Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Transport yourself straight to the heart of Dollywood with this cozy, aromatic Cinnamon Bread—a recipe that just begs to be shared, pulled apart, and savored. Picture a loaf of soft, golden bread, each piece drenched in buttery cinnamon sugar and finished with a silky, sweet glaze drizzled over the top. The best part? This treat is incredibly easy to make, especially thanks to a clever shortcut with frozen bread dough. Whether you need a quick dessert, a comforting weekend breakfast, or just a sweet snack for a busy weeknight, this cinnamon bread couldn’t be more crowd-pleasing or simple to pull together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bakes Up Fast and Easy: If making bread from scratch intimidates you, this recipe is here to change your mind. With frozen bread dough, nearly all the tricky steps are skipped, so you get bakery-level results without the hassle.
• Pull-Apart Perfection: The secret slits in the dough create those pull-apart layers everyone loves. It’s like homemade monkey bread—fun to share, and each piece comes away fluffy and gooey.
• The Smell Is Irresistible: Cinnamon and sugar baking together? Your kitchen will smell like a theme park bakery—warm, spicy, and welcoming.
• Versatile and Forgiving: No need for fancy equipment or specialized skills. Even ingredient swaps are a breeze, so you can customize to suit your tastes or what’s in the pantry.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Frozen Bread Dough: The backbone of this recipe and the ultimate shortcut for soft, bakery-style bread. Just make sure it’s fully thawed—cold dough won’t rise properly!
• Cinnamon: The star flavor—don’t skimp! Fresh cinnamon elevates the entire loaf.
• Granulated Sugar: For creating those classic sweet, caramelized crusts we all crave.
• Brown Sugar: Sprinkled over the top for added depth and a hint of molasses richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted and brushed generously for gooey texture and lots of buttery flavor. Salted butter will work if that’s all you have!
• Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of the signature sweet glaze on top.
• Milk: Thins out the powdered sugar for the dreamy icing. Dairy or non-dairy both work beautifully.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray & Parchment Paper: For foolproof removal from the pan and easy cleanup. Spray under and on the parchment—this makes lining the pan SO much easier!

Variations

Ready to make this recipe your own? Try these tasty spins:

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans between the dough slits before baking for a nutty crunch.
• Citrusy Kick: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to your cinnamon-sugar mix for a subtle burst of brightness.
• Spiced Up: A pinch of nutmeg or ground cardamom gives the bread a chai-inspired twist.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and any plant-based milk—coconut or oat are both great—for a completely dairy-free version.
• Raisin Swirl: Scatter a handful of raisins or sultanas into the dough layers for a plump, chewy surprise.

How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Loaf Pan

Lightly coat your bread pan with non-stick spray, then line with parchment paper. Give the inside of the parchment a quick spritz as well. This little trick keeps the parchment from slipping around, and makes removing the finished loaf a breeze.

Step 2: Thaw the Dough

Place your frozen bread dough in the prepared pan and let it thaw as directed on the package. Give yourself a 4-7 hour window for this; overnight in the fridge works too if you’re planning ahead.

Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar

Combine cinnamon and granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Set aside—this mixture is about to work its magic.

Step 4: Slice It Up

Use a sharp knife to cut 5-6 horizontal slits across the top of the dough—about halfway down. These cuts don’t go all the way through; they’re there so every bite can be easily pulled apart later (and extra surface area for butter and cinnamon sugar!).

Step 5: Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Melt your butter and generously brush it on top and into all those slits. Don’t be shy—every nook and cranny should get coated! Next, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the dough and inside each slit for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Rise and Finish

Let the coated dough rise for 30 minutes in a warm spot. Right before baking, sprinkle the brown sugar over the top. This gives the finished loaf a delightful caramelized crunch.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 20–25 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.

Step 8: Make the Icing

While the bread is baking, whip up your glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar with a bit of milk, adjusting the consistency as you go—a thicker icing clings to the bread, while a thinner drizzle soaks deeper into the loaf.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

When the bread is baked to golden perfection, allow it to cool for a few minutes in the pan. Remove, drizzle generously with icing, and serve warm. Each pull-apart piece should be gooey, fluffy, and utterly irresistible.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Thaw Completely: Give the dough plenty of time to thaw and rise; rushing this step makes the bread dense rather than pillowy.
• Coat Every Crevice: Use a pastry brush or spoon to make sure all the slits get enough butter and cinnamon sugar. This is key for flavor in every bite.
• Keep Watch While Baking: Ovens can vary. Check at the 20-minute mark—the top should be deep golden and the center cooked through without being doughy.
• Adjust Icing to Taste: Like a thicker icing? Use less milk. If you want a gentle glaze, add more milk until it’s pourable.

How to Serve

This bread is fantastic on its own, but here are a few more ways to enjoy it:

• Hot from the Oven: Best eaten fresh and warm when the glaze is runny and the bread is still meltingly soft.
• With Coffee or Tea: The ultimate compliment to your favorite morning beverage, especially for breakfast or brunch.
• With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Turn dessert into something special—vanilla ice cream with warm cinnamon bread is pure magic.
• For Gifting: Wrap the cooled loaf and share with friends, neighbors, or family—guaranteed smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For even longer freshness, keep in the fridge.

Freezing

Absolutely! Wrap your (cooled) bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, and give it a gentle warm-up in the microwave for that just-baked feel.

Reheating

Simply microwave a slice for a few seconds. The bread turns soft and the icing gets gloriously gooey—it’s like new every time!

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite basic sweet bread or white bread recipe, it will work beautifully for this bread. Just follow the same process for shaping, slicing, and coating.

What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
No worries! You can shape the dough into a rustic oval and place it on a lined baking sheet. The result will be a little more free-form, but every bit as tasty and fun to pull apart.

Can I prepare the bread the night before?
Yes, you can set up the dough with cinnamon sugar and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Bring to room temperature as the oven preheats, then bake fresh when you’re ready. Perfect for a lazy weekend or special brunch!

How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Look for an even golden-brown top, and a loaf that sounds hollow when tapped. If you’re unsure, insert a skewer into the center—it should come out clean, not doughy.

Final Thoughts

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread brings a taste of the theme park right to your kitchen, minus the lines or travel. It’s simple, quick, and truly foolproof—ideal for busy bakers or last-minute cravings. Experiment with additions, gather your loved ones, and enjoy every gooey, cinnamon-filled bite. There’s just nothing quite like sharing the smell (and taste) of fresh-baked bread at home. Give this recipe a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!

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