There’s something special about Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread—soft, sweet, and packed with cozy cinnamon flavor. Now you can bring that same homemade comfort to your kitchen with this easy recipe that captures all the magic in every bite.
Why We Love This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Dollywood cinnamon bread isn’t just a snack—it’s a memory. That warm, pull-apart loaf is packed with everything you want in a homemade treat: comfort, simplicity, and rich cinnamon flavor. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
It uses pantry staples you already have
Each slice pulls apart with perfect softness
Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up
You can make it ahead for entertaining or gifting
The house smells absolutely amazing while it bakes
If you’re looking for a nostalgic bake that delivers both flavor and fun, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast, helping it to activate. It also balances the cinnamon sugar coating for the classic dollywood cinnamon bread recipe flavor.
Unsalted Butter (melted) – Adds richness and moisture to the dough. For the dollywood cinnamon bread recipe, unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness. If using salted butter, reduce added salt accordingly.
All-Purpose Flour – The main structure-builder in the dollywood cinnamon bread recipe. Adding the right amount ensures a soft yet sturdy dough.
Brown Sugar (light or dark) – Used in the cinnamon sugar coating. Brown sugar gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness essential to the classic dollywood cinnamon bread recipe flavor.
Ground Cinnamon – The star spice in the dollywood cinnamon bread recipe. Freshly ground cinnamon gives the bread its signature warm, cozy aroma.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread at Home
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Stir in melted butter and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead by hand or in a stand mixer for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Loaves
Divide the dough into 2 or 4 equal pieces, depending on the size of your loaf pans. Slice 4-5 slits into each loaf lengthwise, careful not to cut all the way through. This helps create that signature pull-apart texture.
Step 5: Dip and Roll
Dip each loaf in melted butter, then roll generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure every surface is coated.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Place each loaf in a greased loaf pan. Let rest for 15 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 7: Add Glaze (Optional)
If desired, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over the warm bread before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Room temperature ingredients yield better dough consistency
Slits in the dough help create the classic pull-apart look and texture
Don’t overbake or you risk a dry loaf
Tent with foil if the bread browns too fast on top
Use a stand mixer to save time during kneading
Delicious Variations to Try
Apple Cinnamon Bread: Layer thin apple slices between dough layers before coating
Cream Cheese-Stuffed: Pipe sweetened cream cheese into the slits before baking
Mini Loaves: Use small loaf pans for gifting or portion control
Nutty Cinnamon Bread: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar
Chocolate Swirl: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the dough slits for a decadent twist
Serving Suggestions
This bread is best served warm, straight from the oven or reheated slightly. Try these ideas:
With hot coffee or a chai latte for a cozy breakfast
Topped with whipped cream or ice cream as dessert
As a sweet brunch centerpiece
Wrapped in parchment paper as a homemade holiday gift
It’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and always a conversation starter.
More Bread recipes you will love!
FAQ About Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
How do I store homemade Dollywood cinnamon bread?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat when needed.
Can I use pre-made dough instead?
Yes, store-bought frozen bread dough works in a pinch, though the texture and flavor of homemade are superior.
What makes this bread so soft and fluffy?
Proper kneading, fresh yeast, and allowing the dough to rise fully are the key factors.
Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Yes! Even if it’s your first time making bread, the steps are easy to follow and forgiving.
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Equipment
- Loaf Pan
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 packet active dry yeast 2¼ teaspoons
- 1 cup warm milk about 110°F
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup brown sugar light or dark
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in melted butter and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until dough forms. Knead by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to greased bowl. Cover with a towel and let rise in warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Divide dough into 2 or 4 pieces depending on loaf pan size. Slice 4-5 slits lengthwise in each piece without cutting all the way through.
- Dip each loaf in melted butter, then roll generously in cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating every surface.
- Place each loaf in greased loaf pan. Let rest 15 minutes while oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Bake 30–35 minutes until golden and firm.
- If desired, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze. Drizzle over warm bread before serving.