Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Sweet, Irresistible Treat

Nothing evokes the aroma of a cozy bakery quite like cinnamon bread. Its warm, spiced scent fills the kitchen, promising sweet comfort in every bite. Inspired by the famous Dollywood recipe, this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is soft, fluffy, and generously swirled with cinnamon sugar. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it is a treat that delights both children and adults. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity: using thawed frozen bread dough means you can enjoy bakery-quality cinnamon bread without making dough from scratch. Paired with a luscious glaze, this bread transforms a simple loaf into a decadent centerpiece for any table. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore ingredients, preparation steps, tips for perfect results, creative variations, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Ingredients for Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

To make this beloved bread at home, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

The ingredients are simple yet yield a deeply satisfying flavor. The sugar and cinnamon form the classic sweet swirl that makes this bread instantly recognizable. Melted butter adds richness and helps the sugar-cinnamon mixture adhere to the dough. The glaze, made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, creates a sweet finishing touch, enhancing both taste and presentation.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Dough

Thaw the frozen bread dough according to package instructions, usually overnight in the refrigerator or for several hours at room temperature. Once thawed, place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangular shape, approximately 12×8 inches. Rolling the dough evenly ensures consistent baking and even distribution of the cinnamon-sugar filling.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to ensure the cinnamon is evenly incorporated into the sugar. This mixture will provide the signature swirl and sweet flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Assemble the Bread

Brush the surface of the rolled-out dough with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top, leaving a small margin around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling during baking. Starting from one short edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Place the rolled dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, seam-side down, ensuring it fits comfortably and has space to rise.

Step 4: Second Rise

Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 30–45 minutes. The dough should become puffy and nearly double in size. This rise is critical to achieving a soft, fluffy texture once baked.

Step 5: Bake the Cinnamon Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). To prevent over-browning, tent the bread with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if necessary. Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While the bread cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread, allowing it to cascade down the sides. The glaze adds sweetness, moisture, and a professional bakery-style finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the bread into generous pieces and serve warm. The combination of soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon swirl, and creamy glaze makes each slice irresistible. This bread is perfect for breakfast with coffee, afternoon tea, or as a dessert alongside ice cream or fresh fruit.

Tips for Perfect Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

• Use thawed bread dough that has been properly proofed for the best texture. Underproofed dough will yield a dense loaf.
• Roll the dough evenly to prevent thin spots that can overbake or tear.
• Brush melted butter liberally to ensure the cinnamon-sugar filling sticks and infuses flavor.
• For a deeper flavor, use a mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar in the filling.
• Let the bread cool slightly before glazing; if it’s too hot, the glaze may become too runny.

Variations and Enhancements

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is versatile and can be adapted to suit personal preferences:

• Nutty Cinnamon Bread: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for added crunch.
• Raisin or Dried Fruit Version: Sprinkle 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries over the cinnamon-sugar layer before rolling.
• Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips along with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a dessert-like variation.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute 1 tablespoon of milk in the glaze with pure maple syrup for a different sweet note.
• Orange or Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of citrus zest to the glaze to brighten flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread as part of a cozy breakfast, brunch buffet, or dessert platter. Pair with hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a comforting experience. It also makes a lovely gift when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a ribbon. Leftovers can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave to restore softness.

Storage Tips

Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat frozen slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave for 30–60 seconds. Glaze can be reapplied after reheating for maximum sweetness.

Nutritional Insights

While this bread is a sweet treat, it contains wholesome ingredients such as butter for richness and powdered sugar for the glaze in moderate amounts. Cinnamon adds flavor and may help regulate blood sugar, while optional nuts contribute healthy fats and protein. Adjusting sugar amounts or using alternative sweeteners can make the recipe lighter without compromising taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh dough works perfectly. Just adjust rising times as fresh dough may rise faster.

2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bread and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

3. Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls instead?
While convenient, using whole bread dough gives the signature texture and size of the Dollywood-style loaf. Cinnamon rolls may produce a slightly different result.

4. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free bread dough substitute. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan, such as 9×13 inches, and adjust baking time slightly (35–40 minutes).

6. How do I store the glazed bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or freeze slices individually for later use.

7. Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely. Fold them into the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling the dough.

8. How can I make the bread extra soft?
Ensure proper proofing of the dough, brush generously with butter, and avoid overbaking. Cooling slightly before glazing also helps maintain softness.

Print

Conclusion

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a sweet, comforting, and easy-to-make treat that brings the magic of the famous theme park recipe into your home. Its soft, tender texture, rich cinnamon flavor, and glossy glaze make it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this bread is accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Its versatility allows for creative variations, making it a favorite for family gatherings, gift-giving, or cozy mornings. Following the tips, variations, and FAQs in this guide ensures a perfect loaf every time, capturing the warm, sweet essence of Dollywood’s beloved cinnamon bread.