If you’re looking for a truly irresistible, warm, and cozy treat, you have to try the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe. This delightful bread brings together soft, fluffy dough with a heavenly cinnamon-sugar swirl and a sweet drizzle of icing that makes every bite melt in your mouth. It’s one of those magical recipes that feels like a hug from a best friend — perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Once you make it, this cinnamon bread will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a close-up of a cinnamon roll loaf with multiple thick layers stacked side by side, each layer golden brown with a soft texture and speckled with cinnamon. A shiny, creamy white icing is drizzled over the top, covering the rolls unevenly and adding a glossy look, with some glaze dripping down the sides. The cinnamon roll loaf rests on a sheet of parchment paper, which has some cinnamon and glaze spots around the base, alongside two cinnamon sticks placed near the front. The background and surface are a white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create that perfect balance of soft bread, cinnamon warmth, sweetness, and a luscious glaze. Each one plays a crucial role in making the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe such a standout dish.

1 Tbsp Cinnamon: The star spice that gives the bread its warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
1/2 cup Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to bring out the cinnamon’s rich taste.
1 lb. Frozen Bread Dough (thawed): The base that provides the soft, pillowy texture this bread is famous for.
¼ cup Brown Sugar (sprinkled on top): Adds a caramel-like crunch and sweetness to the crust.
4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted): Brushed on to add moisture and help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick beautifully.
1 cup Powdered Sugar: The foundation of the sweet glaze that finishes off the bread perfectly.
2 – 3 Tbsp Milk: Used to thin out the powdered sugar into a pourable glaze consistency.

How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan for Baking

Start by lightly spraying a loaf pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. A little trick I love is spritzing the parchment paper itself with spray too so it stays perfectly in place when you add the dough. This helps with an easy release after baking, which is a win in my book!

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Place the thawed frozen bread dough into your lined loaf pan. Allow it to thaw and rise in the pan according to package instructions — usually between 4 to 7 hours. Watching the dough slowly puff up is almost as satisfying as the bread itself!

Step 3: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon

While your dough is thawing, mix together ¼ cup of sugar and the tablespoon of cinnamon in a shallow dish. This cinnamon-sugar mixture is the crunchy, sweet heart of this bread and will work its magic inside each slice.

Step 4: Cut the Dough

Once your dough has thawed and risen, carefully slice 5 to 6 horizontal slits about halfway through the loaf. This step is key because these slits will allow the bread to pull apart effortlessly once it’s baked — revealing that cinnamon swirl inside every piece.

Step 5: Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Melt your butter and generously brush it over the top and inside each slit of the dough. Then, sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture liberally until every nook and cranny is coated. Don’t be shy here — this is what makes the bread sing!

Step 6: Top and Rise

Next, place the loaf pan in a warm spot to rise for 30 minutes. This extra rise helps create a tender crumb and a slightly puffier loaf. After rising, sprinkle the ¼ cup brown sugar evenly over the top — this little touch adds a delightful caramelized crunch.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F so that it’s perfectly heated and ready once your bread has finished its second rise. Preheating ensures that lovely golden crust we’re after.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the bread for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s cooked through and that top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Your kitchen will be filled with the most amazing aroma — it’s honestly hard to wait!

Step 9: Prepare the Icing

While the bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust the milk amount to get a glaze that’s just the right consistency to drizzle — not too runny and not too thick.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Once the bread is baked, let it cool just slightly before drizzling on your homemade icing. Serve warm and pull apart each delicious piece to enjoy the full experience of the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe’s soft, cinnamon-sugar layers drizzled with sweet glaze.

How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For an extra inviting presentation, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar over the top just before serving. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a few chopped nuts can add a lovely contrast and texture — plus a pop of color!

Side Dishes

This cinnamon bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, rich hot chocolate, or even a creamy chai latte. For a more substantial snack or brunch, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or fresh yogurt with honey for a balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

You can slice the bread into pull-apart chunks and serve it family-style right from the pan for a cozy get-together vibe. Or create individual mini cinnamon bread cups using muffin tins — just portion the dough and cinnamon sugar mixture into the muffin pan for an adorable treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and trust me, that’s a good problem!), store the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature. It will stay soft and delicious for up to 2 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the bread after it’s fully cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes wrapped in foil. Reheating brings back that fresh-baked feel, making every bite just as delightful as the first.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without frozen bread dough?

Yes! While the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe calls for frozen bread dough for convenience, you can use any store-bought or homemade yeast bread dough. Just make sure to adjust rising times as needed to get that perfect texture.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely, though it will require a gluten-free bread dough substitute. Using a gluten-free dough made specifically for baking breads will give you the best results and allow you to enjoy the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe without compromise.

Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Yes, adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of raisins inside the cinnamon layers can add delightful texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them into the dough slits before baking.

How sweet is this cinnamon bread?

The sweetness is balanced — it’s sweet enough to satisfy a sugar craving but not overwhelming. The cinnamon sugar and glaze create layers of sweetness that are comforting and delicious without being too rich or heavy.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the icing a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Stir well before drizzling over the warm bread. If the glaze thickens too much, just add a splash more milk to loosen it.

Final Thoughts

Making the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe at home is like bringing a little piece of magic to your kitchen. It’s comforting, easy to make, and unbelievably delicious — the kind of recipe you’ll want to share over and over again. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a warm, fragrant bread that’s truly a delight for all the senses.

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 7 reviews

Author: Sara
Total Time: 5 hours to 7 hours 65 minutes (including thawing and rising)
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a delightful, pull-apart bread that combines soft, fluffy dough with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and a sweet glaze. This recipe uses frozen bread dough, making it convenient, and results in a warm, gooey treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. The bread is topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture and finished with a smooth powdered sugar icing, creating a perfect blend of sweetness and texture.

Ingredients

For the Bread

1 lb. Frozen Bread Dough (thawed)
1 Tbsp Cinnamon
1/2 cup Sugar
4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
1/4 cup Brown Sugar (for topping)

For the Icing

1 cup Powdered Sugar
2 – 3 Tbsp Milk

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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 paper lightly with cooking spray to keep it in place during the process.
Prepare the Dough: Place the frozen bread dough loaf in the lined loaf pan and allow it to thaw and rise according to package instructions, typically between 4-7 hours.
Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon to create the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Set aside.
Cut the Dough: Using a knife, make 5-6 horizontal slits across the top of the dough, cutting about half the depth of the dough. These cuts help the bread to pull apart easily after baking.
Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Melt the unsalted butter and generously brush it over the top of the dough and inside the slits. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture liberally over the buttered dough, ensuring the sugar coats both the top and the inside of each slice.
Top and Rise: Place the loaf pan in a warm area and let the dough rise for an additional 30 minutes. Once risen, sprinkle 1/4 cup brown sugar evenly over the top of the loaf.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for baking.
Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is cooked through and the top is golden brown and caramelized from the brown sugar.
Prepare the Icing: While the bread bakes, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to reach your preferred icing consistency.
Finish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle the prepared icing generously over the warm bread. Serve immediately, pulling apart the soft, cinnamon-scented pieces for a delicious treat.

Notes

For best results, ensure the bread dough is fully thawed and risen before baking to achieve a soft texture.
Use fresh cinnamon and good-quality butter for enhanced flavor.
The brown sugar topping adds a nice caramelized crust—do not skip this step.
You can adjust icing thickness by adding more or less milk depending on your preference.
The bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4-7 hours thawing and 30 minutes rising)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American