Imagine a loaf that smells like a country fair and tastes like a dreamy, doughy hug — that’s Dollywood Cinnamon Bread in a nutshell. This recipe captures the irresistible magic found at Dollywood, but right from your own oven. Soft, buttery layers spiral with cinnamon-sugar, finished (if you wish!) with a vanilla-speckled glaze that drips into every crack. Whether you’re craving a breakfast treat or a nostalgic afternoon snack, this is one recipe that delights in every way. The best part? Making Dollywood Cinnamon Bread at home is as rewarding as taking that first warm, gooey bite!

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is in its simplicity. You only need a handful of staples, but each plays a key role: from the pillowy base to the glossy finish, every ingredient helps the flavors shine and the loaf come alive with character. Here’s what you’ll gather:

Loaf bread dough (about 1 pound): Use your favorite store-bought or homemade white bread dough for a base that’s easy to work with and delightfully fluffy after baking.
Sugar (1 cup): Classic granulated sugar brings sweetness to the cinnamon swirl and helps create that irresistible caramelized crust.
Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Warm, fragrant cinnamon is the star flavor, turning every slice into a cozy treat.
Butter, melted (1/2 cup): Brush it on for richness and that golden finish — don’t skimp!
Powdered sugar (1 cup, for glaze – optional): For those who love an extra touch of sweetness, it creates a silky glaze that seeps into every nook.
Milk (1-2 tablespoons, for glaze – optional): Helps the glaze reach just the right pourable consistency.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for glaze – optional): Rounds out the glaze’s flavor with a hint of nostalgic warmth.

How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Loaf Pan

Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray. This will help your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread release neatly for that bakery-worthy presentation.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Dust your work surface lightly with flour. Roll out the bread dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. You don’t need to be a perfectionist here — just shape it roughly to size so you get plenty of layers.

Step 3: Brush with Butter and Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar

Brush half of the melted butter all over the surface of the dough, reaching the edges for maximum flavor. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it generously and evenly atop the buttered dough. This blend guarantees that classic Dollywood Cinnamon Bread flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log lengthwise, creating two long halves and exposing the beautiful cinnamon layers within.

Step 5: Twist and Place in the Pan

With the cut sides facing up, gently twist the two halves together. Don’t worry if it looks a bit rustic — those nooks and crannies catch the cinnamon sugar. Carefully transfer the twist into your prepared loaf pan, nestling it in for the final rise and bake.

Step 6: Add More Butter and Bake!

Brush the top of the loaf with the remaining melted butter (this is key for a golden, shiny crust). Bake the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s puffed and deeply golden on top. Let the aroma transport you to the heart of Dollywood as it bakes!

Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy (Optional)

For an authentic finish, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a silky glaze. Drizzle it generously over the warm loaf, allowing it to melt into the swirled crevices. Now, your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar will never go amiss, but you can also add a little cinnamon sprinkle on top for a bigger spice punch. For a fancier look, scatter some chopped toasted pecans or a handful of golden raisins before serving. Each option complements the sweet comfort of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs perfectly with a mug of strong coffee, a chai latte, or a tall glass of cold milk for dipping. If you’re serving it for brunch, try it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with a hit of brightness and protein.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond simple slicing by serving Dollywood Cinnamon Bread as the base for a decadent bread pudding, French toast, or even layered as the sweet star of a dessert platter. Cube it up for snack-friendly finger food, or package up warm slices in parchment with twine for a welcoming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it stays soft and flavorful for up to two days. If you plan to keep it longer, storing in the fridge helps preserve freshness.

Freezing

This bread freezes like a dream! Slice it first for easy grabbing, then layer the slices in freezer bags with parchment between. The rich cinnamon filling holds up beautifully, so your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread will taste just as dreamy up to three months later.

Reheating

To get that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or warm larger pieces in a low oven (around 325°F) for 5-10 minutes. The icing softens and the crumb gets beautifully pillowy, almost like it was baked that morning.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you love making bread from scratch or have a favorite dough recipe, use that here. A simple white or milk bread dough works beautifully for Dollywood Cinnamon Bread and gives you total control over every ingredient.

Can I make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread gluten-free?

Yes — you can substitute your favorite gluten-free bread dough, keeping in mind that gluten-free doughs can vary in texture. Make sure to follow handling instructions specific to the dough you choose for best results.

Is the glaze necessary, or can I skip it?

The glaze is totally optional but adds an extra layer of sweetness and nostalgia. Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is delicious all on its own; the glaze just gives it that signature gooey finish. Try it both ways and see which you prefer!

How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

The loaf should be a deep golden brown on top and sound slightly hollow when tapped. You can also insert a skewer in the center — if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (without raw dough), your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is ready to enjoy.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just prepare two loaves side by side, making sure not to crowd them in the oven. This way, you’ll have plenty of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread to go around — and trust me, you’ll be glad you made extra!

Final Thoughts

Diving into a homemade loaf of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a little like catching lightning in a bottle: sweet, memorable, and certain to bring smiles all around. I hope you bake this for your own special occasions or simple Sunday mornings — either way, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again for just one more slice. Give it a try and let the spirit of Dollywood’s kitchen warm your home!

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the heavenly sweetness of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread. This recipe features a soft, doughy interior swirled with a delicious cinnamon sugar filling, all topped off with a tempting glaze. Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack!

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Dough:

1 loaf bread dough (about 1 pound)

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, melted

Glaze (optional):

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Prepare Dough: Roll out the bread dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Brush the surface of the dough with half of the melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
Roll and Cut Dough: Roll up the dough tightly from one long side to form a log. Cut the log lengthwise to expose the layers of cinnamon and sugar.
Twist and Place in Pan: Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up, and place in the prepared loaf pan.
Final Butter Application and Bake: Brush with the remaining melted butter. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Glaze (Optional): If using the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and drizzle over the warm bread.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American