Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever wandered through the delightful halls of Dollywood and found yourself enchanted by the irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet glaze, then you’re going to love making this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe at home. This beloved treat captures the essence of the Smoky Mountains in every fluffy, buttery bite. It’s a perfect blend of tender bread swirled generously with cinnamon sugar, all topped with a smooth and sweet vanilla glaze. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this recipe brings a bit of Dollywood magic right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but exactly what you need to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden color that makes Dollywood Cinnamon Bread so special. Each element plays a crucial role, from the soft bread base to the cinnamon sugar filling and the luscious glaze on top.

• Frozen bread dough, 1 loaf: Using thawed frozen dough simplifies the process and ensures a light, airy texture.
• Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens the filling and caramelizes a bit in the oven for that lovely crunch.
• Ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 tablespoons: The star spice that gives the bread its warm, inviting flavor.
• Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup melted: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly to the dough.
• Powdered sugar, 1 cup: Creates the silky smooth glaze that’s drizzled on top.
• Milk, 2–3 tablespoons: Adjust to get the glaze to the perfect drizzle consistency.
• Vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances the glaze with a fragrant, sweet note.

How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by removing your frozen bread dough from the freezer and letting it thaw fully at room temperature, usually about 4 to 6 hours. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and while that’s warming up, grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or a non-stick spray. This step sets the stage for the bread to bake evenly and not stick to the pan at all.

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until they form a uniform blend. This simple mixture is what will give every bite that signature cinnamon sweetness.

Step 3: Roll and Shape the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, gently roll your thawed dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches in size, aiming for roughly a quarter-inch thickness. This size and thickness help create ideal layers once rolled. Brush the entire surface with the melted butter, leaving just a small border untouched to seal the edges later.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar

Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar evenly over the buttered dough, pressing lightly with your hands so it sticks well. The more even the distribution, the more consistent the flavor in every slice.

Step 5: Roll and Place in Pan

Starting from the shorter end, roll the dough tightly into a log shape, pinching the seam closed so it holds together during baking. Place the rolled dough seam-side down in your prepared loaf pan. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This rising step is essential for that soft, fluffy crumb.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Once your loaf has risen beautifully, bake it in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You want a golden brown crust and an internal temperature around 190°F (88°C) to ensure it’s completely baked through. If you notice the top browning too quickly, tent the bread with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the bread is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (starting with 2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Your goal is a smooth, velvety glaze that’s thick enough to coat a spoon’s back but thin enough to drizzle over the loaf.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. While it’s still warm, generously drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to let everything set perfectly.

How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top after glazing. These extra touches add a little crunch and visual appeal that make every slice feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with some creamy butter, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. For a morning feast, serve alongside fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your cinnamon bread into thick pieces and lightly toasting them to bring out the cinnamon aroma even more. You can also cut into cubes and serve as a sweet bread pudding base or use it for French toast to create a decadent breakfast experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Dollywood Cinnamon Bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves its softness and moisture, ensuring every slice remains delicious.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the unglazed loaf wrapped well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it completely before adding the glaze to keep that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or give them a quick toast to revive that fresh-baked flavor and texture. If the glaze has absorbed or faded, feel free to drizzle more on top before serving for that perfect finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with homemade bread dough?

Absolutely! Substituting frozen bread dough for your favorite homemade dough works wonderfully. Just aim for about one pound of dough, which is close to most frozen loaf sizes.

How do I know when the bread dough is fully thawed?

Thawed dough will be soft and easy to handle throughout, with no cold or firm spots. Typically, it takes 4 to 6 hours at room temperature, or you can thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Can I prepare this the night before?

Yes! After shaping the bread and placing it in the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove it about an hour before baking so it can come to room temperature and rise properly.

What if my glaze is too thick or too thin?

If it’s too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it thins out. If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until the glaze reaches your preferred consistency.

Can I freeze the finished bread?

You can freeze the baked bread without glaze for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before wrapping tightly. Add the glaze fresh after thawing for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe is truly a magical treat that brings the joy and warmth of Dollywood right into your home kitchen. It’s easy to make, irresistibly fragrant, and absolutely delicious with its buttery cinnamon swirl and sweet vanilla glaze. Whether you’re making it for family gatherings, a cozy breakfast, or just because, this bread will become a treasured favorite that everyone asks for again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the wonderful experience of baking this delightful bread from scratch!

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