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Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 73 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4-7 hours thawing and 30 minutes rising)
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours (including thawing and rising)
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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
  • 23 Tbsp milk


Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.