So, there I was standing in my kitchen and staring at a bowl of lumpy dough because I was trying to make Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread for the first time, but it looked like a total mess, so I thought, “Great, this is going to be a disaster.”

However, I remembered my grandma saying, “Even the messiest kitchen can make the best treats,” so I kept going because have you ever tried making Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread and ended up with sticky dough on your hands and your sleeves and even on the floor? That was exactly me.

Then something magical happened because as soon as that first whiff of cinnamon hit the air, all my worries disappeared, and even my dog was staring at me like “Are you eating that or sharing?” because the smell of Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread was so sweet and warm, so cozy that I couldn’t help but smile.

I thought, why don’t we make treats more often, even if it’s a little messy, because every bite of Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread makes it completely worth it.

ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for topping)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

ingredients notes

• Warm milk: Make sure it’s warm, not hot, so the yeast wakes up. Think of it like giving the yeast a warm blanket.
• Yeast: This helps the bread rise and get fluffy.
• Butter: Softened or melted butter makes the bread rich and yummy.
• Eggs: Eggs help make the bread soft and hold everything together.
• Cinnamon and brown sugar: The cinnamon sugar swirl is what makes this bread magical.
• Glaze: The sweet topping makes the bread sticky and extra delicious.

How to make Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread?

step 1: activate the yeast

In a small bowl, pour warm milk and sprinkle yeast on top. Add a pinch of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You’ll see it get foamy like tiny bubbles—this means the yeast is ready to help the bread rise.

step 2: mix the dough

In a big bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Stir until smooth. Then, slowly add the foamy yeast mixture. Add flour little by little and mix until you have a sticky dough.

step 3: knead the dough

Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface. Put the dough on it and press, fold, and stretch it for about 8-10 minutes. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. The dough should feel soft and stretchy.

step 4: first rise

Put the dough in a big greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size. This is the magic moment where the bread grows!

step 5: prepare the filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. This is your sweet, yummy swirl. Set aside.

step 6: roll and fill

Take the risen dough and punch it gently to get the air out. Roll it into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly on top.

step 7: shape the bread

Starting from one side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the edges to seal. Put it into a greased loaf pan with the seam side down.

step 8: second rise

Cover the loaf pan with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until it puffs up nicely.

step 9: bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. If the top starts to brown too fast, cover loosely with foil.

step 10: make the glaze

While the bread is baking, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.

step 11: glaze the bread

Take the bread out of the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread. Don’t wait too long; warm bread absorbs the glaze best.

step 12: enjoy!

Slice thick pieces and enjoy with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, or just by itself. Yum!

kitchen equipment needed

• Small bowl for yeast
• Big mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Clean surface for kneading
• Loaf pan
• Oven
• Small bowl for glaze
• Whisk or fork for mixing glaze
• Plastic wrap or clean towel

storage options!

If you have leftover bread (though it might not last long!), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread. When you want a piece, just toast or warm it for a few minutes. The bread tastes almost as good as fresh when reheated.

variations!

You can make this cinnamon bread your own by trying different flavors:

• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy surprise.
• Swap cinnamon sugar for chocolate chips for a chocolate swirl.
• Use caramel or cream cheese glaze instead of vanilla glaze.
• Make mini loaves for sharing or gifting.
• Add a little orange zest to the cinnamon sugar for a fruity twist.

what to enjoy with dollywood’s cinnamon bread

I love eating Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread with Copycat Panera Tomato Bisque Soup because the warm soup and the sweet, cinnamon-y bread are a match made in heaven. Sometimes, I just dunk a piece in the soup, and it’s heaven in my mouth, and I wonder why I don’t do this every week.

Another thing I love is having it with Oatmeal Breakfast Bake because I can slice a piece of Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread on the side and have a sweet breakfast. Sometimes, my kids sneak bites before I even finish plating it because they know how good it tastes, and it makes me laugh every single time.

Finally, I love having Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread with a drizzle of honey and a little sprinkle of cinnamon on top because it makes breakfast feel fancy. I sometimes pretend I’m at a bakery in the morning, and it makes me so happy. Have you ever tried that, because it’s one of those little things that make your day?

tips for making the best dollywood’s cinnamon bread

• Always use warm milk for the yeast. Too hot or cold won’t work.
• Don’t rush the rising time. Let the dough double in size—it makes a big difference.
• Softened butter spreads easier than melted butter for the swirl.
• Be generous with cinnamon sugar—it’s the star of the bread!
• Drizzle glaze while the bread is warm, not hot or cold, for best absorption.
• Knead dough well to make it soft and fluffy.

FAQ

what is dollywood’s cinnamon bread made of?

It’s made of flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, yeast, cinnamon, and brown sugar, with a sweet glaze on top.

what does dollywood’s cinnamon bread taste like?

Sweet, soft, buttery, and cinnamon-y with a gooey glaze that melts in your mouth.

how long does Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread take to make?

Including rising and baking, about 3 hours.

can kids help make Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread?

Yes, kids can help mix, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, and drizzle the glaze.

can i freeze it?

Yes, slice and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Toast when ready to eat.

can i use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, but follow the package instructions as measurements may differ.

can i make it gluten-free?

You can try a gluten-free flour mix, but the texture will be slightly different.

what is the best way to serve it?

Warm with glaze, alone or with milk, cocoa, or fruit.

how do i make it extra soft?

Knead well, use warm milk, and don’t skimp on the butter.

can i add chocolate chips?

Yes! Sprinkle them on the dough before rolling for a chocolate swirl.

can i make mini loaves?

Absolutely, Adjust baking time to 20-25 minutes for mini loaves.

what’s the best way to store leftovers?

Wrap in plastic wrap or airtight container. Freeze for longer storage.