Dollywood’s Famous Cinnamon Bread

Dollywood’s Famous Cinnamon Bread is a legendary treat known for its soft, pull-apart texture, buttery coating, and generous layers of cinnamon sugar. A staple at Dollywood amusement park in Tennessee, this indulgent bread is now a homemade favorite that brings theme park magic straight to your kitchen. Warm, gooey, and sweetly spiced, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cinnamon bread is pure comfort food: soft on the inside, golden and caramelized on the outside, and coated in melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s simple to prepare and smells amazing as it bakes. The pull-apart format makes it fun to eat and easy to share (if you’re willing). Whether you’ve had it at Dollywood or not, this recipe captures the iconic flavor and nostalgic charm.

Ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Warm water
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Eggs
• Unsalted butter (softened and melted)
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
• Milk or cream (for glaze)
• Vanilla extract (for glaze)

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Stir in sugar, salt, eggs, softened butter, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the bread: Punch down the dough and divide in half. Roll each portion into a log about 8–10 inches long. Cut several deep slits across the top of each loaf, about 1 inch apart.
3. Coat with cinnamon sugar: Dip each loaf in melted butter, then roll in a generous mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon. Make sure to coat inside the slits too.
4. Bake: Place loaves in greased loaf pans. Let rise for another 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Optional glaze: While the bread bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the warm bread right after baking.
6. Serve: Let cool slightly, then pull apart and enjoy warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2 loaves (serves 10–12)
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the cinnamon sugar mix.
• Raisin twist: Add raisins or dried cranberries into the dough.
• Cream cheese glaze: Swap traditional glaze for a rich cream cheese version.
• Mini loaves: Divide the dough into smaller portions for individual breads.
• Stuffed version: Place a small cube of cream cheese inside each slit for extra richness.

Storage/reheating

Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm whole loaves in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. The bread also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What makes Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread so special?

Its soft, fluffy interior, generous cinnamon sugar crust, and signature pull-apart style make it irresistible.

Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Yes, just mix and knead the dough by hand until smooth and elastic.

Do I have to use loaf pans?

No, you can bake the bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a bundt pan for a twist.

Can I use pre-made dough?

Yes, frozen bread dough or biscuit dough can be used for a quicker version.

Is the glaze required?

No, but it adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes the bread even more decadent.

Can I let the dough rise overnight?

Yes, refrigerate the dough after the first rise and bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

How do I know when the bread is done?

It should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. An instant-read thermometer should read 190°F in the center.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking.

What type of yeast should I use?

Active dry or instant yeast both work. If using instant, you can skip the proofing step.

Can I double the cinnamon sugar coating?

Yes! The more coating, the more flavorful and gooey the crust.

Conclusion

Dollywood’s Famous Cinnamon Bread is a homemade treat that brings the beloved theme park experience into your own kitchen. With its tender texture, rich cinnamon-sugar crust, and buttery aroma, it’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a special breakfast, a festive brunch, or a cozy dessert, this pull-apart bread is pure comfort in every bite.

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