Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to stroll through Dollywood and catch a whiff of that sweet, buttery, cinnamon-sugar goodness floating through the air—you already know the magic we’re about to recreate at home. This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is soft, fluffy, dripping with cinnamon sugar, and honestly, pure happiness in loaf form. Imagine pulling apart warm, gooey pieces straight from the oven, with the sugar crystals crunching just slightly between your teeth…trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for this one. It’s cozy, it’s indulgent, and it makes your whole house smell like a dream bakery. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a sweet afternoon snack
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples you already have
• Quick and Easy: No fancy techniques—just good old-fashioned deliciousness
• Customizable: Add nuts, glaze, or even chocolate chips if you want to get wild
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s impossible to eat just one piece—everyone will rave about it

Ingredients in Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our soft, tender bread.
Granulated Sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Yeast: Gives the bread that beautiful rise and pillowy texture.
Warm Water: Activates the yeast to get things moving.
Milk: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
Butter: Brushed over the dough and helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.
Cinnamon: The star of the show—warm, spicy, and cozy.
Brown Sugar: Creates that gooey, caramel-like coating we all adore.
Powdered Sugar: For the optional glaze that takes things over the top.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and activated.

Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the foamy yeast mixture, warm milk, and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape and Coat the Dough

Punch down the dough, then stretch it out into a rectangle. Brush generously with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture all over. Cut strips into the dough and slightly twist them for that pull-apart effect.

Second Rise

Place the prepared dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Add the Glaze (Optional)

While the bread cools slightly, mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over the warm bread for extra sweetness.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice, pull apart, and enjoy every gooey, sugary bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10 slices
Calories per serving: 310
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 190mg
Total Carbohydrates: 47g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 19g
Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)

How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Fresh out of the oven is non-negotiable—you want it warm, soft, and sticky. Serve with a little pat of butter melting on top, or go all out with an extra drizzle of icing. It pairs beautifully with coffee for breakfast, tea for an afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a cozy dessert after dinner. For special occasions, stack slices on a beautiful serving platter and sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top for a snow-dusted effect!

Additional Tips

Use the freshest yeast you can find for the best rise.
Warm your milk gently—it should be like a warm bath, not boiling.
Don’t skimp on the butter and sugar; this bread is supposed to be decadent!
If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise inside a turned-off oven with the light on.
The glaze is optional…but highly recommended for full Dollywood magic.
Slice with a serrated knife to avoid smashing the soft bread.
Want an extra hit of flavor? Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom to the sugar mix.
Leftovers are amazing toasted with a little butter the next day.
Freeze extra loaves for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat gently.
This recipe doubles easily if you want to share (or just hoard one loaf for yourself—no judgment).

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
A1: Absolutely! Just knead by hand for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Q2: Can I prep the dough the night before?
A2: Yes! Let the dough rise once, punch it down, then refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Q3: What if I don’t have brown sugar?
A3: You can mix granulated sugar with a little molasses to make a perfect substitute.

Q4: Can I freeze Dollywood Cinnamon Bread?
A4: Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warm.

Q5: Can I make mini loaves instead?
A5: Definitely! Just reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes and keep an eye on them.

Q6: Why didn’t my bread rise properly?
A6: It’s often because of old yeast or a cold rising environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and your kitchen is warm enough.

Q7: Is there a way to make it healthier?
A7: You can swap some white flour for whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar a bit, but it’ll change the texture.

Q8: Can I add raisins or nuts?
A8: Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even raisins would be delicious sprinkled in with the cinnamon sugar.

Q9: How do I keep leftovers fresh?
A9: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave or toaster oven.

Q10: What’s the best glaze recipe for this?
A10: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons milk and a splash of vanilla until smooth—then drizzle away!

Conclusion

There’s just something magical about pulling apart a warm, sugar-dusted loaf of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread—it feels like a hug from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it for a special breakfast, gifting it to friends, or treating yourself because you deserve it (you do!), this recipe will make you feel like you’re standing in the middle of Dollywood with that first sweet, buttery bite. Go ahead—make it once, and I promise it’ll become a forever favorite in your kitchen.

Print