Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy and Flavorful Treat Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar, you’re going to love this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy and Flavorful Treat Recipe. It’s the kind of homemade bread that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning or a delightful indulgence any time of day. This recipe transforms simple frozen bread dough into a pull-apart masterpiece coated generously with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then topped with a smooth glaze that makes every bite melt in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this bread brings a cozy charm and rich flavor that’s hard to beat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s wonderful about the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy and Flavorful Treat Recipe is how straightforward but purposeful the ingredients are. Each one plays an essential part in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color, making the final loaf taste as delightful as it looks.

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon: This warm spice is the key flavor that gives the bread its iconic cozy taste.
• 1/2 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the crust when baked.
• 1 pound frozen bread dough, thawed: A convenient base that ensures soft, fluffy bread without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (sprinkled on top): Imparts a rich, molasses-like sweetness and a slightly crunchy topping.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Brushed on the dough to add moisture, richness, and to help the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for a sweet, smooth glaze that finishes the bread elegantly.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk: Used to thin out the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling.

How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy and Flavorful Treat Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by lightly spraying a loaf pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. Don’t forget to spray the inside of the parchment as well—this little extra step ensures your bread will slide out effortlessly when it’s ready.

Step 2: Thaw the Dough

Place your frozen bread dough into the prepared loaf pan and let it thaw according to the package instructions, usually between 4 to 7 hours. This slow thawing lets the dough develop its soft, springy texture that’s key to this recipe.

Step 3: Mix Cinnamon Sugar

While you wait on the dough, combine 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow dish. This balanced mix will coat your bread and create a gooey, flavorful crust once baked.

Step 4: Cut Slits in Dough

After thawing, slice 5 to 6 horizontal slits across the dough top, cutting about half the depth down. These slits allow the cinnamon sugar and butter to infuse into the bread and create those irresistible pull-apart layers everyone loves.

Step 5: Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Brush the melted butter generously over the entire surface and inside the slits of the dough. Then, cover it thoroughly with your cinnamon sugar mixture. This step is where the magic happens, giving the bread its signature sweet, buttery flavor.

Step 6: Let Rise

Place the loaf pan in a warm, draft-free spot for 30 minutes to allow the dough to rise just a bit more. This extra step ensures your bread will be soft and fluffy on the inside.

Step 7: Bake

Before baking, sprinkle the top of your dough with the 1/4 cup of brown sugar for a crunchy, caramelized finish. Then bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until the loaf has turned a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Make Glaze

While the bread is baking, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add milk a little at a time to get a drizzling consistency that’s perfectly sweet and glossy.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Once your bread has cooled just slightly, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Serve it warm and prepare for a mouthwatering treat that captures everything wonderful about this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy and Flavorful Treat Recipe.

How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy and Flavorful Treat Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, top the bread with a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even a drizzle of honey along with the glaze. Fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon powder can also add lovely visual and taste appeal.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or creamy hot chocolate. For a hearty breakfast, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with refreshing flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your cinnamon bread as thick pull-apart pieces right from the loaf for a casual how-to-eat experience that’s fun and interactive. Alternatively, create a decadent French toast using thick slices dipped in egg batter, then pan-fried until golden for a next-level brunch treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days while preserving its soft texture and sweet cinnamon flavor.

Freezing

The Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy and Flavorful Treat Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the loaf or individual slices in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to protect against freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a toaster or warm the entire loaf in a low oven (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 to 15 minutes until warm and soft. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh bread dough works just as well and you can skip the thawing step, simply follow the rising and baking instructions as noted.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease the loaf pan well with butter or cooking spray, but parchment makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking, so it’s worth having on hand if possible.

Is the glaze necessary?

While optional, the glaze adds a wonderful sweetness and moisture balance to the bread, making it even more irresistible. It’s definitely recommended!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just double all ingredients and use a larger pan or two smaller pans. Adjust baking time slightly and keep an eye on the bread’s color.

How can I make this bread less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in both the cinnamon sugar mixture and the glaze to your taste. You can also skip the glaze entirely for a subtler sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy and Flavorful Treat Recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. Whether you’re cozying up on a weekend morning or surprising someone special, this bread is sure to bring a smile and warmth to the table. Give it a try and make your kitchen smell like the sweetest spot on earth!

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