Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: To begin making the Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia Bread first make the sponge

Step 2: To do this, place the warm water and sugar in a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast and let it stand for about 5 minutes

Step 3: Stir in the flour to form a soft dough

Step 4: Cover tightly with a plastic wrap or a plate and let it rest till bubbly and the quantity looks doubled

Step 5: This should take about 45 minutes

Step 6: Next, make the dough

Step 7: To do this, whisk the yeast into the warm water in a large mixing bowl, stir in the olive oil and beat in the sponge

Step 8: If you are making the dough by hand, add the sugar and salt in the mixture and stir it

Step 9: Now add the flour in three batches and mix well till it starts forming a dough

Step 10: Bring this dough out on a clean kitchen counter and knead well for 10 minutes to form a pliable dough

Step 11: Alternatively, you can also make the dough using a Stand Mixer

Step 12: Use the paddle attachment to mix together the sugar, salt and yeast mixture and 1 cup of flour

Step 13: When mixed, add the rest of the dough and change to the dough hook and knead for 4-5 minutes

Step 14: When the dough is done, grease a large mixing bowl, put the dough in it, roll it around to coat the dough in oil

Step 15: Then cover it with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise till double for about 1 to 1

Step 16: 5 hours

Step 17: While the dough is rising, soak the raisins in rum or orange juice and keep aside

Step 18: When the dough has double and risen, divide it in three equal parts

Step 19: Using a rolling pin, roll out each of it to a 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness

Step 20: You can bake these as free from breads on parchment paper or pizza stone or move them to your round cake tins

Step 21: Cover the divided dough with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise once again for 30 minutes

Step 22: While the bread dough is rising, preheat the oven to 200 degrees C for about 20-25 minutes

Step 23: When the bread is ready for baking, arrange the cranberries and raisins on top and press them down a bit,and drizzle the left over rum/orange juice syrup on top and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar

Step 24: Bake the breads for about 15-18 minutes till slightly browned

Step 25: You can store this cling wrapped or in an air tight container for 3 days though its best eaten the same day

Step 26: Serve the Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia Bread warn as an after school snack or tea time snack along with masala chai