If you have a serious sweet bread craving, you are going to fall head over heels for the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe. This soft, buttery, and warmly spiced bread has a way of making any kitchen smell like pure comfort. Its tender pull-apart texture combined with the cinnamon-sugar layers and a drizzle of sweet icing is absolutely irresistible. Whether you need an indulgent breakfast, an afternoon snack with coffee, or a cozy dessert, this recipe delivers that perfect mix of cinnamon warmth and melt-in-your-mouth goodness that’s easy enough to make at home but tastes like a treat from your favorite bakery.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe is delightfully simple to put together, relying on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the yeast-risen bread dough that provides a pillowy base, to the cinnamon and sugars layering flavor and sweetness, every item contributes to the gorgeous texture and rich, inviting aroma.
- 1 lb frozen bread dough, thawed: The convenient foundation that ensures fluffy, soft bread with great rise and chew.
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture, richness, and helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully inside the dough slits.
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon: The warm spice that lends the signature Dollywood flavor to the bread.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Divided to mix with cinnamon for coating and to sprinkle on top for extra sweetness and crunch.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sprinkled on top for a caramel-like sweetness and gorgeous golden finish.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet icing that makes this bread truly shine.
- 2–3 Tbsp milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the icing for a perfect drizzle.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan for Baking
Start by lightly spraying a loaf pan with cooking spray to ensure your bread won’t stick, then line it with parchment paper. Spray the parchment lightly as well so it stays put and makes clean removal easier once the bread is baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Place your frozen bread dough loaf into the prepared pan, letting it thaw according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 4 to 7 hours. You want the dough fully softened but not puffed up yet, which will set you up perfectly for shaping and coating.
Step 3: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon
While the dough is thawing, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a shallow dish. This cinnamon-sugar mixture is the flavor powerhouse that will infuse every bite with sweetness and spice.
Step 4: Cut the Dough
With a sharp knife, carefully slice 5 to 6 horizontal slits about halfway through the dough’s depth. These cuts don’t just look cool—they also help create those irresistible pull-apart sections so each piece is perfectly portioned and bursting with cinnamon goodness.
Step 5: Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Generously brush the melted butter all over the dough’s surface and inside those slits. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture thoroughly over the dough, making sure you get plenty of it nestled into the slits for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Top and Let Rise
Place your loaf pan in a warm spot and allow the dough to rise for about 30 minutes until it’s puffier but not fully doubled. When it’s ready, sprinkle the top evenly with 1/4 cup of brown sugar, which will caramelize during baking and add a golden, crispy topping.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking right as your dough finishes rising. This helps the bread bake evenly and develop that perfect golden crust and soft center.
Step 8: Bake
Pop your risen loaf into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a fully baked center and a golden brown crust that signals your cinnamon bread is ready to come out and wow your taste buds.
Step 9: Prepare the Icing
While the bread bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl, adjusting the milk for a smooth, pourable icing. This will be the sweet finishing touch to make your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe sing.
Step 10: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the bread cool slightly, then drizzle the icing generously over the warm loaf. Serve by pulling apart pieces to share the gooey, cinnamony goodness fresh from your own kitchen.
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts over the icing. A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving can also add a snowy, pretty finish that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This cinnamon bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a chai latte for breakfast or a late-morning treat. It also shines alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to dress it up for dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your bread into a fun shareable centerpiece by serving slices on a wooden board with small bowls of cream cheese spread, honey, or jam. You can also turn this into a stuffed cinnamon bread by adding cream cheese or fruit preserves between the layers before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap your cinnamon bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep fresh at room temperature for about 2 days, or in the fridge up to a week, maintaining its softness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its texture or taste.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, thaw frozen bread overnight in the refrigerator, then warm slices in a low oven or toaster oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes. You can also microwave single slices for about 20 seconds to revive their soft, buttery warmth.
FAQs
Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can make your own yeast dough from scratch. Just make sure to follow the same rising and thawing steps before coating and baking for the best texture.
Is the cinnamon bread very sweet?
The sweetness level is just right—warm cinnamon and sugar balanced with buttery bread and a light icing drizzle. You can easily adjust the sugar amounts if you prefer a more subtle sweetness.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by swapping the butter for a plant-based alternative and using a dairy-free milk substitute, you can enjoy a vegan version of the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe without compromise on flavor.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can grease the loaf pan very well with butter or non-stick spray, but parchment really helps with easy removal and keeps the bread’s crust intact, so it’s highly recommended if possible.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the bread?
Definitely! Chopped nuts or raisins can be gently kneaded into the dough before shaping, or sprinkled between the slits with the cinnamon sugar for extra texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet impressive enough to share with family and friends. Once you try making it yourself, this cinnamon bread will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire, filling your home with warmth and sweet memories every time.
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus 4-7 hours thawing and 30 minutes rising
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours to 7 hours 65 minutes (including thawing and rising)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe features soft, pull-apart bread loaded with cinnamon-sugar, topped with a sweet brown sugar crust and finished with a smooth powdered sugar glaze. Using thawed frozen bread dough, this comforting bread is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing at breakfast or as a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Bread and Dough
- 1 lb frozen bread dough, thawed
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (use 1/4 cup for the mixture, remainder if desired)
- 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 parchment paper lightly to prevent sticking and keep it in place.
- Prepare the Dough: Place the frozen bread dough in the parchment-lined loaf pan and thaw according to package instructions, usually 4–7 hours, until the dough is fully softened but not yet risen.
- 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: Use a knife to make 5–6 horizontal slits across the top of the dough, cutting about halfway through to allow the bread to pull apart easily after baking.
- Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Brush melted butter generously over the top and into the slits of the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top, making sure to get plenty inside the slits for flavor.
- Top and Let Rise: Place the loaf pan in a warm spot and let the dough rise for 30 minutes until slightly puffed. Then, 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) for baking.
- Bake: Bake the risen dough in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is cooked through and the top is golden brown.
- Prepare the Icing: While baking, whisk together powdered sugar and 2–3 tablespoons milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust milk quantity for preferred consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle the icing generously over the warm bread. Serve by pulling apart pieces for a delicious, shareable treat.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is thawed fully but not risen before applying butter and cinnamon sugar to achieve the best texture.
- Make horizontal slits about halfway through the dough so it pulls apart easily after baking without collapsing.
- You can adjust the amount of granulated sugar sprinkled before baking according to your preferred sweetness.
- For a thicker icing, use less milk; for a thinner drizzle, add more milk gradually.
- Using parchment paper helps with easy removal and cleanup after baking.
