Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple this bread is to make while still tasting like something straight from a bakery. Using frozen bread dough makes the process easy, and the cinnamon-sugar coating melts into the loaf for that perfect sweet, buttery crunch. I also like that this bread pulls apart effortlessly, which makes it fun to share with family and friends. The glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness to finish it off.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Bread:
1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (more as needed)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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I roll out the thawed bread dough into a rectangle, about 8×12 inches.
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I brush it generously with melted butter.
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In a small bowl, I mix together the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the dough.
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I cut the dough into strips, stack them, and place them side by side into the prepared pan.
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I brush with any remaining butter and sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top.
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I bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and baked through.
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While the bread bakes, I whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
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Once the bread is out of the oven, I drizzle the glaze over the warm loaf before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 servings. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to bake, for a total of 50 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for a nutty crunch. For a richer flavor, I replace some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar. Around the holidays, I like to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar. If I want a creamier glaze, I stir in a bit of cream cheese.
Storage/Reheating
I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or wrap the loaf in foil and place it in a 300°F oven until warmed through. The bread tastes best when served warm with the glaze freshly drizzled.
FAQs
Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen?
Yes, I can use homemade dough. I just need to make sure it’s soft and enriched (like a white bread or sweet roll dough) for the best texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare the dough in the pan, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, I bake it fresh and glaze it before serving.
Can I freeze Dollywood cinnamon bread?
Yes, I can freeze the baked bread (without glaze) for up to 2 months. When ready, I thaw and warm it, then drizzle with fresh glaze.
What’s the best way to serve this bread?
I like serving it warm, straight from the pan, with extra glaze on the side for dipping. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
How do I know when the bread is baked through?
I look for a deep golden-brown top and check that the center feels firm. If I’m unsure, I insert a thermometer into the middle—it should reach about 190°F.
Conclusion
I love how this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread captures all the joy of a theme park classic without needing a trip. It’s soft, buttery, and sweet, with that irresistible pull-apart texture. Whether I make it for a cozy weekend treat, a holiday breakfast, or a family dessert, it always disappears quickly.
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This legendary theme park cinnamon bread is soft, fluffy, and coated in buttery cinnamon sugar—finished with a vanilla glaze and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (more as needed)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Roll Dough: Roll thawed bread dough into a rectangle (about 8×12 inches).
Add Butter & Sugar: Brush the dough generously with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the dough.
Cut & Stack: Cut the dough into strips, stack them, then place the stacks upright into the prepared loaf pan.
Top: Brush any remaining butter over the top and sprinkle with extra cinnamon-sugar.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and fully baked.
Make Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Glaze Bread: Drizzle glaze over the warm bread before serving.
Notes
Let bread cool slightly before glazing for the perfect texture.
Best served warm but also delicious at room temperature.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
