If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing a slice of Southern charm in your kitchen, this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe does exactly that. It’s a delightfully soft, sweet loaf with a cinnamony swirl that melts in your mouth, topped with a luscious glaze that adds just the right touch of indulgence. The magic lies in its simple ingredients coming together to create a pull-apart bread experience that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave a cozy treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe brings the warm, inviting essence of Dollywood right to your home table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is your first delicious step. Each ingredient in this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe plays a crucial role, from the soft bread dough that forms the base to the fragrant cinnamon sugar coating that fills the air with its comforting aroma.
- Frozen bread dough (1 loaf, thawed): This gives you a tender, fluffy base and makes the process effortless.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness that balances perfectly with cinnamon’s warmth.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tablespoons): The star spice giving that iconic cinnamon bread flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar mix stick beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): The foundation for a smooth, sweet icing glaze.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Thins the icing to just the right drizzle consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the icing with a warm, subtle depth of flavor.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread bakes evenly and releases easily once done, which is key for that perfect loaf shape.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. This simple mixture is your bread’s signature sweet, spicy flavor and irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Roll Out and Score the Dough
Lightly flour your workspace and roll out your thawed bread dough to an 8×14 inch rectangle. Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut 4 to 5 deep slits across the width without slicing all the way through. These cuts trap the cinnamon sugar and create that delightful pull-apart effect.
Step 4: Butter and Sugar the Dough
Brush the melted butter generously all over the dough, including inside the cuts. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over it, making sure it settles right into those slits, so every bite bursts with cinnamon sweetness.
Step 5: Fold and Bake
Fold the dough in half lengthwise and carefully tuck it into your prepared loaf pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown and is cooked through. The scent filling your kitchen will be pure comfort.
Step 6: Make the Icing and Finish
While your bread is baking, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and silky. When the bread comes out, allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then drizzle the icing over the top. Serve it warm to enjoy the icing slightly melting into the soft bread—a truly blissful bite every time.
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top of the icing or add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts. These crunchy additions complement the soft, sweet bread perfectly and add a homey touch that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This cinnamon bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of robust coffee or fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast. You could also enjoy it alongside creamy yogurt or a smear of cream cheese to add a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe as part of a brunch spread with dips like caramel sauce or fruit preserves. You could even cut the loaf into thick slices, toast them lightly, and add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store your cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and soft for up to two days, making it perfect to enjoy again without losing its charm.
Freezing
This bread also freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you want a quick treat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F for 5 to 10 minutes. This revives the soft texture and warms up the icing glaze, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven experience again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade bread dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully if you want to personalize the bread’s flavor or texture, just be sure it’s adequately proofed before baking.
What type of bread dough is best for this cinnamon bread?
A basic white bread dough or a slightly enriched dough with milk and butter will give you the softest, most tender crumb, perfect for this recipe.
Can I add nuts or other fillings inside the dough?
Yes, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and complement the cinnamon sugar beautifully. You can also experiment with raisins or small chocolate chips for a twist.
How thick should the dough be rolled out?
Rolling the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness gives enough surface area for the cinnamon sugar to infuse the bread without making it too dense.
Is the icing necessary or can I skip it?
The icing adds a sweet, glossy finish that balances the warm spices perfectly, but if you prefer less sweetness, you can absolutely enjoy the bread without it or brush with extra melted butter instead.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe enough. It’s such a joyous, comforting bread that’s easy to make but feels like a real treat. Perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring on a quiet morning, it’s a delicious way to bring a little of Dollywood’s magic right into your home. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with every bite!
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices)
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is a sweet, fragrant pull-apart bread featuring soft, cinnamon-sugar coated layers baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze. This treat captures the beloved flavors of the iconic Southern theme park snack, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon indulgence.
Ingredients
Bread Dough and Filling
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick during baking.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly to create your cinnamon sugar coating.
- Roll and Slit Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed bread dough into a rectangle approximately 8 by 14 inches. Using kitchen scissors or a knife, carefully make 4–5 deep cuts across the dough, ensuring you don’t slice all the way through.
- Butter and Coat Dough: Brush the entire surface of the dough, including the slits, with the melted butter. Then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough, making sure to get some inside the slits for maximum flavor.
- Fold and Place in Pan: Fold the dough lengthwise in half, gently pressing it down. Carefully transfer the folded dough into the prepared loaf pan, arranging it so it fits snugly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown and is fully cooked through.
- Prepare Icing: While the bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (starting with 2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract until the icing is smooth and pourable. Add more milk if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Cool and Drizzle: After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes. Then drizzle the prepared icing over the warm bread before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a bit of brown sugar to the cinnamon mixture or sprinkle chopped nuts inside the slits before folding.
- This bread is best served fresh but can be reheated for 10 seconds in the microwave for a warm, soft texture.
- You can store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to two days.
- Use bread dough labeled for artisan or sandwich loaf for best texture.
