If you’ve ever stepped foot in Dollywood and caught a whiff of that warm, sweet, cinnamon aroma wafting through the air, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The famous Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is like a slice of heaven wrapped in a soft, pillowy dough, with the most irresistible gooey cinnamon sugar filling. It’s everything you could want in a dessert or snack, and today, you’re going to learn how to recreate that magic at home. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to make over and over again. You’re in for a treat!
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Why You’ll Love Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
This recipe isn’t just about baking—it’s about creating a comforting experience that’ll fill your home with delicious scents and bring a little bit of Dollywood to your kitchen. Here’s why it’s a total favorite:
Irresistibly Soft and Gooey: The bread itself is so soft, with a cinnamon-sugar filling that melts into every bite, making it impossible to stop at just one slice.
Warm and Cozy: There’s something about cinnamon bread that instantly makes you feel at home. It’s perfect for chilly mornings, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it to family or bringing it to a potluck, this bread is guaranteed to disappear fast. It’s one of those recipes that everyone will ask you to make again and again.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From holidays to simple weekend mornings, this cinnamon bread works for any occasion. It’s comforting, indulgent, and just the right amount of sweet.
Easy to Make: The best part? It’s easier to make than you think. You don’t need to be a baking expert to pull this off. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a loaf of cinnamon goodness in no time!
Ingredients in Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing cinnamon bread. Don’t worry, it’s simple but so, so tasty!
Bread Dough: This soft, fluffy dough is the base of your cinnamon bread. The secret to its melt-in-your-mouth texture? A little love and patience while it rises.
Cinnamon Sugar: This classic combination is the heart of the recipe. It creates that irresistible gooey swirl throughout the bread.
Butter: The butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the dough, creating that perfect golden crust.
Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla to enhance the sweetness and make the flavor profile pop.
Brown Sugar: Adds extra sweetness and a touch of depth to the filling. The brown sugar’s molasses undertones really elevate the flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this irresistible Dollywood Cinnamon Bread step by step, so you can enjoy it fresh from the oven.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s bubbly and activated. Then, add in the flour, salt, and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step helps develop the texture and is key to getting that soft, airy bread.
Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it’s doubled in size. This is where the magic happens, so be patient!
Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Brush the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.
Roll it Up: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, making sure the cinnamon sugar is distributed throughout. Pinch the ends to seal it.
Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the rolled dough in a greased loaf pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The smell of cinnamon will fill your kitchen—prepare yourself for the deliciousness!
Finishing Touches: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can drizzle it with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk, or just enjoy it as-is for that authentic Dollywood experience.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the bread while it’s still warm and enjoy every cinnamon-packed bite. Serve it with coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy moment.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
This warm, gooey cinnamon bread can be served in so many delicious ways. Here are a few ideas:
As a Breakfast Treat: Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect way to start your day.
With a Side of Fruit: Serve it alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
For Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
For a Snack: Enjoy it on its own for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. You won’t be able to resist!
As a Gift: Wrap it up in a cute box or paper and give it to friends or family as a homemade gift. Trust me, they’ll love it!
Additional Tips
Add Nuts: If you like a little crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Make It Vegan: Swap the butter for vegan butter and use a plant-based milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
Double the Recipe: This bread disappears fast, so consider making two loaves—one for now, and one for later!
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
A1: Yes! You can use a bread machine to make the dough. Just follow your machine’s instructions for making basic dough and proceed with the rest of the steps.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze slices for up to a month.
Q4: Can I add icing to this bread?
A4: Absolutely! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk is a lovely addition. Drizzle it over the warm bread for a sweet touch.
Q5: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A5: Yes! While bread flour helps create a slightly more chewy texture, all-purpose flour will work just fine.
Q6: Can I make this gluten-free?
A6: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour to make this recipe gluten-free. The texture will be a little different, but still delicious!
Q7: How do I get the bread so soft?
A7: The key to soft bread is letting it rise properly and not overbaking it. Make sure the dough is kneaded well and rises until doubled in size.
Q8: How do I get the cinnamon sugar mixture to stick to the dough?
A8: Brush the dough with melted butter before adding the cinnamon sugar. The butter helps the sugar adhere and gives the bread a rich, golden color.
Q9: Can I make mini loaves?
A9: Yes, you can make mini loaves. Just reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes and keep an eye on them to make sure they bake through.
Q10: Can I freeze the dough?
A10: Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Let it rise, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and continue with the recipe.
Final Thoughts
Making Dollywood Cinnamon Bread at home is a surefire way to fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aromas and create a comforting treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re sharing it with family, serving it as a gift, or simply indulging on your own, this bread is bound to become a new favorite. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a slice of warm, gooey cinnamon goodness!
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the magic of homemade Dollywood Cinnamon Bread — warm, soft, and coated in cinnamon-sugar with a sweet drizzle of icing. Perfect for cozy mornings or a comforting treat any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1 lb. Frozen Bread Dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar, sprinkled on top
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2–3 Tbsp Milk
Instructions
- Spray a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment as well to help it stay in place.
- Place thawed bread dough in the prepared pan and let it thaw according to package instructions, usually 4–7 hours.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Slice 5–6 horizontal slits across the top of the dough about halfway through the depth to create pull-apart sections.
- Brush melted butter generously over the top and into the slits of the bread. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture liberally over and into the slits to coat thoroughly.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. After rising, sprinkle brown sugar over the top.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the bread bakes, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar and 2–3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle the icing over the warm bread and serve.
Notes
- Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight to save time in the morning.
- Add chopped pecans for a nutty crunch.
- Serve warm with extra icing for dipping.
- You can use homemade bread dough if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 loaf
- Calories: 660
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 105g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg