Dollywood Cinnamon Sweet Loaf

This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a wonderfully simple loaf that combines melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar for a sweet, comforting treat, all topped with an easy glaze. It’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack when you want that warm, cozy feeling from fresh baked goods without spending hours in the kitchen.

I stumbled across this recipe on a chilly weekend and now it’s a favorite whenever I need an easy homemade bread that feels special. My family asks for it every fall.

Ingredients

• Three quarters cup granulated sugar: to sweeten and caramelize on the bread crust, making it irresistibly crispy
• One tablespoon ground cinnamon: for that classic warm spice note to balance the sweet
• One pound frozen bread dough, thawed: which simplifies the process by giving you a fresh yeast bread ready to be transformed
• Six tablespoons salted butter, melted: provides richness and moisture that soaks down into every nook and cranny
• One cup powdered sugar: for the glaze adding a smooth sweetness on top
• Two tablespoons milk: to thin the glaze for the perfect drizzling texture

Ingredients

When selecting frozen bread dough, try to pick a high quality one with minimal additives and a good yeast rise. Cinnamon should be fragrant and fresh for the best taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Spoon the Sugars:

Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl mixing well. This creates your signature coating that will flavor every bite.

Prepare the Bread Dough:

Place the thawed frozen bread dough in a baking dish rather than the loaf pan for easier handling and better access to all sides for butter and cinnamon sugar.

Cut Slits:

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut 5 deep slits through the dough without cutting all the way through. This allows the buttery cinnamon sugar to infuse inside the loaf.

Butter the First Side:

Brush the inside of the slits and the visible surface with melted salted butter ensuring every section is coated to help the sugar stick and the bread stay moist.

Add Cinnamon Sugar:

Over this buttered side generously massaging about one third of the cinnamon sugar mixture into the slits and surface. This sticky layer drives the sweet cinnamon flavor inside.

Flip and Repeat:

Turn the loaf over and again spread butter on this side fully coating it. Use another third of the cinnamon sugar mixture rubbing it thoroughly into the dough.

Butter and Sugar the Top:

Flip the loaf over one more time and drizzle remaining butter on top. Then sprinkle half the remaining sugar over the loaf’s surface, pressing it lightly to adhere.

Final Sugar Touch:

Add any leftover cinnamon sugar over the top, using remaining butter to moisten it. Avoid dry sugar on the surface for an even melting topping.

Transfer to Pan:

Place the prepared bread cut side up into the sprayed 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. You want the cinnamon sugar layers nestled inside and on top.

Let It Rise:

Cover with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise for 30 minutes at room temperature to develop and get fluffy.

Bake the Bread:

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 40 minutes turning the pan 180 degrees halfway so it browns evenly. Put a sheet tray on the lower rack to catch any drips or spills.

Cool Slightly:

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a butter knife along the edges to help release it, then transfer the bread to a wire rack.

Glaze:

Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to form the glaze. Pour this over the still-warm bread so it melts in and adds a shiny sweet finish.

Cool a Bit Longer:

Cool a bit longer to firm up before slicing and enjoying.

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Storage Tips

Wrap leftover bread tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep it soft. Store at room temperature if eaten within two days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf wrapped in foil and plastic and thaw overnight before reheating to enjoy the best texture. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave with a damp paper towel to revive moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute frozen bread dough with fresh pizza dough or any store-bought dough if thawed properly for easy handling. Unsalted butter can be used — just sprinkle a small pinch of salt into the cinnamon sugar mixture to balance flavors. For the glaze, plant-based milk works well if you want a dairy-free finish although the flavor will be slightly different.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this bread warm with a pat of softened butter or alongside a cup of coffee or hot tea for a cozy treat. It also pairs nicely with cream cheese spread or a drizzle of honey if you want to play with textures. Break slices apart as a snack or toast slices for a crispier bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of bread dough works best?

Frozen white bread dough works well, preferably thawed to room temperature for easy handling and proper rising.

→ How do the deep slits affect the loaf?

The slits allow melted butter and cinnamon sugar to penetrate, creating layers of flavor and a moist crumb.

→ Can I substitute the cinnamon sugar filling?

Yes, you can adjust the cinnamon amount or swap with other spices like nutmeg, but the balance between sugar and spice is key.

→ What’s the purpose of the glaze?

The glaze of powdered sugar and milk adds sweetness and a shiny finish, enhancing the soft texture of the baked bread.

→ Why bake at a lower temperature (300°F)?

Baking low and slow helps the loaf cook evenly without drying, preserving a tender inside with caramelized cinnamon sugar layers.