Imagine pulling a warm, golden loaf from the oven, drenching your kitchen in a cloud of cinnamon sweetness — that’s the magic of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread. This melt-in-your-mouth treat has made a name for itself in the hearts (and bellies) of theme park goers, but you don’t have to travel to Tennessee to enjoy it. The gloriously gooey texture, crackly sugar-crusted top, and vanilla glaze all come together to make a bread so irresistible, you’ll want to bake it again and again. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack, Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is truly a showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is how a few pantry staples come together for something truly special. Each ingredient plays a supporting role — from the richness of melted butter to the warm hug of cinnamon, every element is essential for nailing that signature flavor and texture.
- Frozen bread dough (1 loaf, thawed): This shortcut is a total game changer, giving you pillowy bread without hours of hands-on kneading.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Gives the bread its glistening, sweet crust and that classic cinnamon roll style sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The spice that brings warmth, depth, and that unmistakable scent swirling through your kitchen.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Brushes right into the crevices for extra moisture and a rich, decadent flavor.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, for the glaze): Blends into a silky, sweet drizzle to finish the loaf with a snowy glaze.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons, for the glaze): Thins the icing to the perfect drizzle-able consistency – start with 2 tablespoons, and add more if needed.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for the glaze): Infuses the glaze with a cozy, aromatic boost.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Step 1: Prep the Pan & Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan well – you really don’t want your masterpiece sticking at the last moment. Thaw your frozen bread dough as directed on the package. Once soft and pliable, place it on a clean surface. This is the foundation of your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread, so take a moment to appreciate the puffy dough ready for its cinnamon transformation!
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Magic
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined. This simple step sets the stage for the mouthwatering swirl of sweetness you’ll taste in every bite. If you grew up loving cinnamon toast, you’ll instantly understand why this combo is so adored!
Step 3: Slice and Slather
With a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, carefully make 4 to 5 deep slits across the top of the loaf — be careful not to cut all the way through. This is what creates the ultimate pull-apart effect! Brush the entire surface (and especially down into the slits) with melted butter. This ensures every nook soaks up flavor and stays incredibly tender.
Step 4: Cinnamon Sugar Shower
Next comes the fun part: generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the entire loaf, making sure to press plenty into each slit. Don’t be shy here! The more that nestles deep inside, the more gooey pockets you get in the finished bread. Drop the loaf gently into your prepared pan and cover with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 5: Rise & Shine
Let the dough rest in a warm spot for about 30–45 minutes, or until it looks puffy and dreamy. This rise is what gives Dollywood Cinnamon Bread its signature lightness. If your kitchen is a bit chilly, try placing the pan near your preheating oven or on top of the stove.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the bread uncovered in your hot oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. The smell that fills your house will be pure cinnamon bliss! Remove from the oven and let it sit for five minutes in the pan before turning out onto a rack.
Step 7: Whisk Up the Glaze
While the bread cools just slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. If you’d like a thinner glaze, splash in a bit more milk. Once smooth and pourable, generously drizzle the glaze over the still-warm bread so it soaks into every crevice.
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Garnishes
There’s no denying that Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is iconic all on its own, but a finishing touch here and there can make it even more memorable. Try scattering a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts over the glaze, or dust each slice with a pinch of ground cinnamon for visual flair and extra spice. Feeling decadent? Add an extra swirl of glaze right before serving!
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a mug of strong coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or a tall glass of cold milk. It’s also mouthwatering alongside fresh fruit salad — try juicy berries, orange slices, or even grilled peaches for a breakfast spread that’ll make you feel like you’re on vacation.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving Dollywood Cinnamon Bread at a brunch or gathering, cut the loaf into chunky pull-apart pieces so guests can help themselves. For a fun twist, slice thick slabs and use them for over-the-top French toast. Or offer mini loaves as gifts — wrap in parchment and tie with baker’s twine for a homespun, heartwarming present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is a tall order!), wrap the bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to two days. The gooey texture holds up beautifully, and the flavors seem to deepen as it sits.
Freezing
To save Dollywood Cinnamon Bread for a rainy day, let the baked loaf cool completely, then wrap in a double layer of plastic followed by foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, freeze the bread without the glaze and add it fresh after thawing.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or place the whole loaf back in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes. If the glaze has soaked in, feel free to whip up a bit more to drizzle over the top before serving. Trust me, nobody complains about extra glaze!
FAQs
Can I make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with homemade dough?
Absolutely! If you love baking from scratch, swap in your favorite basic white bread or sweet dough recipe. As long as the dough is soft and slightly enriched, you’ll get delicious results — just make sure you still give those signature slits on top.
Why is my bread dough not rising?
If your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is staying flat, the dough might have been too cold or inactive. Make sure your bread dough is fully thawed, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot. Sometimes a little patience is all it takes!
Can I add nuts or raisins to the loaf?
Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins can be tucked into the slits before baking for a nutty, chewy twist. Just don’t overload the loaf — about a quarter cup of add-ins should be plenty.
How do I keep the bread super soft?
It’s all about not over-baking and ensuring that melted butter reaches every part of the loaf (especially inside the slits). Covering the bread as soon as it comes out of the oven can also help trap moisture and maintain that dreamy, pillowy texture.
Is Dollywood Cinnamon Bread good the next day?
It’s phenomenal both warm and at room temperature! If you’re enjoying leftovers, a brief reheat and a little extra glaze make it taste freshly baked all over again.
Final Thoughts
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is more than a recipe; it’s a warm, cinnamon-swirled hug you can share at your own table, no ticket required. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this simple, unforgettable comfort bake every chance you get. Go ahead — surprise your family or friends with a homemade loaf and watch it disappear slice by slice!
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus rising time)
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, cinnamon-infused delight of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this pull-apart bread is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare the bread: Mix sugar and cinnamon. Make slits on dough, brush with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, place in pan, and let rise.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm bread.
Notes
- Best served warm with extra glaze or butter.
- For variation, add chopped pecans before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
