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
Scale
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.
