The Famous Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe: A Sweet Park Treasure

My grandma’s secret dollywood cinnamon bread recipe always sparks joy in our kitchen.

Whispers of nostalgia drift through the air when these golden loaves emerge from the oven.

Bakers understand the magic hidden within simple ingredients and love.

Local diners have raved about this Tennessee treasure for generations.

Sweet aromas promise comfort and warmth with every slice.

Memories of mountain bakeries dance across taste buds, inviting you to create something special.

You cannot resist the temptation of this beloved mountain treat.

Why Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Is Loved

• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers irresistible cinnamon-swirled goodness that brings everyone together around the kitchen table with its warm, comforting aroma.
• Versatile Delight: Enjoy as a decadent breakfast, stunning brunch centerpiece, sweet afternoon snack, or impressive dessert that works for multiple occasions.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Transforms basic pantry staples into a restaurant-quality bread with minimal preparation and maximum flavor impact.

Ingredients For Dollywood Bread

Main Ingredients:

• Bread Dough: Soft and stretchy base for the delicious cinnamon treat.

• Butter: Rich, creamy ingredient for adding flavor and moisture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet component that helps create a caramelized texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that gives the bread its signature flavor.

• Powdered Sugar: Fine sugar for creating a smooth, sweet topping.
• Milk: Liquid ingredient to thin and blend the glaze.
• Vanilla: Classic flavoring that adds depth to the glaze.

• Loaf Pan: Standard baking pan for shaping the bread.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: For greasing the pan to prevent sticking.

Baking Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

Give the pan a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Stretch Out the Dough

Roll your bread dough into a thin rectangle, aiming for about 1/4 inch thickness.

Make it look like a delicious canvas waiting for flavor.

Step 3: Create Cinnamon Magic

Grab your melted butter and paint the dough surface generously.

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Sprinkle this sweet mixture all over the buttered dough, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 4: Transform the Dough

Roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a beautiful swirled log.

Slice this log right down the middle lengthwise to reveal those gorgeous cinnamon layers.

Step 5: Twist and Arrange

Gently twist the two dough halves together, keeping the cut sides facing upward.

Nestle this braided beauty into your prepared loaf pan.

Step 6: Butter and Bake

Brush the top with remaining melted butter.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Optional Glaze Finish

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Drizzle this sweet glaze over the warm bread for an extra touch of decadence.

Tips For Sweet Cinnamon Bread

• Use room temperature butter for easier spreading and better dough absorption, ensuring a more even cinnamon sugar distribution.
• Choose fine granulated sugar for a smoother cinnamon sugar mixture that coats the dough evenly without clumping.
• When twisting the dough halves, keep the cut sides facing up to create beautiful layers and expose the delicious cinnamon swirls.
• Check bread doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
• Drizzle the glaze while the bread is still warm for maximum absorption and a glossy, mouthwatering finish.

Store And Warm Dollywood Bread

• Store leftover cinnamon bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
• Warm slices at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to restore softness and bring back the delicious cinnamon flavor.
• Quickly heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat and make the bread tough.

Pairing Suggestions For Cinnamon Bread

• Brew Cinnamon Coffee Companion: Pair the warm, spicy bread with a freshly brewed medium roast coffee that complements the cinnamon's rich flavor, enhancing every delightful bite.
• Sweet Vanilla Ice Cream Topping: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the bread, creating a delectable contrast between the warm, gooey bread and cold, smooth dessert.
• Spiced Chai Tea Delight: Match the bread with a fragrant, spiced chai tea that echoes the cinnamon notes and provides a soothing, warming beverage experience.
• Caramel Drizzle Indulgence: Add a light drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the bread to amplify its sweetness and create a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Cinnamon Bread Twist Ideas

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular bread dough with a gluten-free bread mix or almond flour-based dough. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly results.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based milk for glaze and swap traditional sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier alternative.
• Whole Wheat Healthy Option: Replace white flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. Reduce sugar content and use alternative sweeteners like honey or stevia for a more nutritious bread.
• Low-Sugar Diabetic-Friendly Version: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Incorporate ground flaxseed into the dough for additional fiber and lower glycemic impact, making it more suitable for diabetic individuals.

FAQs

• What makes Dollywood's Cinnamon Bread so unique?

This recipe is inspired by the famous cinnamon bread served at Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, known for its rich, swirly layers of cinnamon and buttery texture that make it irresistibly delicious.

• Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can use pre-made bread dough from the store or make the dough by hand. The key is to roll it out thinly and create those signature cinnamon-sugar layers.

• How do I know when the bread is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown color and test with a toothpick – it should come out clean. The bread will also have a slight firmness and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

• Is this bread best served warm or cold?

It’s most delicious served warm, right out of the oven when the cinnamon-sugar layers are gooey and the butter is still melting. The optional glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness when drizzled over warm bread.

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Dollywood’s legendary cinnamon bread blends Southern comfort with irresistible sweetness, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience that transports taste buds straight to Tennessee. Warm, buttery layers of cinnamon-swirled goodness will make you crave this iconic treat with every single bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 loaf bread dough (about 1 pound / 454 grams)
• 1 cup sugar (200 grams)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, melted (113 grams / 4 ounces)

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (120 grams)
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to 350°F, generously coating a standard loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Gently stretch the bread dough into a thin rectangular shape, ensuring an even surface approximately 1/4 inch thick.
3. Liberally paint half the melted butter across the dough’s surface, creating a glossy foundation.
4. Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small mixing bowl, then sprinkle the fragrant mixture evenly across the buttered dough.
5. Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, creating a tight cylindrical shape to seal in the spicy-sweet filling.
6. Slice the rolled log directly down its length, exposing the swirled cinnamon interior.
7. Delicately intertwist the two halves, positioning the cut sides upward to showcase the intricate layers.
8. Transfer the twisted creation into the prepared loaf pan, maintaining its elegant spiral design.
9. Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top, ensuring a golden, crisp exterior.
10. Slide the pan into the preheated oven, allowing the bread to bake for 30-35 minutes until it transforms into a rich, amber-colored masterpiece.
11. Optional: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a silky glaze, then gracefully drizzle over the warm bread for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

• Enhance Texture: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a softer, more uniform bread with better rise and consistency.
• Sugar Coating Trick: Double-coating the dough with cinnamon sugar creates extra layers of sweet, spicy flavor and a more intense swirl.
• Moisture Preservation: Cover the bread loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning while keeping the interior moist.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the bread’s structure and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg