Get ready to bring the magic of your favorite theme park home with this irresistible recipe for Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread. This sweet, buttery pull-apart loaf, lavishly coated in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a simple glaze, captures everything we love about nostalgic treats. It comes together with just a handful of basic ingredients, but the aroma, flavor, and warm, gooey texture make it a true showstopper for breakfast or dessert. If you’ve ever stood in line for a fresh loaf at Dollywood (or just dreamed of trying it!), you’ll adore whipping up this legendary bread in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Like all timeless recipes, Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread relies on just a few simple ingredients working together to make something extraordinary. Every item here matters – from the rich, melted butter that soaks into the dough to the warming cinnamon that perfumes your kitchen. Get ready for sensory delight!
- Frozen bread dough, thawed: This is the shortcut hero for a soft, fluffy loaf every time, no kneading or proofing needed!
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brushing on melted butter ensures every inch is tender and flavor-packed.
- Granulated sugar: Regular sugar brings that sweet sparkle and crisp caramelized edge.
- Ground cinnamon: The unmistakable spice that gives Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread its classic flavor and inviting aroma.
- Powdered sugar (for optional glaze): Adds a professional bakery-style touch and just the right finish of extra sweetness.
- Milk or cream (for glaze): Helps achieve the perfect drizzling consistency for your glaze.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): A little splash adds depth and warmth to the icing.
How to Make Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your 9×5-inch loaf pan (or using a disposable foil one) will ensure your Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread pops out beautifully when it’s done baking, with all that gooey goodness intact.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, stir together your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This dynamic duo is the soul of the recipe, creating that signature sweet, spiced crust everyone loves.
Step 3: Slice and Butter the Dough
With your thawed dough, use a sharp knife to cut 1-inch strips lengthwise—making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom, so your bread stays together. Now, brush the entire loaf with melted butter, paying special attention to get it between every slice for maximum buttery flavor.
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Generously roll or sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the loaf and in between the slices. Don’t be shy; every crevice should be covered! This “over the top” step is what ensures you get bites packed with cinnamon goodness throughout.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the loaf in your prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until your Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread is golden brown and the kitchen smells like pure happiness. The bread should pull apart easily and be cooked through in the center.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the bread bakes, whisk the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract together in a bowl until silky smooth. Adjust the milk for your preferred drizzling consistency.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Drizzle
Allow the bread to cool for just a few minutes (if you can wait that long!), then pour the glaze over the top. Your Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread is ready for that first, unforgettable pull-apart bite!
How to Serve Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread
Garnishes
A classic glaze is all you need, but you can go wild! Try sprinkling a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts on top, or even a dusting of extra cinnamon right before serving. This simple touch adds flavor and a bit of visual flair.
Side Dishes
Serve Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread as part of a decadent breakfast spread—think scrambled eggs, fresh berries, and a cup of hot coffee. For dessert, pair warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice the loaf fully once baked and arrange the pieces in a spiral on a platter. Individual mini loaves are adorable for brunch parties, or turn the recipe into bite-size “monkey bread” for sharing. However you style it, Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The flavors meld and get even cozier overnight, making for an unbeatable breakfast treat the next morning.
Freezing
Wrap baked, unglazed bread tightly in foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then reheat and glaze when you’re ready to serve. This makes it easy to always have a bit of Dollywood magic on hand!
Reheating
Pop slices into the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or reheat the loaf in a low oven (300°F) until just warmed. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze to bring back that just-baked taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I make Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread from scratch instead of using frozen dough?
Absolutely! While frozen bread dough saves time, you can substitute with your favorite homemade bread dough recipe. Just let it rise and shape as directed in the steps above.
Is the glaze necessary, or can I skip it?
The glaze is optional, but it really elevates the experience, adding both sweetness and a bakery-style finish. The bread is still delicious on its own, so it’s entirely up to your preference.
What can I add between the slices for extra flavor?
Get creative—try sprinkling in raisins, chopped pecans, or even a bit of orange zest for a twist. These add-ins make every pull-apart bite uniquely flavorful.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and use two loaf pans. You’ll have plenty of Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread for sharing with family or friends.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Check that the top is golden brown and the center no longer looks doughy. If using a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 190°F for perfect results.
Final Thoughts
Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread is more than just a baked treat—it’s a slice of pure happiness and Southern hospitality you can share any time, right from your own oven. Don’t wait for your next theme park trip; try this recipe and make a new family tradition today!
Print
Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, buttery, and coated in cinnamon sugar, this pull-apart bread is a famous Dollywood treat you can now make at home!
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed, 1-pound loaf)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or use a disposable foil pan like in the second image.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.
- Slice and Dip: Cut thawed bread dough into 1-inch strips (lengthwise, not fully through the bottom). Brush the entire loaf with melted butter, making sure to get between slices.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Roll or sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the bread and between the cuts.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: While the bread bakes, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Cool and Drizzle: Let bread cool slightly, then drizzle with the glaze.
Notes
- Serve warm for the gooey, bakery-style experience.
- You can also add chopped pecans or raisins between the slices for added texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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