If you have a sweet tooth and a love for fluffy, cinnamon-packed treats, then the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This delightful bread comes straight from the heart of Dollywood’s kitchen and is known far and wide for its perfect blend of soft dough, buttery cinnamon swirls, and that irresistible aroma that fills your home as it bakes. Every bite offers a cozy, warm hug of flavor, making it an ideal centerpiece for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward this homemade delight, and the simplicity of this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe is part of what makes it so wonderful. Each ingredient plays a key role—from the fluffy flour forming the bread’s structure to the warm cinnamon flavor mingling with the butter for that perfect swirl.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the soft, tender base for this bread’s delightful crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the cinnamon and enriches the dough.
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast: This is the powerhouse that makes your bread rise, ensuring a light texture.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances flavors by balancing the sweetness and elevating the cinnamon notes.
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for perfect dough consistency.
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this bread its signature warm, fragrant flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create those luscious cinnamon swirls throughout the bread.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm water, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes until it gets frothy and alive—this means your yeast is ready and will give your bread that perfect rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Then, create a well in the center to make room for your wet ingredients, which will help you mix everything more evenly.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the activated yeast mixture and melted butter into the well of dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough so it stays tender and soft once baked.
Step 4: Knead and Let Rise
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about five minutes until smooth and elastic. Then, place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—usually about one hour. This step is crucial for developing that wonderfully airy texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirls
Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Roll it out into a rectangular shape. Spread softened butter generously across the surface, then sprinkle with an extra cinnamon-sugar mixture (you can mix some additional sugar with ground cinnamon). Roll the dough up tightly to trap all that flavor inside.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the rolled dough into pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Let these beauties cool just a bit before enjoying.
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This cinnamon bread shines on its own, but you can elevate it with simple garnishes such as a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or even a thin spread of cream cheese for added creaminess that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve slices of this bread alongside fresh fruit, a hot cup of coffee, or a bowl of creamy yogurt for a balanced and satisfying breakfast or snack. It’s also delightful paired with rich hot chocolate for an indulgent treat on colder days.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe into a stunning centerpiece by stacking slices in a bread basket or arranging them on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like melted butter and cinnamon-honey glaze. It makes for a welcoming touch at brunch or holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cinnamon bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature, maintaining its softness and flavor—perfect for catering to those repeat cravings.
Freezing
If you want to savor this bread later, freezing is a fantastic option. Slice the bread first, wrap pieces individually or in small batches with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to two months, ready whenever you want a comforting bite.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or use a toaster oven until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges. This brings back the fresh-baked sensation and makes your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe just as delightful as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you have instant yeast, you can use it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing it in warm water. Just adjust the water slightly, and your bread will still rise beautifully.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter but reduce the added salt slightly to keep the flavor balanced. Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness, but either will work.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?
Yes, feel free to fold in chopped nuts or raisins into the dough after the first rise or sprinkle them on before rolling. It gives the bread delightful texture and added bursts of flavor.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. The aroma will also be strong and cinnamony—the smell is a good sign it’s ready.
Is this bread best enjoyed warm or at room temperature?
While it’s delicious at room temperature, this cinnamon bread absolutely shines when enjoyed warm. The butter and cinnamon flavors become more pronounced, and the texture feels fresher and softer.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe with you feels like passing along a treasured secret. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a delightful project that rewards you with a treat bursting with warmth and flavor. Whether it’s a sweet start to your day or a comforting afternoon snack, this bread brings a little slice of Dollywood magic right into your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a soft, sweet, and cinnamon-infused yeast bread that’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. This recipe features a tender dough enriched with cinnamon and butter, rolled up with a cinnamon-sugar filling, baked to golden perfection with a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Softened butter for spreading
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture (from remaining sugar and cinnamon) for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Create a well in the center of these dry ingredients to prepare for the wet ingredients.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture and melted unsalted butter into the well of the dry ingredients. Mix gently until all ingredients come together into a dough, being careful not to overwork it to keep the bread tender.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for approximately 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare Filling and Roll: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle generously with a cinnamon-sugar mixture made from the reserved sugar and cinnamon. Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the rolled dough into approximately 12 equal pieces and place them into a greased baking dish with the cut side facing upwards. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Allow the dough to rise in a draft-free, warm environment for the best results.
- Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt levels in the dough.
- For a more festive touch, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the bread once cooled.
- The bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
