If there’s one treat that perfectly captures the cozy magic of a day spent at your favorite theme park, it’s got to be the legendary Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe. Imagine a loaf that’s incredibly warm, soft, and pull-apart tender, absolutely dripping with cinnamon sugar and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. This homemade version brings all the nostalgia and irresistible flavors of Dollywood straight to your kitchen, turning even the simplest morning or afternoon into something to remember. You’ll be shocked at how easy it is to make, no fancy equipment or ingredients required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to transform a handful of humble ingredients into something utterly spectacular! Each component in this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe plays a starring role, adding its own flavor, texture, or finishing touch that sets this loaf apart from the everyday.
- Frozen bread dough (1 loaf, thawed): This shortcut makes things simple and foolproof without sacrificing texture or fluffiness.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens every bite and helps create that familiar cinnamon-swirled magic.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The heart and soul of the recipe, infusing each slice with warmth and coziness.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and creates a rich, golden crust.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, for glaze): Transforms into a silky, creamy drizzle that makes this bread extra special.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons, for glaze): Adjusts the glaze’s consistency to be perfectly pourable.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon, for glaze): A splash brings depth and classic charm to the finishing touch.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by giving your thawed bread dough a gentle roll-out on a floured surface, aiming for a rectangle about 16×8 inches. Don’t stress about perfection here—just work it into shape with a rolling pin or even your hands. This step creates that classic pull-apart quality we love in the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe.
Step 2: Cut for Pull-Apart Magic
Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, make deep cuts every inch or so down both long sides of the dough rectangle, being sure not to slice all the way through. These notches are how you’ll get those delightful seams of cinnamon-sugar running through every pull-apart piece.
Step 3: Cinnamon Sugar Bliss
Mix together your cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Brush the melted butter over the entire surface of the dough, getting right down into the cuts. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously everywhere, especially into the slits—this layer is what makes a Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe so incredibly crave-worthy.
Step 4: Shape and Rise
Gently fold up the dough and nestle it in your greased loaf pan. Don’t worry if it looks a little rustic; that’s part of the charm. Set the pan somewhere warm and let the dough rise for about 30 to 45 minutes, until it’s puffy and eagerly filling the pan.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your bread for 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F. You’re aiming for a golden, crisp top and a scent that will make the neighbors jealous. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes—just long enough to set but not so long that anyone can resist digging in.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm bread, letting it run into all those lovely nooks and crannies. Serve warm and pull apart pieces to share—if you’re willing!
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe that little extra pop, top it with an extra dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a few chopped toasted nuts. For special occasions, add a handful of golden raisins or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an over-the-top finish.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or creamy chai. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit, a bowl of yogurt, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultra-decadent dessert. It’s equally at home at breakfast or after-dinner treat!
Creative Ways to Present
For a family brunch, slice the whole loaf and arrange it on a platter, letting everyone pull it apart as they please. For a themed gathering, cut the bread into thick sticks and serve them upright in a rustic basket lined with a towel. Or make mini loaves to gift—each one a little packet of pure cinnamon joy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftover Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe, wrap it tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze helps keep it moist and tender so you can enjoy slice after slice.
Freezing
Cool the bread completely, wrap securely in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to three months. For extra convenience, freeze individual slices so you can have a warm piece whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
For the just-baked experience, warm a slice of bread for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave or reheat whole sections in a low oven. This refreshes the texture and brings the glaze back to its original glossy, melt-in-your-mouth state.
FAQs
Can I make the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe with homemade dough?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite sweet yeast dough recipe, feel free to use it instead of frozen bread dough. Just let it rise as instructed, and continue with the rest of the steps.
Are there any fun add-ins I can try?
Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins make delicious variations. Simply sprinkle them over the cinnamon sugar before folding for extra crunch and flavor.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
It can—swap the standard bread dough for your favorite gluten-free version (store-bought or homemade), and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. The results will still be warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying.
How do I keep the glaze from soaking in too much?
Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before glazing to allow the crust to set slightly. This helps the glaze stay on top and creates a gorgeous finish with every slice.
What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
No worries! You can shape the prepared dough and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming a rustic oval or round pull-apart loaf. Baking time may be a bit shorter, so keep an eye on it.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as comforting or impressive as a homemade loaf of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe on your table. This recipe brings all the warm memories and tempting aromas of a trip to Dollywood, no ticket required. Give it a try—your kitchen (and your friends and family) will thank you!
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. This sweet, pull-apart loaf is perfect for breakfast or as a dessert treat. With a buttery cinnamon sugar filling and a vanilla glaze, each slice is a taste of cinnamon heaven.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed)
Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare Dough: Roll thawed bread dough into a 16×8-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Fill and Fold: Make cuts on the long sides, brush with butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, fold, and place in the pan.
- Rise and Bake: Let rise for 30–45 minutes, then bake for 30–35 minutes until golden.
- Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Drizzle over warm bread.
- Serve: Enjoy warm by pulling apart the slices.
Notes
- You can use homemade dough for a richer taste.
- Experiment with additions like pecans or raisins for variety.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
