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
Scale
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.
