If you’re craving something warm, sweet, and utterly irresistible, look no further than this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy and Flavorful Treat Recipe. This delightful bread wraps soft, buttery dough in layers of cinnamon sugar, finishes off with a luscious glaze, and creates a comforting experience that feels like a big, sweet hug from the inside out. Whether you’re cozying up with a cup of coffee or treating your family to a special breakfast, this recipe promises a perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and softness that feels like a little vacation on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread lies in its simplicity; just a handful of everyday ingredients combine to create something spectacular. Each component plays its part — from the cinnamon that infuses warmth and spice, to the sugars that caramelize beautifully during baking, and the butter that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon: The key spice that gives the bread its signature cozy, sweet aroma and taste.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Balances the spice with just the right touch of sweetness inside the bread.
- 1 pound frozen bread dough, thawed: The base of this recipe, providing soft, fluffy texture and structure.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (sprinkled on top): Adds a rich, caramelized crunch after baking.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Ensures the bread stays moist and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that finishes the bread with a smooth, creamy drizzle.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: To adjust the glaze to the perfect consistency.
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 for easy release, then line it with parchment paper. Don’t forget to spray the parchment paper as well — this double preparation ensures your beautiful bread slips out effortlessly once baked.
Step 2: Thaw the Dough
Place your frozen bread dough into the prepared pan and let it thaw according to package instructions, typically 4 to 7 hours. This slow thaw is crucial because it allows the dough to rise gently, creating that soft texture we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Mix Cinnamon Sugar
While your dough is thawing, mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. This aromatic mixture will be the heart of your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy and Flavorful Treat Recipe, infusing every cheesy bite with spicy sweetness.
Step 4: Cut Slits in Dough
Once thawed, use a sharp knife to slice 5 to 6 horizontal slits across the top of the dough, cutting about halfway down. These slits allow the bread to pull apart easily and soak up the delicious butter and cinnamon sugar that come next.
Step 5: Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Melt your butter and generously brush it on top of the dough and inside all those slits. Then, sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture liberally over the top, making sure every nook is coated. This step is where the bread begins to develop its famous layered flavor and texture.
Step 6: Let Rise
Cover the pan and place it somewhere warm for about 30 minutes to let the dough rise even more. This extra step helps ensure your bread comes out fluffy and soft, perfectly set up for baking.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Before popping the loaf into the oven at 350°F, sprinkle the top with the brown sugar to add a caramelized sweetness and a light crunch. Bake for 30 minutes or until the bread is gorgeously golden brown, filling your kitchen with that irresistible cinnamon aroma.
Step 8: Make and Add the Glaze
While your bread is baking, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the thickness to your liking with a bit more milk if needed. Once the bread is out of the oven and cooled slightly, drizzle this sweet glaze generously across the top for that signature finishing touch.
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy and Flavorful Treat Recipe
Garnishes
Though this cinnamon bread shines on its own, a light sprinkle of powdered sugar after glazing or a few fresh berries add a lovely contrast in color and a little pop of freshness. A pat of butter melting into the warm slices can elevate it even more.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a morning treat, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert. Fresh fruit salad or even a dollop of whipped cream are fun ways to complement the sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, slice the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread and serve it on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of honey, cream cheese, or even nut butter for spreading. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper and tying with a ribbon makes for charming, edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the bread soft and prevents it from drying out, so you can enjoy it fresh the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen cinnamon bread maintains its flavor and texture well for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover or thawed frozen bread, warm it gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This revives the soft texture and melts any glazed sugar back into gooey perfection.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh bread dough works wonderfully for this recipe; just make sure it’s risen properly before proceeding with the cinnamon sugar steps. The flavors and texture will be just as delightful.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat for the glaze. The bread dough should also be checked for any animal-derived ingredients to keep it vegan-friendly.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the cinnamon bread?
Yes! Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or plump raisins between the slits before baking adds texture and extra flavor, making your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy and Flavorful Treat Recipe even more special.
How long will the glaze stay fresh on the bread?
The glaze is best enjoyed fresh, but it will hold up well for a day or two when the bread is stored covered at room temperature. Beyond that, it may start to absorb into the bread or lose its shine.
Can I double the recipe for larger groups?
Definitely! You can use two loaf pans or a larger baking dish, just keep an eye on the baking time as it might take a little longer to bake through. The taste and texture will be just as wonderful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sweet and inviting treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, give the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy and Flavorful Treat Recipe a try. It’s wonderfully simple but yields incredible flavor and texture, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a well-deserved indulgence. Trust me, once you bake this, it will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
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Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy and Flavorful Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus 4-7 hours thawing and 30 minutes rising
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 1 serving as indicated, but realistically serves 6-8 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a warm, flavorful treat featuring soft, cinnamon-swirled bread topped with a sweet brown sugar crust and finished with a smooth powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon snacks, this recipe uses thawed frozen bread dough, making it easy to prepare while delivering a comforting homemade taste.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 pound frozen bread dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (sprinkled on top)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. Also lightly spray the inside of the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Thaw the Dough: Place the frozen bread dough loaf in the prepared loaf pan and thaw it according to package instructions, usually taking between 4 to 7 hours, until it is fully softened.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Set this mixture aside; it will be used to coat the bread.
- Cut Slits in Dough: Using a sharp knife, slice 5 to 6 horizontal slits across the top of the dough, cutting about halfway down. These slits help the bread pull apart easily after baking.
- Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Melt the butter and generously brush it over the entire top surface and inside the slits of the bread dough. Then liberally sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter-coated dough until well covered.
- Let Rise: Place the loaf pan in a warm location and allow the dough to rise for 30 minutes, helping it become light and fluffy before baking.
- Bake: After the dough has risen, evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar on top. Bake the loaf at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Glaze: While the bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to get a pourable glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Allow the baked bread to cool slightly. Then drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm bread. Serve immediately for the best cozy and flavorful experience.
Notes
- If your bread dough package has different thawing instructions, follow those for best results.
- The slits in the dough are essential to create the signature pull-apart effect.
- You can use whole milk or any milk alternative for the glaze.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins inside the cinnamon sugar before baking if desired.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
