If you’ve ever wandered through Dollywood and caught a whiff of their famous cinnamon bread, you know why recreating it at home is a must. With its buttery, pull-apart softness and irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl, this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe captures that magic in your kitchen. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy morning treat or sharing it with friends, every fluffy, glazed slice is like a ticket to culinary happiness. Let’s dive into what makes this bread pure Southern joy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a starring role, from the aroma of cinnamon to the cloud-like bread dough and the sweet, glossy glaze. Gather these kitchen basics, and you’ll be on your way to baking joy in no time.
- Frozen Bread Dough (1-pound loaf, thawed): This shortcut delivers soft, pillowy bread without fussing over yeast and rising times.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Provides that classic sweetness in every swirl and bite.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star of the show, giving the bread its enchanting aroma and warmth.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): For buttery richness that seeps into every slit and keeps the bread moist.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup): Essential for creating the oh-so-creamy glaze to drizzle on top.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Helps achieve that perfect pourable glaze consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with its delicate, aromatic touch.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures that your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe won’t stick and bakes up with a picture-perfect golden exterior.
Step 2: Mix Up the Cinnamon-Sugar Magic
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This simple combo is what gives the bread its crave-worthy interior and canopy of spice. Don’t be shy with mixing – this is what guarantees every mouthful is loaded with sweet, cinnamon goodness.
Step 3: Roll Out and Slice the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface, then roll the thawed bread dough into a rectangle, roughly 16×8 inches. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, make deep slits across the dough about 1 inch apart. Just don’t cut all the way through! Those slits are the secrets to perfect pull-apart pieces and letting the cinnamon mixture soak right in.
Step 4: Butter Up and Load with Cinnamon
Brush the entire surface of the dough generously with melted butter, making sure you get deep into the slits. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the dough, again taking care to get it into all the nooks and crannies. The more coverage, the more magic!
Step 5: Shape and Let Rise
Carefully fold or roll the filled dough to fit into your prepared loaf pan, tucking in any overhanging ends. Place the pan somewhere warm and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes, until puffed. This step gives your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe that irresistible lightness and lift.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the loaf into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns beautifully golden and your kitchen smells like something special is about to happen.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
While your bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth, pourable glaze. As soon as the bread is out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over the warm loaf so it seeps into each crevice. Let it cool just long enough to slice, then enjoy every warm, gooey bite!
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Garnishes
The Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe is a showstopper on its own, but for a touch of flair, dust the loaf with a little extra powdered sugar or sprinkle with toasted nuts. A light drizzle of caramel sauce takes it over the top for true dessert lovers!
Side Dishes
Pairing this bread with something light balances the experience. Fresh fruit, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream all play nicely alongside the cinnamon richness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving slices stacked on a pretty cake stand, or cut the loaf into individual pull-apart pieces for easy sharing at brunch. You can even try making mini loaves for gifting – no one can resist a homemade Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe wrapped up with a bow!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the bread tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The texture will stay soft and flavorful, especially if you give it a few seconds of warmth before serving again.
Freezing
The Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe also freezes beautifully. Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic and then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying or move it to the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked magic, warm your slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop it in a low oven for a few minutes. The glaze will get gooey again and the cinnamon will fill your kitchen with that unmistakable cozy scent.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade bread dough recipe if you prefer. It requires a little extra time, but the results for your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe will be even more impressive and delicious.
What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
You can shape the dough and bake it in a cake pan, pie pan, or even as individual rolls in muffin tins. Just adjust the baking time and keep an eye on the bread as it bakes.
Is it possible to make this bread vegan?
Yes! Use a dairy-free bread dough (store-bought or homemade), swap in plant-based butter, and use your favorite non-dairy milk for the glaze. The Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe adapts easily for plant-based eaters.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Of course! Sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins over the cinnamon-sugar filling before shaping the loaf. It adds texture and a delightful surprise in every bite.
What’s the best way to store the glaze separately?
If you plan to serve the bread later, keep the glaze in an airtight container in the fridge and drizzle it on just before serving. This ensures every slice is perfectly glossy and fresh.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve enjoyed a warm, gooey piece of homemade Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic. Don’t wait for your next theme park trip – treat yourself and your family to this comforting delight any day of the week. One bite, and it might just become a new tradition in your home!
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes rising time)
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, sweet, and comforting flavors of Dollywood’s famous Cinnamon Bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful dessert, this pull-apart bread will have your home smelling like a cozy bakery in no time.
Ingredients
Bread Dough:
- 1 (1-pound) loaf frozen bread dough (thawed)
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out thawed bread dough on a floured surface into a 16×8-inch rectangle. Make slits across the dough and brush with melted butter. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough.
- Shape and Rise: Fold or roll dough to fit into the loaf pan, tucking the ends under. Let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Drizzle over warm bread.
- Serve: Enjoy warm!
Notes
- This recipe can be made with homemade dough for a more personalized touch.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped nuts or brown sugar into the filling.
- Best served fresh for optimal taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
