Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Nothing says comfort and celebration quite like a loaf of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread, its glorious swirls of cinnamon sugar wafting through the house and promising warm, gooey satisfaction in every slice! If you’ve ever visited Dollywood or simply heard tales of their famous treat, you know this bread is much more than a simple theme park snack—it’s an experience, a memory, and a sweet tradition rolled into one. Even if you’ve never been to Tennessee, now you can recreate each pull-apart, sticky bite at home with this easy and incredibly rewarding recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great recipes start with great ingredients, and Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is no exception! Each component here is simple, but together they create something truly magical. From the rich butter to the fragrant cinnamon, every ingredient has a job to do in building unbeatable flavor and texture.
- Frozen bread dough (thawed): The perfect shortcut for pillowy soft bread; make sure to let it thaw fully for the best rise and texture.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for a sweet, caramelized cinnamon swirl that makes this bread irresistible.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, lending warmth and that classic nostalgic aroma.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Soaks into every crevice, making the bread moist and rich.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Forms a silky sweet topping that melts over the warm loaf.
- Milk: Blends smoothly with powdered sugar to create just the right consistency for drizzling.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a lovely aroma to the glaze, tying all the flavors together.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F. Give your 9×5-inch loaf pan a generous coat of butter or nonstick spray to ensure your cinnamon bread comes out clean and beautiful—no sticking allowed!
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This luscious, fragrant mixture is what transforms plain bread dough into Dollywood Cinnamon Bread bliss. Make sure it’s well blended so every bite is delightfully spiced.
Step 3: Shape and Slice the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your thawed bread dough into a 16×8-inch rectangle. Take your time—an even rectangle ensures even baking. Next, using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut deep slits across the dough at 1-inch intervals. The trick is not to cut all the way through; these are what make the signature “pull-apart” sections later on.
Step 4: Add the Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Brush the entire surface of the dough and inside each slit with your melted butter. This is where the fun really starts! Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the dough and make sure some gets tucked inside each slit. Don’t hold back—you want every pocket bursting with sweetness and spice.
Step 5: Arrange and Proof the Bread
Gently gather the dough and transfer it to your greased loaf pan, nudging and rolling it so the slits are still clearly visible. Let the dough rest at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes; this little nap lets the yeast get a head start, creating a fluffier, lighter crumb.
Step 6: Bake
Pop your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until your kitchen smells like a cinnamon-scented wonderland and the bread is golden and cooked through. Try to wait at least 10 minutes before removing the loaf from the pan—though that intoxicating scent makes patience extra hard!
Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy
Once your bread is on a wire rack, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Drizzle this luscious glaze all over your warm loaf, letting it seep into every crack. Now slice, pull apart, or simply tear off a warm chunk—Dollywood Cinnamon Bread tastes like joy itself, especially fresh out of the oven.
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Garnishes
A classic drizzle of vanilla glaze is all you really need, but for extra flair, dust your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar or toss on a handful of chopped pecans before baking. For the ultimate dessert twist, add a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream right before serving.
Side Dishes
While Dollywood Cinnamon Bread shines on its own, it loves company! Serve slices alongside a fresh fruit salad, a cup of strong coffee, or some creamy yogurt for a dreamy breakfast or brunch. For a more indulgent treat, pair it with hot apple cider or a rich, steamy mug of cocoa.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by baking mini loaves for gifting or portioning out the dough in a muffin tin for adorable pull-apart “cinnamon bread muffins.” For gatherings, arrange thick slices on a serving platter, glaze just before your guests arrive, and watch them disappear in record time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, wrap your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread tightly in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay soft and tasty at room temperature for up to 2 days, but for longer storage, refrigerate to keep it fresher even longer—just be sure to reheat for max enjoyment!
Freezing
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread freezes beautifully! Let the loaf cool completely, then wrap it in a double layer of foil or plastic wrap, or slide into a freezer bag. Store for up to 2 months. For best results, wait to glaze until after thawing and reheating.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, warm slices of bread in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven (wrapped in foil) at 300°F until heated through. A little heat helps the cinnamon and glaze get gooey and irresistible all over again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade dough will make your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread extra special. Just ensure it’s a soft, enriched yeast dough and let it rise before shaping with the classic slits and cinnamon sugar.
What’s the secret to getting that perfect gooey center?
The key is brushing plenty of melted butter and working the cinnamon sugar deep into the slits so every section gets maximum moisture and flavor. Baking until golden—but not overbaking—keeps the center perfectly gooey.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Of course! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins make fabulous additions. Simply tuck them into the slits with the cinnamon sugar, or sprinkle on top before baking for extra crunch and flavor.
Why is my pull-apart bread a bit dense?
This usually happens if the dough hasn’t had enough time to rest after shaping, or if it was rolled out too roughly. Give it a gentle rest and handle with care for the fluffiest, softest results.
Is there a way to make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread dairy-free?
Yes! Swap in a dairy-free butter alternative and use your favorite plant-based milk in the glaze. You’ll still enjoy all the addictive sweetness and spice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing treat or a way to brighten up a weekend breakfast, Dollywood Cinnamon Bread truly delivers. There’s something magical about sharing the warm, melt-in-your-mouth slices with loved ones—especially when you know you made it yourself. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let this beloved Southern classic fill your kitchen with joy!
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and aromatic delight of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a comforting dessert, this pull-apart bread is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll Dough: Roll out the thawed bread dough on a floured surface to a 16×8-inch rectangle.
- Fill and Shape: Brush dough with melted butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, then roll up and place in the loaf pan.
- Bake: Let dough rest, then bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm bread before serving.
Notes
- For added crunch, consider topping with chopped pecans or coarse sugar before baking.
- Best served warm on the day it’s baked for maximum enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
