Nothing captures the magic of Dollywood quite like their famous cinnamon bread. This beloved treat has been delighting visitors to Dolly Parton’s theme park for years, and now you can recreate that same warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness right in your own kitchen. Our Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe delivers the perfect balance of soft, pillowy bread with swirls of sweet cinnamon and a glossy vanilla glaze that will transport you straight to the Smoky Mountains.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe is the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. You’ll love how easy it is to make using store-bought frozen bread dough, cutting down on prep time while still delivering that homemade taste. The recipe creates a beautifully swirled loaf with layers of cinnamon-sugar that caramelize as it bakes, creating pockets of sweet, gooey goodness throughout. The finishing touch is a smooth vanilla glaze that adds the perfect amount of sweetness and gives the bread that signature Dollywood appearance. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or dessert, this bread is guaranteed to become a family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the bread:
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Remove the frozen bread dough from the freezer and let it thaw completely according to package directions, usually 4-6 hours at room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, whisking until evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside for rolling.
Step 3: Roll and Shape the Dough On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed bread dough into a rectangle approximately 12×8 inches. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick. Brush the entire surface with the melted butter, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, pressing it gently into the surface with your hands to help it adhere. Make sure to distribute it evenly for consistent flavor throughout.
Step 5: Roll and Place in Pan Starting from the short end, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Place the rolled dough seam-side down in your prepared loaf pan. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 6: Bake the Bread Once risen, bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze While the bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (starting with 2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drizzle. Add more milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. While still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips
Always ensure your bread dough is completely thawed before working with it, as partially frozen dough will be difficult to roll and may tear. When rolling out the dough, work gently and add flour as needed to prevent sticking, but avoid using too much flour as it can make the bread dense. For the most even cinnamon distribution, use a fine-mesh sieve to dust the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough. Make sure to roll the dough tightly to create distinct layers and prevent gaps in the finished loaf. If your kitchen is cool, place the covered loaf pan on top of the refrigerator or in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to help with the rising process. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and has reached an internal temperature of 190°F.
Details
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe serves 8-10 people and takes approximately 4-5 hours from start to finish, including thawing and rising time. The active preparation time is only about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy bakers who want impressive results. The recipe yields one standard 9×5-inch loaf that weighs approximately 1.5 pounds when finished. Each slice contains about 280 calories and provides the perfect balance of carbohydrates and sweetness. The bread can be made up to 2 days in advance and actually improves in flavor as the cinnamon and sugar flavors meld together.
Notes
For best results, use a high-quality frozen bread dough from the freezer section of your grocery store. Rhodes and Bridgford are excellent brands that work well with this recipe. If you prefer a spicier cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon to 2 tablespoons, or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. The glaze can be customized by substituting the milk with heavy cream for a richer texture, or adding a tablespoon of maple syrup for a different flavor profile. If you don’t have a 9×5-inch loaf pan, you can use an 8×8-inch square pan, but adjust the baking time to 25-30 minutes. For a special occasion twist, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture before rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe with homemade bread dough? A: Absolutely! You can substitute the frozen dough with your favorite homemade bread dough recipe. Use about 1 pound of dough, which is equivalent to most frozen loaf portions.
Q: How do I know when the bread dough is fully thawed? A: The dough should be soft and pliable throughout, with no frozen spots. It typically takes 4-6 hours at room temperature, or you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I prepare this the night before? A: Yes! After shaping and placing in the pan, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge 1 hour before baking to come to room temperature, then bake as directed.
Q: What if my glaze is too thick or too thin? A: If too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time. If too thin, add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Q: Can I freeze the finished bread? A: Yes, the baked bread (without glaze) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before adding the glaze and serving.
Storage Instructions
Store your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. The bread will stay fresh and moist when properly stored, though it’s best enjoyed within the first 2 days for optimal texture. If you need to store it longer, wrap the cooled bread (without glaze) tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. To refresh day-old bread, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly. The glaze may absorb into the bread over time, which actually enhances the flavor, but you can always drizzle on fresh glaze before serving if desired. For longer storage, slice the bread before wrapping so you can easily remove individual portions as needed.
Conclusion
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe brings the beloved taste of the famous theme park treat right to your kitchen table. With its tender, fluffy texture, aromatic cinnamon swirls, and sweet vanilla glaze, it’s the perfect recipe for creating special memories with family and friends. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – using frozen bread dough makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels while still delivering professional-quality results. Whether you’re planning a special breakfast, looking for the perfect afternoon treat, or wanting to surprise someone with a homemade gift, this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe is sure to impress. The warm, comforting flavors and irresistible aroma will fill your home with the same magical feeling you get when visiting Dollywood itself. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a slice of Smoky Mountain heaven that will have everyone coming back for more.
