Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is the perfect balance of soft, pillowy bread with a decadent, sweet cinnamon filling. The aroma of cinnamon wafts through your kitchen as it bakes, filling the air with delicious anticipation. The combination of buttery glaze and cinnamon swirl makes each bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, this cinnamon bread is perfect for any occasion, and it’s a fun way to bring a taste of Dollywood home with you!

Ingredients

For the bread:

1 package active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/2 cup warm water (110°F)
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour

For the cinnamon sugar filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk (or more for desired consistency)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the bread:

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, sugar, butter, and salt. Stir until the butter is melted. Add the yeast mixture and eggs, then gradually add the flour. Mix until a dough forms, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.

For the cinnamon sugar filling:

Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon, stirring until the sugar is well dissolved.

Assembling the bread:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan (9×5 inches) or line it with parchment paper.
Roll the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×8 inches.
Spread the filling: Brush the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, covering the entire surface. Then, carefully roll the dough up tightly, starting from one of the longer edges.
Place in the pan: Once the dough is rolled up, place it into the prepared loaf pan. If you have extra dough, you can twist it into a spiral shape or simply tuck the ends under.
Second rise: Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes in the pan, until it has puffed up slightly.
Bake the bread: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.

For the glaze:

Make the glaze: While the bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Glaze the bread: After the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Once it’s slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the warm bread.

Serve:

Slice and serve: Once the glaze has set, slice the bread and serve while still warm. The bread is perfect on its own or paired with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rise time)
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 2-2.5 hours (including rise time)

Variations

Add nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for an added crunch.
Chocolate version: For a chocolate twist, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon sugar before rolling up the dough.
Apple cinnamon bread: Add thinly sliced apples to the filling along with the cinnamon and sugar for a fruity variation.
Frosting: Instead of a glaze, you can use cream cheese frosting for a richer topping.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you prefer, wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Freezing: You can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or reheat the entire loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a deliciously indulgent treat that brings the flavors of the theme park straight into your kitchen. With its soft, sweet, and buttery layers of cinnamon sugar, topped with a sweet glaze, this bread is the perfect comfort food for breakfast, dessert, or a treat any time of day. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a craving, this recipe will surely impress and delight everyone who tastes it!

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe