Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread

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This Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread is the kind of comforting, pull-apart treat that instantly fills the kitchen with the nostalgic warmth of cinnamon sugar and buttery goodness. Perfectly golden on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside, it features layers of cinnamon swirls in a tender, slightly sweet dough—topped with a creamy glaze that melts into every crevice. Whether you’ve had it fresh from the bakery in the Smoky Mountains or are trying it for the first time at home, this bread captures the magic of Dollywood in every bite.

It’s a show-stopping yet surprisingly easy bake that works just as well for lazy weekend breakfasts, cozy brunches, or as an afternoon snack with coffee. The best part? It doesn’t require fancy skills or specialty ingredients—just a little time and love. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this bread has become a legendary favorite among park visitors and home bakers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread

• Buttery, soft dough with gooey cinnamon sugar swirls
• Sweet vanilla glaze drizzled over the top
• Easy to prepare with pantry staples
• Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or gifting during the holidays
• Tastes just like the famous version from Dollywood, without the travel

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Their Importance)

To get this recipe just right, you’ll want to gather a few key tools. A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading the dough easier and more efficient, helping you achieve the perfect soft texture. If you don’t have one, kneading by hand works too—it just takes more time and elbow grease.

A loaf pan is essential for shaping and baking the bread. A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works perfectly to give you that signature pull-apart loaf. You’ll also need mixing bowls, a rolling pin to spread the dough evenly, and a pastry brush to coat the dough with melted butter before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar. Lastly, cooling racks help prevent sogginess after baking, and a whisk is helpful for making a smooth glaze.

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Preparation Tips

Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot to help it double in size—this can take about an hour or more depending on your kitchen temperature. When rolling the dough, aim for an even rectangle so your cinnamon layers are consistent throughout the loaf. Don’t be shy with the cinnamon sugar; it’s what gives this bread its signature flavor. After baking, let the loaf cool slightly before adding the glaze so it melts slightly but doesn’t completely disappear. If you’re planning ahead, this bread also freezes beautifully—just wait to glaze it until after thawing and reheating.

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Ingredients for this Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix to combine. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a sticky dough forms. Knead with a dough hook for 6–8 minutes or by hand for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add a bit more flour if needed.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough

Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 10×18 inches. Brush the entire surface with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the dough.

Step 6: Cut and Stack

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough vertically into 5 long strips. Stack the strips on top of each other, then cut them horizontally into 5 stacks. Carefully place the stacked dough pieces vertically into the prepared loaf pan (like filing cards). Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through.

Step 8: Add the Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the slightly warm bread so it soaks in beautifully.

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Notes

This cinnamon bread is best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, but it’s just as delightful reheated the next day. If you’re making it for a crowd or brunch event, you can prepare the dough the night before and do the final rise in the fridge overnight. When it comes to the glaze, feel free to double it if you like a more decadent finish. This recipe is forgiving and allows for personal touches—add a hint of nutmeg, swap in brown sugar for deeper flavor, or mix in some chopped pecans for crunch.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not activating the yeast properly: If the yeast doesn’t foam in the first step, it’s likely inactive—start over with fresh yeast.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can slow yeast activity. Make sure everything is room temperature or slightly warm.
• Adding too much flour: Over-flouring the dough makes it dense and dry. Stop adding flour when the dough pulls away from the sides but is still slightly tacky.
• Underproofing or overproofing: Rushing the rise or letting it go too long will affect the texture. Aim for dough that has doubled in size.
• Overbaking: The loaf should be golden brown, but if overbaked, it will lose its soft, pull-apart texture. Check with a toothpick at the 30-minute mark.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your cinnamon bread fresh, store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it (unglazed) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp, and reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Add glaze after warming to maintain that gooey texture.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per slice, assuming 10 slices per loaf:

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Sugar: 23g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Cholesterol: 55mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this cinnamon bread like Dollywood’s?

It’s the tender pull-apart texture, rich cinnamon sugar swirl, and that creamy vanilla glaze that replicate the iconic Dollywood bakery loaf.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Bring to room temp before shaping and baking.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

You can! Skip the blooming step and mix instant yeast directly into the dry ingredients. Adjust rise time as it may be quicker.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No problem. You can knead the dough by hand—it’ll take around 10 minutes of kneading until smooth and elastic.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins make a great addition to the cinnamon sugar layer.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean. Internal temp should be about 190°F.

What type of milk works best?

Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but 2% also works well. Avoid skim or non-dairy substitutes unless you adjust other ingredients.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Wrap in foil and heat at 300°F for 8–10 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 20 seconds. Add glaze after reheating.

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Conclusion

Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. It brings the warmth of the Smoky Mountains and the comfort of homemade baked goods straight to your kitchen. From its buttery layers to the sweet cinnamon ribbon and dreamy glaze, every bite is a reminder of why simple ingredients, when handled with care, create the most memorable moments. Perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself, this is a recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.

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