Name: Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound frozen bread dough, thawed; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup butter, melted; Topping:; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup butter, melted (for dipping)

Why You’ll Love Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a hit for so many reasons. It’s incredibly simple to prepare thanks to store-bought frozen bread dough, meaning there’s no kneading or rising required. It’s a perfect make-ahead option for gatherings or weekend breakfasts and tastes just like the theme park version—if not better. The pull-apart layers are soaked in buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with even more flavor after baking, making every bite melt in your mouth.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound frozen bread dough, thawed
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, melted

Topping:

1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, melted (for dipping)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Roll the thawed bread dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Brush the dough with 1/2 cup melted butter.
Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon over the buttered dough.
Cut the dough into 2-inch wide strips. Stack the strips, then cut the stack into 2-inch pieces.
Layer the pieces loosely into the greased loaf pan.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the bread is baking, mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the topping.
Remove the bread from the oven, brush with 1/2 cup melted butter, and sprinkle immediately with the cinnamon sugar topping.
Serve warm, optionally with icing or whipped cream for dipping.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus thawing)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving

Variations

Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk over the top.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for added crunch.
Use Homemade Dough: If preferred, make your own enriched bread dough instead of using frozen.
Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mix for extra warmth.
Mini Loaves: Divide the dough between smaller pans for individual servings or gifts.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes until warm and soft. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.

FAQs

How do I thaw frozen bread dough?

Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight or leave it at room temperature for a few hours until it becomes soft and pliable.

Can I make this cinnamon bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the loaf ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

What can I use instead of frozen bread dough?

Homemade bread dough or even refrigerated biscuit dough can work, though texture may vary slightly.

Is this bread sweet enough without glaze?

Yes, it’s very flavorful on its own, but you can add icing for extra indulgence.

Can I freeze the baked bread?

Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

It should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. An internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C) indicates doneness.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white?

Absolutely! Brown sugar will add a deeper, caramel-like flavor.

What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

You can bake it in a round cake pan or even a bundt pan; just adjust the baking time as needed.

Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?

Yes, it’s a fun and simple recipe that’s great for kids to join in—especially when layering the dough.

What can I serve with cinnamon bread?

It pairs perfectly with coffee, milk, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Conclusion

This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings a taste of theme park magic into your home kitchen. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves cozy, cinnamon-filled treats. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, it’s bound to become a family favorite.