Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

The heavenly aroma of warm cinnamon and sugar fills the air, evoking cozy moments and sweet memories. This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and guarantees a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Its soft, pillowy texture and rich, buttery flavor are what make it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

This recipe is perfect for cinnamon lovers and anyone looking for a warm, sweet bread to share at gatherings or family breakfasts. It’s especially great to make for brunch or when you want a comforting treat on a chilly day. Leftover bread can be stored easily, allowing you to enjoy it for days to come.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A soft and tender crumb balances perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar filling.
• The stunning twisted design creates an eye-catching centerpiece for any table.
• The sweet glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
• It’s a comforting, homemade bread that fills your kitchen with delightful smells.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread.

For the Bread

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 large egg

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons softened butter for filling

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk for glaze
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Warm milk should be around 110°F for proper yeast activation.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use almond milk for a dairy-free option.
• Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor.
• Replace butter with vegan butter for a plant-based alternative.
• Whole wheat flour can substitute half of the all-purpose flour.

How to Make It

Begin your baking adventure by following these simple steps.

Combine dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Whisk wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Let the dough rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes or until it doubles in size. The dough should be puffy and soft to the touch when ready.

Roll out the dough

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough.

Add filling mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough, making sure to cover it completely.

Roll the dough

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal it closed. Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise to expose the cinnamon swirl layers.

Twist the bread

Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up to show off the beautiful swirl pattern. Place the twisted bread into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.

Second rise

Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the bread rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake

Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 190°F. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prepare the glaze

While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Drizzle glaze

Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm bread, allowing it to drip down the sides and into the cinnamon swirls. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Yes, bread freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwaving slices for 10-15 seconds works best.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure your yeast is fresh for a good rise.
• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before adding glaze for the best appearance.
• Don’t skip the twisting step; it enhances the visual appeal and flavor distribution.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea.
• Serve alongside fresh fruit for a wholesome breakfast.
• Perfect as a dessert served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.