Freshly baked Dollywood's cinnamon bread drizzled with icing

why make this recipe

Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread is a beloved treat that brings the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon and sugar to your kitchen. Each bite is a delightful blend of soft, fluffy dough swirled with sweet, aromatic cinnamon. This bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Making this recipe at home allows you to enjoy a taste of Dollywood without having to travel, and it’s a fun baking project the whole family can participate in.

how to make Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, stirring until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the dough. Roll up tightly and cut into slices.
Place slices in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
For the icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm bread before serving.

how to serve Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread

Serve Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread warm, drizzled with the sweet icing on top. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For extra indulgence, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side.

how to store Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread

To keep your Cinnamon Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay good for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

tips to make Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread

Make sure the water is warm but not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
Knead the dough until it is smooth for the best texture.
Don’t skip the second rise; it helps the bread become fluffy.
Use a generous amount of cinnamon and sugar for a flavorful filling.

variation

You can add nuts or raisins to the filling for a different flavor and texture. Additionally, try using different spices, like nutmeg or a hint of ginger, to create your own twist on the classic recipe.

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?
There can be a few reasons for this. Make sure your yeast is fresh and activated properly. If your kitchen is too cool, try placing the dough in a warm spot.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can use whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. Consider mixing it with all-purpose flour for a lighter loaf.