Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

If you’ve ever been to Dollywood, you’re already familiar with the enchanting aroma of their famous Dollywood Cinnamon Bread. The warm, sweet scent fills the air as you walk through the park, enticing you to take a bite. Now, with this simple and delicious recipe, you can bring that same delightful experience into your own kitchen. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, this cinnamon bread will transport you straight to Dollywood without leaving your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s an easy way to recreate a fan-favorite treat right at home. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and a golden-brown crust is irresistible. The bread itself is light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, while the icing adds the ideal finishing touch. It’s a warm and comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from a family breakfast to a cozy afternoon snack. Plus, it’s so easy to make, even if you’re not an expert baker.

Ingredients

1 Tbsp Cinnamon

1/2 cup Sugar

1 lb. Frozen Bread Dough, thawed

¼ cup Brown Sugar (sprinkled on top)

4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted

1 cup Powdered Sugar

2 – 3 Tbsp Milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Pan for Baking: Start by lightly spraying a loaf pan with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper. This will help ensure that your bread doesn’t stick and will make cleanup much easier later.

Thaw the Dough: Place the frozen bread dough loaf in the prepared loaf pan. Let it thaw according to the package instructions, typically around 4-7 hours.

Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to create a flavorful cinnamon-sugar mixture. Set it aside for later.

Cut the Dough: Make 5-6 horizontal slits across the top of the dough, about halfway through the depth of the loaf. This will allow the bread to pull apart beautifully after baking.

Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Melt the butter and generously brush it over the top and inside the slits of the bread dough. Then, liberally sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough, ensuring every inch is coated with sweetness.

Top and Rise: Let the loaf pan rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes to allow the dough to rise. After it has risen, sprinkle 1/4 cup of brown sugar over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.

Bake: Once the oven is preheated, place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread has a golden-brown top and is cooked through.

Prepare the Icing: While the bread is baking, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl until you reach your desired icing consistency.

Finish and Serve: Once the bread is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before drizzling the icing over the top. Then, simply pull apart the bread and enjoy the irresistible sweetness of this Dollywood favorite!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 8-10 slices

Variations

Add Nuts: For a little extra texture, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.

Cinnamon Roll Twist: Try adding a layer of cream cheese frosting on top for a more decadent dessert version of cinnamon bread.

Vegan Option: Use a plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) to make the recipe vegan-friendly.

Fruit Add-ins: You can add some diced apples or raisins to the dough for a fruity variation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This cinnamon bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back its fresh-baked warmth.

Related Recipes:

• Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing
• Easy Sugar Cookie Fudge
• Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

FAQs

How do I make sure my bread dough rises properly?

To ensure your dough rises well, place it in a warm, draft-free area while it’s resting. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the pan near a sunny window or in a warm oven (turned off) with the light on.

Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen dough?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, you can follow your favorite bread recipe and use it as a substitute for the frozen dough.

What should I do if I don’t have parchment paper?

If you don’t have parchment paper, you can simply grease the loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. Just be sure to grease the pan well to prevent the bread from sticking.

Can I make the icing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the icing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before drizzling it over the bread.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Unfortunately, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of regular bread dough. However, you could experiment with gluten-free dough as a substitute for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a delightful treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a warm breakfast or a sweet snack, this easy recipe brings all the joy of Dollywood right into your kitchen. With its irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating and the creamy icing drizzle, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, or simply indulging in by yourself. Enjoy this warm, comforting bread any time you crave a little bit of sweetness!