Description
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe features a sweet, buttery bread loaf filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich icing. The bread uses thawed frozen dough, enhanced with layers of melted butter, cinnamon sugar, and brown sugar, then baked until golden and finished with a smooth powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a comforting dessert, this pull-apart bread is easy to make and irresistibly flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Dough
- 1 lb frozen bread dough, thawed
Coating and Topping
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (use 1/4 cup for cinnamon sugar mixture, remainder if desired)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, sprinkled on top
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 Tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan for Baking: Lightly spray a loaf pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. Spray the inside of the parchment as well to keep it in place and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dough: Place the thawed frozen bread dough in the parchment-lined pan and allow it to thaw fully and soften according to package instructions, typically 4–7 hours, without rising yet.
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a shallow dish, blend 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon to create the cinnamon-sugar coating. Set this mixture aside.
- Cut the Dough: Using a knife, make 5–6 horizontal slits across the top of the dough, cutting about halfway through the dough’s depth to allow the bread to pull apart easily after baking.
- Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Generously brush melted butter over the dough’s top and into the slits. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough, ensuring it fills the slits for maximum flavor.
- Top and Let Rise: Place the loaf pan in a warm spot and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes until slightly puffed. After rising, evenly sprinkle 1/4 cup brown sugar on top of the dough.
- Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Bake: Bake the risen loaf in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the bread is cooked through and the top turns golden brown.
- Prepare the Icing: While baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons milk in a small bowl until smooth, adjusting the thickness to your preferred consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle the icing generously over the warm bread and serve by pulling apart pieces for a sweet, comforting treat.
Notes
- Use thawed frozen dough and allow proper time for softening before baking to ensure best texture.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar inside and on top to your desired sweetness and spice level.
- The icing consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less milk for a drizzle or a thicker glaze.
- Make sure not to let the dough rise too much during thawing to maintain the layered pull-apart effect.
- This bread is best served warm for the softest texture and melty icing experience.