If you’ve ever wandered through Dollywood and caught a whiff of their famous sweet, spiced treat, you know it’s pure magic. The Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe captures that same irresistible aroma and flavor right in your own kitchen. This soft, buttery, cinnamon-sugar laden bread with a luscious glaze on top is the perfect cozy indulgence. Whether you need a comforting breakfast, a sweet snack, or a show-stopping dessert, this recipe brings a slice of Dollywood’s charm straight to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that tender texture and rich, sweet flavor that makes this bread so special.
- Frozen bread dough (1 loaf, thawed): The foundation for light, fluffy bread that’s easy to work with.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the bread and helps create a crisp, caramelized cinnamon coating.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice providing warmth and incredible aroma.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick deep inside the loaf.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the classic sweet glaze that finishes it off with a smooth, creamy touch.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Lightens the glaze to perfect drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor of the glaze for that extra cozy note.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Cinnamon Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking. Next, mix the granulated sugar with the cinnamon in a small bowl—this combination will be what coats your bread in that signature spicy-sweet goodness.
Step 2: Roll and Slice the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed bread dough into a beautiful 16×8-inch rectangle. This is important because it gives you even layers to slice and fill. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut deep slits across the dough every inch, being careful not to slice all the way through. This step creates those delightful pull-apart sections that make the bread so fun to eat.
Step 3: Butter and Sugar It Up
Brush the entire surface of the dough as well as inside each slit generously with the melted butter—this moistens the bread and helps the cinnamon sugar weave its way throughout. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top and inside all those slits. Don’t be shy here; the more cinnamon sugar, the better!
Step 4: Roll, Rest, and Bake
Carefully start rolling the dough up slightly from one side, keeping all that cinnamon sugar tucked inside, and place it in your prepared loaf pan. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes—this short proofing step helps the dough relax and prepares it to bake beautifully. Then, pop it in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
While the bread cools in the pan for 10 minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the glaze is silky smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the warm bread—it melts just a little and adds that extra burst of richness that makes this recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning finishing touch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or a dusting of coarse sugar over the glaze while it’s still wet. These add delightful texture and a rustic charm that makes each slice feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This cinnamon bread goes perfectly alongside a hot cup of coffee, creamy cappuccino, or fresh chai tea. If you’re making brunch, pair it with scrambled eggs or fresh fruit for a balanced meal bursting with flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the loaf into thick pieces and serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert. Or arrange bite-sized pieces on a platter for sharing at breakfast gatherings—everyone will love pulling apart the soft layered bread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover dollywood cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Wrapping it tightly helps retain moisture, so each bite stays as soft and flavorful as the day you baked it.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently before serving.
Reheating
Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds to bring back that freshly baked softness and melt any hardened glaze slightly—this quick heat-up feels just like pulling it fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh dough works just as well; just make sure it’s fully risen and pliable before rolling out. The frozen dough is a convenient shortcut, but fresh dough brings an equally delicious result.
What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
You can bake this cinnamon bread in any similar-sized baking dish or even a round cake pan—it just might change the shape slightly, but the flavor and texture remain wonderful.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk for the glaze. Just make sure your dough is also free of animal products. The cinnamon sugar filling is naturally vegan-friendly!
Is it better to use granulated or brown sugar for the cinnamon sugar mix?
Granulated sugar is traditional and gives a nice crunch, but brown sugar will add a deeper molasses flavor and a softer texture. Feel free to experiment or even mix the two for a unique twist.
How soon should I eat the bread after baking?
For the best experience, enjoy your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread fresh and warm the day it’s made. The cinnamon sugar and glaze taste brightest, and the bread is at its softest and most tender.
Final Thoughts
Making this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe at home is like inviting a little bit of that sweet Southern hospitality into your kitchen. It’s unbelievably easy to prepare, wonderfully aromatic, and absolutely irresistible fresh from the oven. Whether you’re sharing it with family or treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe promises joy in every bite. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a delightful sweet yeast bread known for its soft, pull-apart texture layered with cinnamon sugar and a buttery glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this copycat recipe replicates the famous theme park treat with ease using frozen bread dough and a simple cinnamon sugar filling topped with a rich vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Bread and Cinnamon Sugar:
- 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 pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly, setting aside the mixture for filling.
- Roll and slice dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed bread dough into a 16×8-inch rectangle. Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut deep slits across the dough at 1-inch intervals, ensuring not to cut all the way through to keep the bread intact.
- Butter and fill: Brush the entire surface of the dough and inside the slits generously with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top and into the slits for a full flavor infusion.
- Roll and rest: Carefully roll the dough slightly and transfer it to the prepared loaf pan. Let it rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to allow the dough to rise slightly while the oven finishes preheating.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake the bread for 30–35 minutes or until it is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Cool the bread: Remove the baked bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool further without becoming soggy.
- Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread, allowing it to soak in slightly. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For an indulgent twist, add chopped pecans or sprinkle coarse sugar over the dough before baking to add crunch and extra flavor.
- This bread is best enjoyed warm on the day it’s made to experience its soft, pull-apart texture and rich cinnamon sweetness.
- Use fresh thawed dough and do not skip the resting period for optimal rise and texture.
