Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever wandered through the bustling streets of Dollywood, the heady aroma of warm, cinnamon-laced bread is probably etched in your memory. With this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe, you can recreate that legendary, pull-apart treat right in your own kitchen. The bread is tender, buttery, and loaded with sweet cinnamon sugar, then drizzled with a silky glaze that brings everything together. Whether you’re making it for a special breakfast or a cozy dessert, this recipe captures the magic of the theme park classic—no ticket required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe is how a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into something utterly irresistible. Each element has a role, from creating pillowy softness to delivering that signature cinnamon kick and glossy finish.
- Frozen bread dough (1 loaf, thawed): The backbone of the bread, giving you a shortcut to soft, fluffy results without hours of kneading.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): This adds sweetness and helps the cinnamon stick to every crevice for that crave-worthy crust.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Don’t skimp here—the warm spice is what gives this bread its iconic scent and flavor.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Brush it everywhere! It ensures rich flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar caramelize beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, for glaze): The base of the glaze, offering a smooth, sweet finish that melts into the warm bread.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons, for glaze): Adjust to get the perfect drizzling consistency for your glaze.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon, for glaze): Just a splash deepens the flavor and adds a bakery-style aroma to the finished bread.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Cinnamon Sugar
First things first—preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and give your 9×5-inch loaf pan a good greasing. This keeps the bread from sticking and makes for an easy release later. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until you have a fragrant, sandy blend. This is the magic mixture that gives the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe its signature swirl and crunch.
Step 2: Shape and Slice the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed bread dough into a rectangle about 16×8 inches. Grab a sharp knife or kitchen scissors and make vertical cuts along the length of the dough, about 1 inch apart. Cut about three-quarters through the dough, but don’t go all the way—these slits are the secret to the bread’s pull-apart charm.
Step 3: Butter and Sprinkle
Brush the entire surface of the dough with your melted butter, making sure to get into all those cuts you just made. You want every nook coated! Next, generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top, pressing it gently into the dough and inside the slits. This way, every piece you pull off later is loaded with sweet, spicy flavor.
Step 4: Shape and Rise
Now, loosely fold or roll the dough so it fits into your prepared loaf pan, keeping those beautiful cuts exposed. This ensures that classic tear-and-share look. Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes, until it’s puffy and nearly doubled in size. You’ll start to see the bread take on its final shape, ready for baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and bread that sounds hollow when gently tapped. The aroma will be irresistible! Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this makes it easier to remove without breaking.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
While the bread cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm bread, letting it seep into each groove. Now comes the best part: pull apart the slices and dive in while it’s still warm and gooey.
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Garnishes
The classic glaze is a must, but don’t be afraid to make it your own. Sprinkle over some extra cinnamon just before serving, or add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. You can even dust with a touch of powdered sugar for an extra bakery-style flourish.
Side Dishes
This bread is a showstopper all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re serving it for dessert. For breakfast, a mug of strong coffee or a frothy latte will round out the experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, slice the loaf and fan out the pieces on a rustic wooden board, letting the glaze drip enticingly down the sides. For a brunch party, try making mini loaves or even muffin-sized portions for easy sharing. Or, serve it warm in the pan, letting everyone pull apart their own piece—just like at Dollywood!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The bread stays moist and tender, though it’s at its very best when enjoyed warm.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature—just wait to glaze until after reheating for the freshest flavor.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, reheat slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or warm the whole loaf in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze after warming to bring back that gooey, bakery-style finish.
FAQs
Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade bread dough, go for it. Just make sure it’s a basic white or sweet dough that will rise nicely and develop a soft, fluffy texture—perfect for the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe.
What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
No loaf pan? No problem! You can shape the dough into a log and bake it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, or use a round cake pan for a more rustic, pull-apart style bread.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the bread?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or golden raisins make fantastic additions. Just sprinkle them over the dough after the cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and crunch.
Is the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe suitable for making ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the bread (up to the point of baking) the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature and rise fully before baking the next day for fresh-from-the-oven results.
How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
If your glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s just right. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. Adjust until you have a gorgeous, pourable consistency that clings to the bread.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing theme park nostalgia or just in the mood for something sweet and shareable, this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe is pure comfort in every bite. Gather your favorite people, bake up a loaf, and watch it disappear—trust me, you’ll be making this again and again!
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Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a deliciously sweet, soft pull-apart bread filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this American-style treat combines the warmth of cinnamon with the richness of buttery bread to create a delightful homemade loaf that’s easy to bake and irresistible to eat.
Ingredients
Bread Dough and Filling
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to ensure the bread doesn’t stick during baking.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly to create the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the thawed bread dough into a 16×8-inch rectangle shape. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut several vertical slits along the length of the dough about 1 inch apart, making sure the cuts are about three-quarters through the dough but not all the way through.
- Butter and Sprinkle Cinnamon Mixture: Brush the entire surface of the dough with melted unsalted butter, ensuring the butter seeps into the cuts. Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the surface and press it gently into the dough and inside the cuts for maximum flavor.
- Form and Rise: Fold or loosely roll the dough to fit into the prepared loaf pan while keeping the cuts exposed to achieve the pull-apart effect. Place the dough in a warm spot and let it rise for 30–45 minutes until it becomes puffy.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the risen dough in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and is baked through. After baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: While the bread cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the warm bread to add sweetness and moisture.
- Serve: Serve the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy as a snack, breakfast, or dessert treat.
Notes
- This bread is best enjoyed warm and fresh to maintain its soft texture and flavor.
- You can substitute the frozen bread dough with homemade bread dough or biscuit dough for a quicker option.
- For variation, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or mix in raisins into the cinnamon sugar before folding to add texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30-45 minutes rising time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8th of loaf)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
