Name: Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread
Prep time: 1 h 40 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 1/4 cups warm milk; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Have you ever walked past a bakery and caught a whiff of something so warm, sweet, and cinnamony it stopped you in your tracks? That’s the exact magic captured in this Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread — a golden loaf swirled with ribbons of brown sugar and cinnamon, then finished with a drizzle of creamy vanilla glaze. Whether you’ve tasted the original at the park or not, this homemade version brings all the cozy, buttery charm right to your kitchen.

Soft on the inside with a slightly crunchy cinnamon crust, this bread is meant to be pulled apart and shared. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon coffee breaks, or a sweet after-dinner bite, it’s one of those bakes that vanishes fast. Get ready for your kitchen to smell like a cinnamon wonderland.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, having the right tools will make the process smoother and your bread even better.

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of medium to large mixing bowls for making the dough and mixing the cinnamon sugar topping. Using glass or stainless steel is ideal for keeping the dough at the right temp.
Loaf Pan: A standard 9×5 inch loaf pan works best to give you that tall, bakery-style bread with room for the cinnamon swirl to expand.
Stand Mixer (optional but helpful): If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, it will save you some arm work while kneading.
Pastry Brush: For brushing the melted butter into all the crevices of the dough before sprinkling on that cinnamon sugar.
Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper: You’ll need this to score or slice your dough before baking so the layers of cinnamon can burst through beautifully.
Cooling Rack: Letting the bread cool slightly on a rack keeps the crust from getting soggy.

Set everything up before you start, and this recipe will be as comforting to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients for the Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread

Each ingredient in this recipe brings something essential to the table, ensuring that signature moist, fluffy texture and warm, spiced flavor.

All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of the bread, giving it structure and chew without being too dense.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and supports the yeast fermentation.
Active Dry Yeast: The key to a soft and pillowy loaf. It makes the dough rise and gives it a tender crumb.
Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
Butter: Melted into the dough for richness and brushed on top for that signature buttery flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Cinnamon: The heart of the recipe, providing deep warmth and aroma.
Brown Sugar: Combines with cinnamon to make those irresistible sugary swirls inside and on top.
Powdered Sugar: Used for the final glaze, giving a sweet, silky finish.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the glaze with classic dessert flavor notes.

How To Make the Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Then add melted butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms, and knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Roll and Fill

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Brush generously with melted butter. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over the dough.

Step 3: Fold and Score

Fold the dough in half lengthwise, then cut 4-5 slits across the top, being careful not to cut all the way through. This helps the cinnamon sugar peek through when baking.

Step 4: Final Rise and Bake

Transfer the dough to a greased loaf pan. Let it rise again for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5: Glaze It

Once baked, let the bread cool slightly on a rack. Mix powdered sugar, a little milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the warm bread generously.

Serving and Storing Your Cinnamon Bread

Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread is best served warm, just a few minutes out of the oven when the glaze is still slightly melting into the crevices. Tear off a piece, or slice it thickly for breakfast, dessert, or even a sweet snack alongside coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with a pat of butter or even a swipe of cream cheese.

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave a slice for about 15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F until soft.

Freezing is also an option—wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze fresh before serving if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size during the first rise. A good test is to press your finger gently into the dough—if the indentation stays, it’s ready.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise for up to 12 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No problem! You can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface. It might take a few more minutes but works just as well.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The bread is still rich and sweet without it, but the glaze adds that iconic Dollywood touch.

Can I make this gluten-free?

You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to choose a blend designed for yeast breads.

Why does my cinnamon sugar leak to the bottom?

That’s normal and delicious! The excess sugar often caramelizes at the bottom, creating a sweet crust. Just make sure to grease your pan well to prevent sticking.

Want More Sweet Bread Ideas?

If cinnamon bread is your comfort zone, you’re going to love expanding into similar sweet and cozy bakes.

You might also like the Cinnamon Donut Bread, which has a sugar-cinnamon crust that mimics your favorite donut shop treat. Or dive into something fruity with the Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake — a tender cake layered with apples and buttery crumble topping.

For a playful twist on pastry, check out these Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes that marry creamy filling with cinnamon swirls in a bite-sized dessert. And if you’re craving even more cinnamon goodness in a different form, the Apple Enchiladas offer all the warm spice in a soft, rolled tortilla package.

The No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies might not be a bread, but they’re just as quick to disappear at gatherings. Perfect for pairing with your cinnamon bread spread!

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go heavy on the cinnamon? Did you double the glaze? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others bake it.

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