I’ve always been a fan of Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread—the warm, gooey swirls of cinnamon and sugar enveloped in a soft, tender loaf. The aroma alone transports me back to those cozy mornings spent at the theme park, savoring each delightful bite.
While visiting Dollywood is a wonderful experience, I wanted to bring that same magic into my own kitchen. With this copycat recipe, you can recreate the irresistible Cinnamon Bread right at home. It’s simple to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup
- Instant yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Warm milk: 1 cup (110°F)
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, melted
- Large eggs: 2
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, softened
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup
- Milk: 2-3 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon
Optional Toppings
- Chopped pecans: 1/2 cup
- Extra cinnamon: for sprinkling
Tools And Equipment
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Mixing Bowl | For combining dough ingredients |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | To accurately measure ingredients |
| Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer | To mix and knead the dough efficiently |
| Rolling Pin | To roll out the dough and create the cinnamon swirl |
| Loaf Pan | To bake the bread in the desired shape |
| Parchment Paper | To line the loaf pan for easy removal |
| Spatula | To spread the cinnamon filling and glaze |
| Brush | For applying the glaze evenly after baking |
| Plastic Wrap | To cover the dough during the rising process |
| Oven Thermometer | To ensure the oven reaches the correct temperature |
Directions
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Dollywood Cinnamon Bread at home. Each phase ensures a perfect loaf with every bite.
Prep
- Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk (110°F), 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the Dough
- Add 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 large eggs to the yeast mixture.
- Stir in 4 cups all-purpose flour gradually until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook or knead by hand on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Cook
- Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon.
- Set aside.
- Shape the Dough
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread 4 tablespoons softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Form the Loaf
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Pinch the seams and ends to seal.
- Place the rolled dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise
- Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for an additional 30 minutes until it reaches the top of the pan.
- Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Assemble
- Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the Bread
- Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm bread using a spatula or brush.
- Allow the glaze to set before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the cinnamon bread and serve warm.
- Optionally, add your favorite toppings like chopped nuts or a dusting of extra cinnamon.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As a chef who loves perfecting recipes, I’ve found that making Dollywood Cinnamon Bread ahead of time can save you time and ensure fresh-tasting bread whenever you crave it. Here are my top strategies for preparing this delightful treat in advance:
Refrigerating the Dough Overnight
Preparing the dough the night before enhances the flavor by allowing a slow rise. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Dough: Follow the initial steps of the recipe to activate the yeast and mix the dough.
- First Rise: Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Next Day: Remove the dough from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about an hour before shaping and proceeding with the recipe.
Freezing the Dough
If you want to prepare the dough well in advance, freezing is a great option:
- Prepare and First Rise: Make the dough as directed and allow it to rise until doubled.
- Freeze: Instead of shaping, place the risen dough in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label with the date.
- Storage Time: The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Transfer the dough to the refrigerator overnight. On baking day, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour to rise further before shaping and baking.
Freezing Baked Cinnamon Bread
For maximum convenience, you can bake the bread ahead and freeze it:
- Bake Completely: Prepare and bake the Cinnamon Bread according to the recipe.
- Cool Thoroughly: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Slice and Package: Slice the bread and tightly wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Storage Time: Frozen bread slices stay fresh for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy, toast the slices directly from the freezer or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Assembling in Advance
You can also assemble the cinnamon swirl ahead of time and refrigerate:
- Prepare Filling: Make the cinnamon swirl filling as per the recipe.
- Assemble Dough: Roll out the dough, spread the filling, and shape it into a loaf.
- Refrigerate: Cover the assembled loaf tightly and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
- Bake When Ready: Let the dough come to room temperature and rise for about an hour before baking.
Storage Recommendations
| Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerating Dough | Up to 24 hours | Cover dough and place in the refrigerator overnight. |
| Freezing Dough | Up to 3 months | Freeze in airtight container after first rise. |
| Freezing Baked Bread | Up to 2 months | Slice, wrap individually, and store in freezer bags. |
| Assembling in Advance | Up to 8 hours | Refrigerate assembled loaf before baking. |
By utilizing these make-ahead techniques, you can enjoy the rich flavors of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with minimal effort whenever the mood strikes. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or simply want fresh bread on hand, these methods ensure your cinnamon bread is always ready to delight.
Conclusion
Baking this Cinnamon Bread has been such a rewarding experience for me. There’s something special about filling my home with those warm, comforting aromas that bring back wonderful memories. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this recipe as I did. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the sweet moments with family and friends over a slice of homemade goodness!
