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This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recreates the famous theme park treat right in your home kitchen. The sweet, buttery loaf filled with ribbons of cinnamon sugar and topped with a simple glaze brings all the joy of Dollywood without the trip to Tennessee. Using convenient frozen bread dough makes this an accessible project even for novice bakers.
I first made this bread when my family was missing our annual Dollywood trip during quarantine. The aroma of cinnamon filling the house brought back all those vacation memories, and now it has become our Saturday morning tradition whenever we need a special treat.
Ingredients
- Frozen bread dough: Thawed properly ensures the perfect texture without the hassle of making dough from scratch
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to every crevice
- Ground cinnamon: Provides that signature warm spice flavor; use fresh cinnamon for the most aromatic results
- Granulated sugar: Creates the sweet filling that caramelizes slightly during baking
- Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the simple glaze that sets this bread apart
How To Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
- Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl until evenly mixed. This simple blend becomes magical when it meets butter and heat.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Thaw frozen bread dough completely. Make five deep cuts through the dough without cutting all the way through. These cuts create the signature pull-apart sections that make this bread so special.
- Apply the Butter and Cinnamon:
- Brush melted butter generously into the slits and all over the dough. The butter should really soak into the cuts. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture liberally onto every surface, working it into the slits. Turn the dough over and repeat on all sides until thoroughly coated.
- Rise and Bake:
- Place the prepared dough cut side up in a greased loaf pan. Let it rise for 30 minutes until puffy. Bake at 300°F for 40 minutes, rotating halfway through for even browning. The low temperature allows the inside to cook while preventing the sugar from burning.
- Glaze While Warm:
- After cooling briefly in the pan, transfer to a rack and immediately drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze. The warm bread will help the glaze penetrate slightly while still leaving that beautiful white coating.
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The frozen bread dough is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered this shortcut after three failed attempts at making the dough from scratch. Sometimes the simplest ingredient creates the most authentic result. My grandmother always said great baking is about knowing which corners to cut and which techniques to perfect.
Make-Ahead Options
This cinnamon bread works beautifully as a make-ahead treat. You can prepare the bread through the rising stage, then cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This method actually enhances the flavor as the cinnamon sugar mixture has more time to infuse into the dough.
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Variation Ideas
The classic Dollywood version is perfect as is, but you can create your own variations once you master the basic recipe. Try adding finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added texture. For a chocolate version, sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the layers. You could even experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger mixed with the cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cinnamon bread slightly warm for the best experience. It makes a wonderful centerpiece for a special breakfast or brunch alongside fresh fruit and coffee. For an indulgent dessert, try warming a slice and topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The bread also pairs beautifully with hot chocolate on cold winter evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen dough?
Yes, you can use homemade bread dough. Make sure it’s soft and fully proofed before starting the process.
- → What is the purpose of slitting the bread dough?
The slits allow the butter and cinnamon sugar to penetrate deeper into the loaf, enhancing every bite with flavor.
- → How do I prevent the cinnamon bread from drying out?
Ensure the bread is thoroughly coated with melted butter and cinnamon sugar. Additionally, cover it tightly while letting it rise.
- → Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Yes, adjust the milk quantity to control the glaze consistency. Less milk creates a thicker glaze, while more thins it out.
- → What can I serve this bread with?
This cinnamon bread pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- → Can I store leftovers, and how?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days to keep it fresh.