Imagine sharing the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and warm bread swirling through your kitchen—that’s the delight of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread! This pull-apart bread, beloved by theme park visitors and food lovers alike, delivers a perfect harmony of buttery richness, gentle sweetness, and a boost of nostalgia. From its golden crust to the gooey sugar glaze cascading down each tender piece, Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is pure comfort in a loaf, made easy enough for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Classic flavors shine brightest when their ingredients are simple and thoughtfully chosen. Every element in this recipe, from the dough to the glaze, plays a unique role in building the fluffy, cinnamon-streaked loaf that’s impossible to resist.
- Frozen bread dough (thawed): The foundation for effortless baking, offering a chewy, pillowy texture without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- Granulated sugar: Brings that familiar sweet sparkle to every bite and blends beautifully with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of this bread, it fills each layer with cozy warmth and irresistible spice.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the sugar-cinnamon coat every piece of dough perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the basis of that smooth, sweet glaze drizzled over the top for a bakery-style finish.
- Milk: Just a splash, it gives the glaze that thick, pourable magic.
- Vanilla extract: A tiny bit goes a long way, enhancing the overall flavor and tying the glaze together.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan so your bread will release beautifully. This step creates the perfect groundwork for all that buttery, sugary goodness to crisp up around the edges.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This sweet, spicy duo will soon give your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread its unforgettable taste and signature swirl.
Step 3: Cut and Butter Your Dough
Slice the thawed bread dough into 1-inch pieces. Each bite-sized bit ensures the final loaf is wonderfully pull-apart and golden all around. Dip each piece in melted butter, ensuring all sides get coated for maximum flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar
Roll each buttered dough piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. It’s messy, but worth it! Layer the coated pieces in the loaf pan, stacking and scattering them so the bread bakes up fluffy and full of tempting pockets of cinnamon.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches Before Baking
Drizzle any leftover melted butter and sprinkle remaining cinnamon-sugar over the layered dough pieces in the pan. This final flourish guarantees an extra-crisp, caramelized top that everyone will fight over.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The loaf is ready when it’s golden brown and a gentle touch springs back. The kitchen will smell so good you’ll wish you could bottle it!
Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
While the bread cools just slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze over your warm Dollywood Cinnamon Bread so it soaks into every nook and cranny—this is what takes it from “yum” to “wow!”
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Garnishes
A warm loaf of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread looks gorgeous with a lush drizzle of glaze, but don’t stop there! Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped pecans can add color and crunch. For a touch more decadence, dust lightly with extra cinnamon or a bit of powdered sugar just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon bread with creamy vanilla yogurt, a dish of fresh fruit, or a steaming mug of coffee. The rich, sweet flavors are perfectly balanced by something tangy or robust on the side, making it an ideal choice for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring some theater to your table! Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread on a rustic wooden board, ready to be pulled apart. For a fun twist, slice and layer pieces in a serving basket or arrange on a platter surrounded by small bowls of extra glaze or fruit jams for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if!) you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The bread will stay soft and flavorful, but don’t forget to drizzle a bit of leftover glaze before resealing—it keeps everything moist.
Freezing
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread freezes beautifully. Let the loaf cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and follow with aluminum foil. Tuck it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving.
Reheating
To rewarm, place the bread in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until soft and fragrant again. Microwave works, too—just heat slices for 15–20 seconds. Drizzle with a bit more glaze to make it taste oven-fresh!
FAQs
Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Any soft, enriched bread dough will work as the base for Dollywood Cinnamon Bread. Just make sure it’s fully risen and ready to use before you begin cutting and assembling.
What type Bread
Whole milk gives a richer, creamier glaze, but low-fat or even non-dairy alternatives like almond milk work well if you prefer. Adjust the quantity to get that ideal silky consistency.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the bread?
Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins add a lovely crunch and extra flavor. Sprinkle them between layers as you build your loaf for fun bursts of texture.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The top should be deeply golden and the loaf should sound hollow when gently tapped. If you’re unsure, insert a skewer in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Is Dollywood Cinnamon Bread vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written. You can even make it vegan with plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and frozen vegan bread dough.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving those theme park memories or just want to fill your kitchen with the scent of happiness, Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a fantastic place to start. Give it a try, share it with someone you love, and let it become a new favorite—one delicious, cinnamon-swirled bite at a time!
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe is a delightful pull-apart bread coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert, this warm and comforting treat will have your home smelling like a bakery. The buttery layers with a hint of vanilla glaze make it an irresistible indulgence.
Ingredients
Bread Dough:
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Coat Dough: Cut thawed bread dough into 1-inch pieces, dip in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Layer and Bake: Arrange coated dough pieces in the pan, alternating layers. Pour remaining butter and cinnamon sugar on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm bread before serving.
Notes
- For a richer version, add chopped pecans between layers or use brown sugar instead of white sugar.
- Best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.
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