Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever wandered through Dollywood and stumbled upon that irresistible, cinnamon-swirled treat wafting through the air, you know exactly why the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe has captured hearts far beyond the park’s gates. This sweet, softly tender bread, bursting with buttery cinnamon sugar and a luscious glaze, is a simple yet sensational delight that transforms ordinary days into cozy celebrations. Trust me, once you make this recipe, you’ll be reaching for the cinnamon jar and thawed bread dough more often than you thought possible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component works harmoniously to build the perfect balance of golden crust, cinnamon warmth, and creamy sweetness that melts in your mouth. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this magic to life:

• 1 Tbsp Cinnamon: This is the soul of the bread, providing that signature spicy warmth and aromatic hint we all crave.
• 1/2 cup Sugar: Sweetens the bread base just enough without overpowering the cinnamon’s charm.
• 1 lb. Frozen Bread Dough, thawed: The convenient foundation; thawed dough gives that pillowy texture we’ve come to love.
• ¼ cup Brown Sugar (sprinkled on top): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps create a beautifully caramelized crust.
• 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted: Coats the dough to help the cinnamon sugar stick and delivers richness to every bite.
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar: For the irresistibly smooth icing that dresses the bread with sweetness.
• 2 – 3 Tbsp Milk: Perfect for thinning the powdered sugar into a luscious glaze that pours easily over the baked bread.

How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan for Baking

The secret to a flawless loaf starts with your pan. Lightly spraying a loaf pan with cooking spray means your bread won’t stick, making it easier to remove and slice after baking. Then, lining it with parchment paper adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring each slice looks perfect as you pull it out to enjoy.

Step 2: Thaw the Dough

Next, place your frozen bread dough right in the prepared pan. Let it thaw naturally for 4 to 7 hours, giving it a gentle, patient rise that’s crucial for that soft interior. This step may require some waiting but remember, good things come to those who wait!

Step 3: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon

While the dough is thawing, mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow dish. This simple combo is what gives your bread its signature sugary-spicy layer that becomes gooey and fragrant after baking.

Step 4: Cut the Dough

A crucial visual and flavor step! Use a sharp knife to create 5 or 6 horizontal slits across the top of your dough. These slits will allow the cinnamon butter mixture to sink in beautifully during baking and create those adorable pull-apart sections everyone loves.

Step 5: Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Brush the thawed dough with melted butter generously. Then sprinkle that luscious cinnamon-sugar blend all over the top. This coating will caramelize in the oven and develop the crunch and sweetness that make this recipe unforgettable.

Step 6: Top and Rise

After the initial topping, let your dough rise for an additional 30 minutes. This secondary rise helps the bread get fluffier and more tender. Before baking, sprinkle 1/4 cup brown sugar on top for an extra touch of caramelized sweetness that forms an irresistible crust.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Get your oven warmed to exactly 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the bread evenly without burning the top, ensuring that golden color and soft inside.

Step 8: Bake

Bake your bread for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when it’s beautifully golden brown and your kitchen smells like pure cinnamon heaven. The slits should puff up slightly, adding to that classic pull-apart effect.

Step 9: Prepare the Icing

While the bread cools just a bit, whisk together powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk. Adjust the milk amount to get a smooth, pourable consistency — this glaze is the finishing flourish that brings the entire Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe together.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the icing generously over the warm bread. Pull apart a piece and savor the sweet, buttery layers with gooey cinnamon in every bite. Sharing this bread is a guaranteed way to spread smiles around your table.

How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For extra charm, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar or a dusting of powdered sugar over the glaze. Some fresh whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla yogurt can also add a delightful creaminess that complements the cinnamon’s spicy sweetness.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or hot tea, making mornings feel special. It also works stunningly alongside fresh fruit or a simple scrambled egg breakfast for a balanced and indulgent meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in cute paper cupcake liners, or place the whole loaf on a wooden board with a butter dish and small bowls of cinnamon sugar for a rustic, interactive treat. This can turn your kitchen into a Dollywood-inspired bakery moment full of warmth and charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any bread left (which can be tough!), keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, perfect for enjoy-with-coffee moments the next morning.

Freezing

This cinnamon bread also freezes wonderfully. Wrap the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before popping it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in the oven for fresh-baked taste.

Reheating

To bring back the fresh-baked charm, reheat slices in a toaster oven or warm the entire loaf at 300°F for about 10 minutes. A quick drizzle of fresh icing right after warming will lift your leftovers to their original glory.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh bread dough works just as well. Just adjust your rising times since fresh dough may thaw and rise faster than frozen dough.

What if I don’t have cinnamon? Can I use another spice?

Cinnamon is really the heart of this recipe, but you could try nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a different twist. Just keep in mind the flavor won’t be exactly like the classic Dollywood cinnamon bread.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Since the recipe relies on bread dough, gluten-free alternatives may be tricky but not impossible. You would need a gluten-free bread dough substitute that behaves similarly. Expect a different texture but still delicious!

How thick should the glaze be?

The glaze should be pourable but not too runny. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more if needed until it flows easily over the bread without soaking it.

Is the bread sweet or savory?

This bread leans delightfully sweet with warm cinnamon notes and buttery richness. It’s perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack anytime.

Final Thoughts

Making the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe at home feels like bringing a piece of theme park magic straight to your kitchen. It’s easy, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to fill your home with the most inviting aromas. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or indulging in a quiet moment of sweet bliss, this recipe is a treasure worth mastering. Go ahead, give it a whirl, and let this cinnamon bread become your new favorite tradition!

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