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
Scale
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.
