topping
- 6 tbsp brown butter (see notes below)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Vanilla Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 110℉) and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Stir everything together until the dough forms a sticky ball. Lightly rub the surface of the dough with olive oil to prevent drying.
- First rise: Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. This slow fermentation enhances the flavor and texture of the dough.
- Second rise: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Pour 2 tablespoons of melted butter into the center of the pan. Gently deflate the dough by folding it several times using your fingers, then transfer it into the buttered pan. Cover and let it rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours in a warm spot until it has puffed up again.
- Make the brown butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the butter turns golden-amber and emits a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning and allow it to cool for 10 minutes; this will yield about 6 tablespoons of brown butter.
- Make the cinnamon topping: Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon into the browned butter until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth, fragrant glaze.
- Dimple the dough: Preheat your oven to 450℉. Once the dough has risen, use wet fingertips to press deep dimples all over the surface, creating the classic focaccia texture. Drizzle the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dimpled dough to infuse flavor.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the focaccia turns golden brown. Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a cooling rack to prevent sogginess.
- Finish with vanilla icing: In a small bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until smooth and drizzle the icing evenly over the warm focaccia. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature for a sweet, fragrant treat.
Notes
- To brown butter, melt unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns a golden amber color and smells nutty. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
- Ensure water temperature for yeast activation is around 110℉ to activate yeast without killing it.
- For best texture, do not skip the long fermentation in the refrigerator.
- You can adjust milk quantity in the icing to reach desired drizzle consistency.
- Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 12+ hours refrigeration for first rise)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian