Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe

There’s something instantly comforting and utterly irresistible about Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of soft, fluffy bread infused with warm cinnamon spice, topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar glaze that practically melts in your mouth. This bread is incredibly easy to make, yet it offers show-stopping flavor and texture that’s sure to become a beloved staple for breakfasts, snacks, or anytime indulgences. Whether you’re sharing it with family or sneaking a slice just for yourself, this recipe captures the magic of Dollywood’s famous treat right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role: cinnamon brings that signature warmth, sugars add layers of sweetness, and the bread dough provides a soft and airy base that soaks up every bit of flavor perfectly.

• Cinnamon (1 Tbsp): The star spice that infuses the bread with cozy warmth and aromatic depth.
• Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds the sweet backbone to balance the cinnamon’s spice.
• Frozen Bread Dough (1 lb, thawed): Provides the soft, pillowy texture that makes this bread so inviting and easy to work with.
• Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Sprinkled on top, it caramelizes beautifully for a delightful crunch and deeper flavor.
• Unsalted Butter (4 Tbsp, melted): Brushed generously to add richness and help the cinnamon sugar stick deliciously to the dough.
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Used in the glaze to give a smooth, sweet finish that perfectly complements the bread.
• Milk (2–3 Tbsp): Thins the powdered sugar for that perfect drizzle consistency on the glaze.

How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan for Baking

Start by lightly spraying a loaf pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. This ensures the bread won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze, plus it helps you lift the bread out easily once it’s baked.

Step 2: Thaw the Dough

Place your frozen bread dough into the prepared loaf pan and let it thaw completely for about 4 to 7 hours. This step is key because it allows the dough to soften and rise slightly, setting the stage for that fluffy, tender crumb.

Step 3: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon

While the dough is thawing, stir together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow dish. This classic cinnamon sugar mixture will coat your bread and deliver that nostalgic, comforting flavor everyone loves.

Step 4: Cut the Dough

Once thawed, make 5 to 6 horizontal slits across the top of the dough. These cuts not only look beautiful but also let the cinnamon sugar settle in and create those irresistible crunchy edges.

Step 5: Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Brush the entire dough surface with the melted butter, ensuring every nook gets a luscious coating. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top, pressing gently so it sticks well to the buttered dough.

Step 6: Top and Rise

Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes to develop a light, airy texture. Just before baking, sprinkle 1/4 cup of brown sugar on top to add that wonderful caramelized crunch once in the oven.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

While the dough finishes its rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake the bread through without drying out the cinnamon sugar topping.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the bread for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. The aroma alone will have you eager to dive right in!

Step 9: Prepare the Icing

While the bread cools just enough to touch, whisk together powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth cinnamon sugar glaze. Adjust the milk to get that perfect drizzling thickness.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm bread, letting it soak in and coat every slice. Pull apart a piece, savor the swirl of cinnamon and sugar, and enjoy the magic of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe right at your table.

How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, sprinkle some extra cinnamon sugar over the glaze or add a light dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh berries or a few chopped nuts also add delightful texture and a pop of color.

Side Dishes

This sweet bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or even fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. Serve alongside creamy butter or cream cheese for a rich, satisfying bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread and serve on a wooden board with the glaze drizzled in a zigzag pattern. For a fun twist, try turning this bread into French toast or bread pudding to experience Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe in a whole new delicious way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep that soft texture and fresh flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked bread wrapped securely in foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a toaster oven until the bread is soft and the glaze slightly melts, recreating that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh bread dough works just as well and might even rise a bit faster, but freezing the dough ahead of time isn’t necessary with fresh dough.

What if I don’t have parchment paper for the loaf pan?

You can grease the pan well with butter or non-stick spray, but parchment paper makes removing the bread smoother and prevents sticking, so it’s highly recommended.

Can I add nuts or raisins to this bread?

Yes! Adding chopped nuts or raisins before baking adds wonderful texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them on top of the dough before the final rise step.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe is straightforward and forgiving, perfect for even those new to baking bread.

How thick should I make the glaze?

The glaze should be runny enough to drizzle but thick enough to coat the bread without pooling. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk, then add more if needed for your preferred consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you want a simple yet show-stopping treat that tastes like a warm hug straight from Dollywood, you really can’t go wrong with this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe. Its comforting cinnamon flavor and soft texture make it a perfect addition to any gathering or a sweet moment of self-care. Give this recipe a try soon—you might just discover your new favorite homemade comfort food!

Print