Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for warm, comforting baked goods, this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe will instantly become one of your favorites. This soft, pull-apart bread is bursting with cinnamon goodness, layered with buttery sweetness, and finished with a luscious drizzle of icing that melts perfectly into every crevice. Whether you’re craving a special breakfast treat, a cozy afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, this recipe brings the nostalgic charm and aroma of Dollywood right into your kitchen. It’s simpler than you might think but packed with amazing flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and straightforward, yet each plays a vital role in creating the classic taste and texture that make this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe truly special. From the cinnamon’s warm spice to the richness of butter and the soft dough base, every element contributes to the perfect balance of flavor and softness.

• 1 Tbsp Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and distinctive flavor to the bread.
• 1/2 cup Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the cinnamon topping.
• 1 lb. Frozen Bread Dough (thawed): The foundation of the bread, providing a soft, fluffy texture.
• ¼ cup Brown Sugar: Sprinkled on top for a sweet, slightly caramelized crust.
• 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick inside the bread.
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar: The base for the glaze, creating a sweet finish.
• 2 – 3 Tbsp Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the icing, making it perfect for drizzling.

How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan for Baking

Start by spraying a loaf pan lightly with cooking spray and then line it with parchment paper. It’s a helpful trick to spray the parchment paper itself too, so it stays in place while you work. This simple step ensures your bread won’t stick, making clean-up a breeze and preserving that perfect crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Place your frozen bread dough into the parchment-lined loaf pan. Let it thaw and rise following package instructions, typically around 4 to 7 hours. This slow thawing is crucial for the dough’s soft and airy texture, which makes the bread irresistibly tender.

Step 3: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon

While the dough is thawing, mix together the ¼ cup of sugar with the tablespoon of cinnamon in a shallow dish. This magical cinnamon-sugar blend will coat the dough and give the bread its signature sweet and spicy flavor.

Step 4: Cut the Dough

Once your dough is ready, make 5 to 6 horizontal cuts across the top, about half the depth of the loaf. These slits create little pockets that allow the cinnamon-sugar and butter to seep in during baking, making each piece perfect for pulling apart.

Step 5: Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Generously brush the melted butter all over the top and inside the cuts you made. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture thoroughly, making sure that every slit inside the dough gets coated. This step guarantees every bite is packed with flavor and buttery goodness.

Step 6: Top and Rise Again

Place your loaf pan in a warm place for about 30 minutes. This second rising makes the bread fluffy and light. Right before baking, sprinkle the ¼ cup of brown sugar on top to help create a beautifully sweet and slightly crispy crust.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake your cinnamon bread to golden perfection once the rise is done.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the loaf for around 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the bread feels firm to the touch. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is guaranteed to get your mouth watering.

Step 9: Prepare the Icing

While the bread is baking, prepare the icing by whisking powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk. Adjust the milk little by little until you reach a drizzle-friendly consistency that will beautifully coat the top of your cinnamon bread.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Once your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is out of the oven, let it cool just enough to be warm but not hot, then drizzle the icing over the top. Serve it warm and pull apart each sweet, buttery, cinnamon-infused piece. Trust me, every bite is a cozy, delightful experience you’ll want to share over coffee or afternoon tea.

How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra wow factor, sprinkle powdered sugar or a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top after icing. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a few blueberries on the side can add a fresh pop of color and flavor without overpowering the cinnamon bread.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte. If you want to serve it as breakfast, consider adding a side of scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cinnamon bread in a rustic basket lined with a warm cloth napkin for a cozy feel. You can also cut the bread into fun shapes using cookie cutters on slices or layer small pull-apart pieces in a trifle bowl with whipped cream for a dessert twist everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep it soft and fresh.

Freezing

This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the bread securely in foil and then in a freezer bag before freezing. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

To revive that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm the entire loaf wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Adding a little extra drizzle of butter or icing after reheating helps bring back that magical baked goodness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh bread dough works just as well. Just adjust your rising times accordingly, and you’ll enjoy the same soft, fluffy texture. The key is allowing enough time for the dough to rise properly before baking.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can butter and flour your loaf pan well to prevent sticking, but parchment paper is highly recommended because it makes removing the bread so much easier and keeps the crust intact.

How can I make the cinnamon flavor stronger?

Feel free to increase the cinnamon to 2 tablespoons in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. Just be mindful of balancing sweetness with spice for the best taste.

Is this bread very sweet? Can I adjust the sweetness?

The bread is sweet but balanced, thanks to the cinnamon and sugar combo with buttery richness. You can reduce the sugar amounts slightly to suit your preference, especially in the cinnamon-sugar topping.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

This recipe relies on bread dough for its texture, so substituting gluten-free dough might be tricky. However, if you find a good-quality gluten-free bread dough, you could give it a try with the same steps and enjoy a gluten-free version.

Final Thoughts

The Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe is such a comforting, crowd-pleasing delight that it deserves a spot on your regular baking list. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and that incredible pull-apart texture, it’s perfect for sharing—or not! I encourage you to try this recipe soon and savor the sweet, warm flavors that feel like a hug in bread form.

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