Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love a cozy, satisfying treat, you are going to adore this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe. It’s a warm, fluffy loaf infused with rich cinnamon and topped with a luscious glaze that just melts in your mouth. This bread perfectly balances soft texture and sugary spice, making it the ultimate comfort food snack or dessert. Whether it’s for a weekend breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe will quickly become one of your most cherished favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and sweetness that makes the bread so irresistible.

• Cinnamon (1 Tbsp): Adds that classic warm, spicy flavor that defines cinnamon bread.
• Sugar (1/2 cup): Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the cinnamon’s warmth.
• Frozen Bread Dough, thawed (1 lb.): The base of your bread, offering a soft, fluffy texture after baking.
• Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Sprinkled on top to add a rich caramel note and a pleasant crunch after baking.
• Unsalted Butter, melted (4 Tbsp): Brushed over the dough to help the cinnamon sugar stick and keep the bread moist.
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Mixed into the icing that gives the bread its irresistible glaze.
• Milk (2–3 Tbsp): Used in the icing to create the perfect drizzle consistency.

How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan for Baking

Lightly spritz your loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures that the bread will come out cleanly, making your baking experience smoother and easier to enjoy.

Step 2: Thaw the Dough

Place the frozen bread dough into your prepared pan and allow it to thaw for 4 to 7 hours. This leisurely thawing process lets the dough relax and rise slowly, which helps develop that soft, pillowy texture we’re aiming for.

Step 3: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon

In a shallow dish, combine ¼ cup sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. This cinnamon-sugar mix will give your bread that signature spicy-sweet coating that just can’t be beat.

Step 4: Cut the Dough

Using a sharp knife, make 5 to 6 horizontal slits across the top of the thawed dough. These slits will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper during baking and create those iconic cinnamon pockets throughout the bread.

Step 5: Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough, then generously sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. The butter helps the sugar mixture stick while adding richness, deepening the flavor beautifully.

Step 6: Top and Rise

Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes to develop more fluffiness. Just before baking, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of brown sugar on top to create a sweet, caramelized crust once baked.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is an important step so your bread can bake evenly from the moment it goes in.

Step 8: Bake

Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and fills your kitchen with that amazing cinnamon scent.

Step 9: Prepare the Icing

While the bread is cooling slightly but still warm, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. The icing should be thick enough to drizzle but fluid enough to spread easily.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the icing lovingly over the warm bread, then pull apart the slices and dig in. This final touch gives the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe that irresistible sweet finish everyone will fall in love with.

How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Feel free to top your cinnamon bread with a light dusting of cinnamon powder or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for an extra layer of texture and flavor. These simple garnishes add a beautiful presentation and a subtle crunch.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with steaming cups of coffee, hot tea, or even a cold glass of milk for a delightful contrast. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread into smaller chunks and serving it in a bread basket at brunch or cut it into cubes to skewer with fruit and marshmallows for a fun dessert kabob. You can also warm slices and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will preserve its softness while preventing it from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to store it for longer, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. The Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe freezes beautifully and can be kept for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your bread again, thaw it at room temperature, then warm it gently in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes for that fresh-baked feel. You can also microwave individual slices for about 15 seconds, but the oven method is best to maintain the crispy edges.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh bread dough works perfectly for this recipe. Just allow it to rise fully before proceeding with the coating and second rise steps to ensure your bread is fluffy and flavorful.

What type of cinnamon is best for this recipe?

Ceylon or “true” cinnamon offers a sweeter, subtler flavor, while Cassia cinnamon has a stronger, more pungent taste. Either works well, so pick your favorite or what you have on hand!

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free bread dough or a suitable gluten-free bread mix. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but the cinnamon-sugar flavors will still shine through.

Can I double the recipe to make a larger loaf?

Definitely! You can double the ingredients and use a larger loaf pan or divide into two pans. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need to increase slightly to cook through properly.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen bread dough?

The easiest way is to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature in the loaf pan as described. Slow thawing allows the dough to rise and develop better texture for baking.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe. It’s warm, inviting, and just the right amount of sweet and spiced to make your day better with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this delightful bread with friends and family—trust me, it might just become your new favorite indulgence!

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