Dollywood Cinnamon Sweet Loaf

Featured in Fresh-Baked Comfort.

This Dollywood-inspired cinnamon bread is a soft, buttery loaf that's irresistibly coated with melted butter, sweet cinnamon sugar, and topped with a simple glaze. Perfect for any occasion, it's easy to prepare with frozen bread dough. The delightful blend of cinnamon and sugar seeps into every bite, making this bread a sweet treat the whole family will love. Bake it for a comforting dessert or snack that's sure to impress!

Fatiha
Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 12:34:26 GMT
A loaf of bread with powdered sugar on top. Pin it
A loaf of bread with powdered sugar on top. | zestplate.com

This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe transforms simple frozen bread dough into a decadent treat that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar. The perfect balance of sweetness and spice creates a magnificent pull-apart loaf that everyone will be reaching for.

I first made this bread when trying to recreate the famous Dollywood treat for my family who couldn't make the trip to Tennessee. The moment that sweet glaze hit the warm cinnamon-infused bread, I knew this would become our Sunday morning tradition.

Ingredients

  • Frozen bread dough: Provides the perfect base without the hassle of making dough from scratch
  • Ground cinnamon: Adds that classic warm spice flavor that makes this bread irresistible
  • Granulated sugar: Creates the sweet crystallized texture inside each slice
  • Salted butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere while adding richness
  • Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the simple glaze that takes this bread to the next level
  • Milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling

How To Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Prepare the pan:
Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with baking spray. This ensures your beautiful creation will release easily after baking.
Mix the cinnamon sugar:
Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl until completely integrated. This mixture will become the star of the show, creating pockets of sweetness throughout the bread.
Prepare the dough:
Place thawed bread dough in a shallow baking dish for easy manipulation. Make five deep slits through the dough without cutting all the way through, creating sections that will pull apart beautifully when baked.
Add flavor:
Generously brush melted butter inside the slits and sprinkle about one-third of the cinnamon sugar mixture, concentrating on getting it into those crevices. Really work it in with your fingers for maximum flavor distribution.
Flip and repeat:
Turn the dough over and brush more butter on this side, then add another third of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Massage it in thoroughly to ensure every bite will have that sweet cinnamon flavor.
Final coating:
Flip the dough once more, drizzle remaining butter on top and sprinkle half of the remaining cinnamon sugar. Place the bread cut side up in the prepared loaf pan and finish with any remaining cinnamon sugar on top.
Rise and bake:
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 300°F for 40 minutes, rotating halfway through for even browning. Place a sheet tray on the lower rack to catch any potential drips.
Glaze and enjoy:
After cooling in the pan for 10 minutes, carefully remove the bread to a wire rack. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then pour over the still-warm bread, allowing the glaze to seep into every crevice.
A loaf of bread with powdered sugar on top. Pin it
A loaf of bread with powdered sugar on top. | zestplate.com

My favorite part of this recipe is watching everyone's face light up when they pull apart their first piece. The way the cinnamon sugar caramelizes between the layers creates an almost magical eating experience that brings pure joy to our breakfast table.

Storage Tips

This cinnamon bread stays fresh at room temperature for up to two days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, though the texture is best in the first few days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 10-15 seconds or warm the entire loaf covered in foil in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

A loaf of bread with white frosting. Pin it
A loaf of bread with white frosting. | zestplate.com

Making Ahead

You can prepare this bread the night before by following all steps through adding the cinnamon sugar. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight instead of letting it rise. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature and rise for about 45 minutes before baking as directed. This makes it perfect for holiday mornings when you want freshly baked treats without all the work.

Variations To Try

This versatile recipe welcomes creative adaptations. Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts between the layers for extra crunch and flavor. Mix some orange zest into your cinnamon sugar for a bright citrus note. During fall, add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar mixture for seasonal flair. For a decadent twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips between some layers for pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bread.

Serving Suggestions

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread makes a showstopping centerpiece for brunch served alongside fresh fruit and coffee. For dessert, try warming slices briefly and topping with vanilla ice cream. Create an impressive breakfast by using this bread as the base for French toast, soaking slices in egg mixture before pan-frying to golden perfection. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a ribbon.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute frozen bread dough with homemade dough, ensuring it’s thawed and ready to bake. The process remains the same.

→ Can I substitute salted butter with unsalted?

Absolutely! You can use unsalted butter instead. If doing so, you might want to add a pinch of salt to balance flavors.

→ How do I prevent the sugar mixture from burning?

Moisten the cinnamon sugar mixture with butter to avoid dry patches and protect it from burning in the oven.

→ Can I use a different glaze on top?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other glazes, like cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of honey for a unique twist.

→ How do I store leftover cinnamon bread?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze the baked bread?

Yes, after the bread cools completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Easy

Sweet, buttery bread with cinnamon and glaze, ideal for dessert or snacks.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Breads & Muffins

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 loaf of cinnamon bread)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Bread and Sugar Topping

01 ¾ cup granulated sugar
02 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
03 1 pound frozen bread dough, thawed
04 6 Tablespoons salted butter, melted

→ Sweet Glaze

05 1 cup powdered sugar
06 2 Tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 01

Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with baking spray and set aside.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, mix ¾ cup granulated sugar with 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon until well combined.

Step 03

Place the 1 pound thawed bread dough into a shallow dish. Cut 5 deep slits into the dough, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Step 04

Generously brush the dough with melted butter, ensuring it coats the slits. Sprinkle about ⅓ of the cinnamon sugar over the dough, focusing on the slits.

Step 05

Flip the dough over and brush generously with more melted butter. Add another ⅓ of the cinnamon sugar, rubbing it in thoroughly.

Step 06

Flip the dough back over, drizzle with more melted butter and use the remaining cinnamon sugar on top. Ensure no dry sugar remains by moistening it with the last of the butter.

Step 07

Cover the loaf with plastic wrap and let it rise for 30 minutes.

Step 08

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Place the bread cut side up into the loaf pan and bake for 40 minutes, rotating halfway through baking. Use a sheet tray on the bottom rack to catch any potential drips.

Step 09

Let the baked bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edge to loosen and transfer the bread to a wire rack.

Step 10

While the bread is still warm, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 Tablespoons milk until smooth.

Step 11

Pour the prepared glaze over the warm bread. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  1. For the best results, ensure that all sections of the bread are thoroughly coated with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Medium bowl
  • Shallow dish
  • Wire rack
  • Butter knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (butter, milk in glaze)
  • Contains gluten (bread dough)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 473
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~