Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

If you have a soft spot for irresistible cinnamon treats, then you absolutely need to try the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe. This delightful, pull-apart bread is packed with layers of warm cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious glaze that melts into every nook and cranny. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with the coziest aromas and brings everyone around the table for an unforgettably sweet experience. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special dessert, this bread’s tender crumb and gooey cinnamon sugar bursts make it an instant favorite that’s impossible not to love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple ingredients is the first step to making this scrumptious bread. Each one plays a key role, from giving the bread its fluffy texture to layering those irresistible cinnamon flavors that linger long after the last bite.

• 1 lb frozen bread dough, thawed: The base of your bread, providing the soft, pull-apart texture.
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and that signature cinnamon bread taste.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Used partly for the cinnamon coating and partly for sweetness in the topping.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sprinkled on top for caramelized, sweet crunch.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the smooth, creamy icing.
• 2–3 Tbsp milk: Used to thin the icing to just the right drizzle consistency.

How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan for Baking

Start by lightly spraying a loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, line it with parchment paper and spray the parchment as well to keep it firmly in place. This simple prep makes it much easier to remove the bread later.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Place your thawed bread dough into the prepared pan. Let it thaw and soften fully according to package directions, which usually takes anywhere from 4 to 7 hours. It should be soft and pliable but not yet risen, ready for that perfect rise after applying the cinnamon sugar.

Step 3: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon

In a shallow bowl, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. This cinnamon-sugar blend is what will coat the dough and create those irresistible, sweet swirls in every bite.

Step 4: Cut the Dough

Using a sharp knife, carefully make 5 to 6 horizontal cuts across the top of the dough, slicing about halfway through. These cuts let the bread pull apart easily after baking, creating those signature “pull-apart” pieces we all love.

Step 5: Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Generously brush the melted butter over the top and inside the slits of the dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture thoroughly, making sure to get plenty inside the cuts for maximum cinnamon flavor.

Step 6: Top and Let Rise

Place the dough in a warm spot and let it rise for 30 minutes until it’s slightly puffed. After this rise, sprinkle 1/4 cup brown sugar evenly over the top to add a caramelized finish when baked.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Having the oven ready as the dough finishes rising helps keep the process efficient and ensures a perfectly baked loaf.

Step 8: Bake

Place the risen loaf in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top that signals a perfectly baked, soft bread packed with cinnamon goodness.

Step 9: Prepare the Icing

While your bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth, drizzle-able icing. Adjust the amount of milk to get your favorite thickness.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

After baking, let the bread cool slightly before drizzling it generously with the icing. Serve warm and encourage everyone to pull apart chunky, sweet pieces that showcase that incredible cinnamon swirl magic you’ve just created.

How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Think beyond the classic icing drizzle by sprinkling some chopped pecans or a light dusting of extra cinnamon on top. These small touches add a delightful crunch or a warm spice boost that pairs perfectly with the bread’s sweetness.

Side Dishes

This bread shines as a stand-alone treat, but pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms it into an indulgent dessert. It also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning or afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bread on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of cinnamon sugar, honey, or cream cheese frosting for guests to customize their slices. Another fun idea is to slice the bread before icing to create individual pull-apart rolls that make sharing easier and add an elegant touch to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh and soft for up to two days, making it an easy go-to for the next day’s snack or breakfast.

Freezing

You can freeze this bread either baked or unbaked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen dough should be thawed fully before baking, while baked bread can be thawed at room temperature or gently reheated in the oven.

Reheating

To refresh the bread’s softness and enhance that warm cinnamon aroma, reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Drizzle extra icing after warming for a fresh, just-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh bread dough works just as well and may even cut down your prep time since you won’t need to thaw it. Just follow the same steps for rising and baking.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

You can try using a gluten-free bread dough substitute if you find one that mimics traditional dough’s texture. Keep in mind, the rise and crumb might be slightly different, but the delicious cinnamon topping stays the same.

Can I make the cinnamon sugar coating spicier?

Definitely! Adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice to your cinnamon sugar mix can deepen the flavor. Adjust spices to your taste, but cinnamon should always stay the hero.

What’s the best way to get the bread to pull apart easily?

The horizontal slits before baking are key. Don’t skip those cuts, and be sure to coat inside them with butter and cinnamon sugar so each pull-apart piece is flavorful and tender.

How long does the icing keep good after making it?

The icing is best used fresh for drizzling, but you can store leftovers covered in the fridge for a day or two. Stir it well before using, and add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe enough if you’re looking to add a sweet, homey touch to your baking repertoire. It’s easy, rewarding, and absolutely scrumptious–the kind of recipe that turns ordinary mornings into special moments. Grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare for a cinnamon bread experience that’s sure to become a beloved tradition!

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