Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Treat

This Dollywood cinnamon bread recipe brings the magic of a theme park favorite straight to your kitchen, using just six simple ingredients and minimal prep time for fresh, pull apart bread that is buttery, sugary, and ready in under an hour. If you are searching for an easy cinnamon bread that tastes just like the real thing and fills your house with the aroma of a bakery, you are in the perfect place. With only 25 minutes of hands on prep and a quick bake, this treat delivers foolproof delight as a quick breakfast or comforting dessert any day of the week.

I first baked this easy Dollywood cinnamon bread for a family movie night during the holidays, and it disappeared in mere minutes—now we make it all through the year whenever we crave a homemade treat that feels indulgent but is effortless. The first time I tried extra cinnamon sugar in the slits, the middle pieces turned out incredibly sticky and flavorful, quickly becoming everyone’s favorite part. Watching my kids pull apart the shiny, glazed loaf while the kitchen is filled with laughter and the scent of warm cinnamon bread is the definition of a cozy family brunch at our house.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Frozen bread dough, thawed: Store bought frozen dough saves time and works beautifully for a soft, bakery style crumb; ensure it is fully thawed for easy rolling, or use a gluten free variety if needed
• Unsalted butter, melted: Brushed over the dough for maximum richness and a golden brown crust; plant based butter is a great dairy free substitute
• Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for the classic sweet cinnamon crust, use fine white sugar for a smooth texture and balanced sweetness
• Ground cinnamon: The essential warming spice for that signature Dollywood aroma, always use a fresh jar for the boldest flavor in every bite
• Powdered sugar: The base for the creamy glaze that melts gloriously over the warm bread and gives the bakery finish
• Milk: Just a small splash to thin the glaze, with regular, almond, or oat milk all working well without affecting flavor
• Vanilla extract: Adds fragrant depth to the vanilla glaze, enhancing the final drizzle with a hint of sweetness and warmth

How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Prepare the Dough for Pull Apart Perfection:

Let the frozen bread dough thaw completely to be soft and workable, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 6 inches by 12 inches. If the dough feels resistant, let it sit for 10 minutes until relaxed; rolling evenly helps ensure every bite gets the perfect amount of cinnamon sugar filling.

Cut Slits and Layer with Butter:

Using a sharp knife, make deep diagonal slits across the dough, taking care not to cut all the way through. Brush melted butter generously over the entire surface and into every slit so the inside stays moist and rich during baking.

Coat Generously with Cinnamon Sugar:

Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl, then sprinkle heavily across the dough, pressing the mixture gently so it coats every slit and corner. The dough should look evenly dusted with cinnamon sugar, promising a sweet, crisp crust after baking.

Transfer to Pan and Bake to Golden Brown:

Carefully lift the coated dough into a greased loaf pan, tucking in the edges if needed, and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes. The bread is done when the top is a deep golden brown, the kitchen is fragrant, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Drizzle with Sweet Vanilla Glaze:

While the bread bakes, stir together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Once the bread has cooled for a few minutes out of the oven, drizzle the glaze slowly over the warm loaf, letting it melt into the slits and flow over the top for perfect sticky sweetness.

Serve Warm for Ultimate Enjoyment:

Pull the bread apart while still warm for the classic Dollywood gooey, soft experience—layers should come away easily, drenched in butter and cinnamon sugar. For extra decadence, brush with a bit more butter or add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar just before serving.

My first time baking this cinnamon bread, I added a double dose of cinnamon sugar between the slits, and my kids declared it the best treat ever. Now it is a staple for family movie nights and holiday brunches, with the kitchen staying cozy and full of laughter every time we pull apart a warm, glazed loaf fresh from the oven. Plus, it provides a bit of extra staying power thanks to the hearty dough and rich filling keeping everyone fueled for hours.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This Dollywood cinnamon bread recipe is incredibly flexible and perfect for customizing based on what you have or dietary needs. For a dairy free or vegan version, simply use plant based butter and replace milk in the glaze with almond or oat milk for a subtle nutty flavor. You can swap in half light brown sugar for the cinnamon coating for a deeper caramel note, add mini chocolate chips for a twist, or incorporate orange zest into the glaze for a bright, citrusy finish. Gluten free bread dough works well here, preserving the classic pull apart texture for everyone to enjoy.

How to Store and Reheat Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

For the freshest cinnamon bread, let it cool fully before wrapping in plastic or storing in an airtight container. Leave at room temperature up to two days, or refrigerate if your kitchen is humid to keep it soft and prevent stickiness. For long term storage, wrap individual slices in foil, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months; to reheat, bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or microwave slices for about 20 seconds. If making ahead for brunch or holidays, prep the dough and cinnamon coating the night before and bake fresh the next morning for bakery perfect results.

What to Serve with Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Serve Dollywood cinnamon bread as part of a cozy breakfast spread with strong coffee, fresh fruit, and scrambled eggs, or for a theme park inspired snack with apple cider or hot cocoa. For special dessert occasions, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it completely over the top. Place the loaf whole on a large board and invite everyone to pull pieces for a fun, interactive family experience reminiscent of sharing at the park.

Nutritional Benefits

Besides being one of the easiest sweet breads you can make, Dollywood cinnamon bread offers a mix of protein, carbs, and a small amount of fat for lasting satisfaction. A serving provides around 15 grams of protein due to the enriched dough, along with energy boosting carbs and zero artificial ingredients or preservatives. It is naturally vegetarian and easily adapted for gluten free or vegan diets.

Recipe Success Tips

The key to perfect pull apart Dollywood cinnamon bread is giving the dough enough time to thaw and relax, ensuring maximum fluffiness and tenderness. If the top browns faster than the center bakes, tent with foil during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning. For an extra sticky topping, be generous with both the melted butter and cinnamon sugar, making sure to push the mixture deep into every slit before baking for bakery worthy results.

Bringing the joy of Dollywood cinnamon bread to your own kitchen is endlessly rewarding and even easier than you think. Treat your family or guests to a pan of this melt-in-your-mouth bread for your next special breakfast or get together and watch how quickly it disappears.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of bread dough should I use?

Frozen white bread dough works best, as it provides a soft, fluffy texture similar to Dollywood's version. Make sure to thaw it before use.

→ How do I achieve the signature pull-apart texture?

Cut deep slits in the dough without slicing all the way through. This allows butter and cinnamon sugar to seep inside and makes the bread easy to pull apart after baking.

→ Can I use homemade dough rather than store-bought?

Yes, homemade white bread dough works well and just needs to rise until doubled before shaping and flavoring with cinnamon and sugar.

→ What’s the best way to apply the glaze?

While the bread is still warm from the oven, drizzle the glaze in a back-and-forth motion so it melts slightly over the bread for the classic finish.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for longer freshness. Reheat before serving for best taste.