If you’re searching for a fresh, utterly addictive twist on classic Italian bread, these Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins are about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the tender, pillowy texture, the infusion of olive oil, and aromatic rosemary you love in focaccia, wrapped up conveniently in handheld forms—perfect for snacking, sharing, or entertaining. This recipe yields 12 1x, so whether you’re keeping a few for yourself or setting out a basketful for friends, there’s plenty to go around.

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a few simple ingredients transform into something so deeply flavorful. Each item in this recipe plays a special role—bringing structure, richness, lift, and of course, pockets of punchy garlic and herb throughout every single muffin.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone for structure, giving the muffins their soft-yet-sturdy crumb.
- Sugar: Just a touch to encourage yeast activity and balance out the flavors.
- Instant yeast: Fast-acting, it lifts the dough for a light, fluffy texture with minimal fuss.
- Salt: Elevates every other ingredient while adding complexity.
- Warm water (about 110°F): Starts the yeast working, creating the perfect environment for a good rise.
- Olive oil: Deeply flavors the dough and adds that classic, glossy golden crust; don’t be afraid to be generous!
- Fresh rosemary (finely chopped): For a piney, herbal fragrance throughout—sub in dried if you must, but the fresh stuff truly shines.
- Garlic (minced): Minced fresh for sweet, aromatic depth that infuses every bite.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): Adds that final, irresistible crunch and pop of brininess on top.
How to Make 12 1x
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Begin with a large mixing bowl and combine your flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Stir them together so they’re evenly distributed—this ensures your 12 1x batch will rise beautifully and every muffin is seasoned just right.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center of your dry mix and pour in the warm water along with the olive oil. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or your clean hands to bring everything together until you have a soft dough, perfect for building the chewy foundation that makes 12 1x so special.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and get hands-on—knead for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step gives your muffins that lovely open crumb and just the right amount of chew.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and set it somewhere warm. Allow it to rise for 45 minutes (or until doubled in size). This is the moment when the yeast transforms your dough into the fluffy focaccia base that defines 12 1x.
Step 5: Add Flavor
Gently punch down the dough to release the air, then fold in your finely chopped garlic and rosemary until the flavors are dotted throughout. Mixing gently ensures every muffin is laced with fragrant, garlicky flecks.
Step 6: Prepare Muffin Tin
Generously brush a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil. Split your dough into 12 equal portions, shape each into a rough ball, and place in the tin. Lightly press each ball to flatten—this gets them ready for that signature focaccia rise and gives the 12 1x their unique shape.
Step 7: Second Rest
Let your shaped dough rest in the tin for another 20 minutes while your oven preheats to 400°F (200°C). This helps the 12 1x finish blossoming and guarantees a tender, airy crumb.
Step 8: Oil and Salt
Brush each muffin generously with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. This step is the secret to that crispy crust and irresistibly savory finish you crave with 12 1x.
Step 9: Bake
Bake on the oven’s middle rack for 20–22 minutes, until the muffins are golden and the edges are lightly crispy. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll be dreaming of that first bite!
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let the muffins rest in the tin for five minutes (they’ll release more easily this way). Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool for another 5–10 minutes before serving. The waiting is tough, but the payoff is huge—you’ve just made classic focaccia in the fun form of 12 1x!
How to Serve 12 1x

Garnishes
Try finishing these muffins with a mist of extra-virgin olive oil, a fresh sprig of rosemary, or a dusting of parmesan. Each addition amps up the flavor and ties together all the best elements of the 12 1x.
Side Dishes
Serve your 12 1x alongside creamy tomato soup, vibrant salad greens, or a robust antipasto platter. Their savory, herbaceous profile makes them the ultimate companion to a cozy meal or a fresh lunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the muffins on a rustic wooden board, nestle them in a linen-lined basket, or spear them with small rosemary sprigs for a clever party-ready presentation. The compact size of 12 1x makes them perfect for picnics, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover 12 1x cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay delightfully soft and aromatic for easy grab-and-go snacking.
Freezing
Once cooled, pop the muffins into a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you need a taste of fresh-baked comfort, just grab a 12 1x straight from the freezer—no need to thaw for long.
Reheating
For best results, warm your muffins in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes, or microwave gently in short bursts. This revives their crust and texture, making your 12 1x taste like they’ve just come out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I make 12 1x ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough the night before and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking the muffins for that perfect, fluffy result.
What can I use instead of fresh rosemary?
If fresh rosemary isn’t on hand, dried rosemary works well—just use about one-third the amount. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or sage to give your 12 1x a different vibe.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely. If you need more than 12 1x—for a party or big family meal—simply double all the ingredients and use a second muffin tin or bake in batches. The more, the merrier!
Why did my muffins turn out dense?
Dense muffins usually mean the dough didn’t rise long enough or the yeast was expired. Always check your yeast’s date and make sure your dough almost doubles during rising to guarantee maximum fluffiness for your 12 1x.
What’s the best way to reheat 12 1x for the best texture?
A quick spin in a preheated oven is ideal—this revives the golden crust and warms the garlic and rosemary flavors through. For a super-soft muffin, you can also use a damp paper towel in the microwave, but oven is my personal favorite!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun, fail-proof bread project, these Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins deliver every time. I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins —give this recipe a try and let it bring a little extra warmth to your table!
Print
12 1x Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These fluffy, golden focaccia muffins are infused with garlic and rosemary, drizzled with olive oil, and baked to perfection. Ideal for pairing with soups, salads, or served as a savory snack, they offer all the flavor and texture of traditional focaccia in a convenient handheld form.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Stir well to incorporate.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center, pour in warm water and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size.
- Add Flavor: Gently punch down the dough and fold in garlic and rosemary.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil. Divide dough, form into balls, and place in cups.
- Second Rest: Let dough rest in the tin for 20 minutes while preheating oven.
- Oil and Salt: Brush tops with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F for 20–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool in tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Fresh rosemary provides the best aroma; dried rosemary can be substituted in smaller amounts.
- Dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise; bring to room temperature before continuing.
- Muffins can be frozen and reheated as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg