Name: Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk (more as needed); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

This homemade version of the famous Dollywood Cinnamon Bread brings all the magic of the theme park into my kitchen. It’s warm, fluffy, and packed with layers of buttery cinnamon-sugar, then finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. It’s pull-apart perfection — ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

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

For the Bread:

1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk (more as needed)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

I roll out the thawed dough into an 8×12-inch rectangle.

Then I brush it generously with melted butter.

In a small bowl, I mix the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the dough.

I cut the dough into strips, stack them, and place them side-by-side into the prepared loaf pan.

Then I brush on any leftover butter and sprinkle extra cinnamon-sugar on top.

I bake it for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

While it’s still warm, I whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle it over the bread before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 slices

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal per serving

Variations

Sometimes I like to add chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for a little crunch. For a festive twist, I might mix in some chopped dried apples or raisins. If I’m in the mood for something extra decadent, I add a swirl of cream cheese filling or top it with a maple glaze instead of vanilla.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm a slice in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. If I’ve stored it in the fridge, I let it come to room temperature first or warm it in a low oven for 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

How do I thaw frozen bread dough quickly?

I usually thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, but if I’m short on time, I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it sit at room temperature for 2–3 hours.

Can I use homemade dough instead of frozen?

Absolutely. I sometimes use a simple yeast dough recipe if I want a from-scratch version, but frozen dough is a convenient shortcut that still delivers amazing results.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the bread (up to the baking step) and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, I let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If I want something less sweet, I skip the glaze or dust the bread with powdered sugar. A cream cheese glaze is also a delicious option.

Is this bread best served warm or at room temperature?

I always enjoy it best when it’s warm — the texture is softer and the glaze melts slightly into the layers, making each bite extra gooey and delicious.

Conclusion

Making Dollywood Cinnamon Bread at home is a sweet, simple way to treat myself to a little comfort baking. It’s warm, soft, and packed with cinnamon-sugar flavor that never disappoints. Whether I serve it fresh from the oven or sneak a reheated slice the next day, this pull-apart bread always brings smiles and second servings.

Recipe: