Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever wandered through Dollywood and caught a whiff of that heavenly aroma drifting from the bakery, you know exactly what magic is at play. This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe brings that same irresistible scent and flavor right into your kitchen. It’s soft, buttery, packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness, and topped with a sweet glaze that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just someone craving something warm and cozy, this recipe promises to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient serves a clear purpose to build up its iconic flavor and texture. From tender bread dough to the perfectly balanced sweet cinnamon sugar, every component plays a crucial role in crafting this delightful bread.
- Frozen bread dough (1 lb): The foundation that delivers a tender, fluffy bread with little effort.
- Unsalted butter (4 Tbsp, melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the dough.
- Cinnamon (1 Tbsp): The star spice that brings warmth and that signature spice punch.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness; split between coating and topping for balance.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Sprinkled on top for an extra caramelized, deep sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For creating the smooth, irresistible glaze that ties everything together.
- Milk (2–3 Tbsp): Thins the powdered sugar into a perfect drizzle consistency.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan for Baking
Start by lightly spraying your loaf pan with cooking spray, ensuring your bread doesn’t stick. Then line it with parchment paper and spray the inside surface again. This double layer of protection means your cinnamon bread will come out effortlessly and maintain its perfect shape every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Place your frozen bread dough right into the prepared pan. Let it thaw completely according to the package instructions, usually between 4 to 7 hours, until soft but before it starts rising. This step is crucial to ensure a perfect rise during baking that gives you fluffy, tender bread.
Step 3: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon
In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. This cinnamon-sugar blend will coat the bread, infusing it with that distinct Dollywood flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Cut the Dough
Using a sharp knife, carefully make 5 to 6 horizontal slits across the top of the dough slice about halfway through. These cuts allow the cinnamon sugar and butter to seep in and make the bread’s signature pull-apart texture possible.
Step 5: Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Generously brush the melted butter over and into each slit of the dough. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix over the bread, making sure plenty gets inside the slits for maximum flavor throughout every nook and cranny.
Step 6: Top and Let Rise
Place your loaf pan in a warm spot and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes until slightly puffed. Once risen, sprinkle 1/4 cup of brown sugar evenly over the top to lend the bread its signature sugary crust that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Having a hot oven ready is key to getting that golden crust and perfectly baked crumb.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cinnamon bread for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through. The warm cinnamon aroma will fill your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby to gather ’round.
Step 9: Prepare the Icing
While your bread bakes, whisk together powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust the milk for the drizzle consistency you prefer — thin enough to flow easily but thick enough to coat.
Step 10: Finish and Serve
Once baked, let the bread cool just slightly before drizzling the icing generously over the top. Serve warm by pulling apart chunks for a perfectly shareable treat that tastes just like the Dollywood original.
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, dust your bread with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans for added crunch. A few fresh berries on the side can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet, spiced bread.
Side Dishes
This cinnamon bread is a star all on its own, but pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or tea elevates the experience perfectly. For brunch, serve alongside creamy scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe as an interactive centerpiece by slicing it pre-baked into pull-apart sections. This invites guests to help themselves and adds a fun, casual vibe to any gathering. You can also toast slices and spread a bit of cream cheese or jam for an extra tasty twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cinnamon bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will stay soft and delicious for 2 to 3 days at room temperature, making it easy to enjoy over multiple mornings or snack times.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cinnamon bread freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked warmth and softness. You can also microwave briefly but be careful not to dry it out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough can work wonderfully if you have it ready. Just be sure to use a soft dough that rises well, and adjust thawing and rising times accordingly.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can grease your pan generously and use a well-floured surface, but parchment really helps with easy removal and cleanup. It’s worth picking some up if you can.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Since the bread dough is the base, you’d need a gluten-free bread dough alternative. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so just be sure to use a reliable gluten-free dough for best results.
How sweet is the bread before adding icing?
The cinnamon-sugar coating and brown sugar topping give a balanced sweetness, but the final glaze adds that extra touch of sugary delight. If you prefer less sweet, simply use less powdered sugar in your icing.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?
Definitely! Kids will love brushing the butter, sprinkling the cinnamon sugar, and watching the bread rise and bake. It’s a fun way to introduce baking basics and share a delicious reward.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe that feels like a warm hug in bread form. It’s simple, yet bursting with flavor and texture, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a cozy moment. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a cherished go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours (including thawing and rising time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a deliciously soft and sweet Dollywood Cinnamon Bread that features tender bread dough coated in cinnamon sugar, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a smooth powdered sugar icing. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for sharing at breakfast or as a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
Bread Dough
- 1 lb frozen bread dough, thawed
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, sprinkled on top
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan for Baking: Lightly spray a loaf pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. Spray the inside of the parchment paper as well to help keep it in place and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dough: Place the frozen bread dough loaf in the parchment-lined pan and thaw according to package instructions, typically 4–7 hours, until fully softened but not risen yet.
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon to make the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Set aside.
- Cut the Dough: Using a knife, make 5–6 horizontal slits across the top of the dough about halfway through its depth. This will allow the bread to pull apart easily after baking.
- Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Brush the melted butter generously over the top of the dough and inside the slits. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over, making sure some falls inside the slits for extra flavor.
- Top and Let Rise: Place the loaf pan in a warm area and let the dough rise for 30 minutes until it is slightly puffed. After rising, sprinkle 1/4 cup brown sugar evenly over the top.
- Preheat the Oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Place the risen loaf in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is cooked through and the top turns golden brown.
- Prepare the Icing: While the bread bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons milk in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk amount to achieve your preferred icing consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle the icing generously over the warm bread, then serve by pulling apart pieces for a delightful, shareable treat.
Notes
- Ensure the bread dough is fully thawed but not overly risen before preparing to get the best texture.
- The horizontal cuts in the dough help create pull-apart pieces and allow the cinnamon sugar to seep inside for better flavor.
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar according to your personal taste preferences.
- Use warm milk for the icing to help it mix smoothly.
- Serve warm for the best experience, as the bread is soft and the icing is gooey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4-7 hours thawing and 30 minutes rising)
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
