Name: Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk; 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 3¼ cups bread flour; 1 teaspoon salt; ⅔ cup granulated sugar (for coating); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 4 tablespoons butter, melted (for coating); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Warm, buttery, and laced with ribbons of cinnamon sugar, this Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread captures the magic of the theme park treat in every bite. Whether you’ve stood in that famous line at the Grist Mill or just heard the legends of how irresistible it is, this homemade version brings the cozy comfort of Dollywood straight into your kitchen.

With soft pull-apart layers and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust, this bread is more than a treat—it’s a nostalgic experience. Ideal for weekends, holiday mornings, or any time you’re craving something sweet, it fills your home with the kind of bakery aroma that feels like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread

This recipe delivers all the gooey, sugary goodness of the original, but with the added joy of making it from scratch. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, and nothing beats the reward of pulling apart those fluffy, golden pieces that are drenched in cinnamon sugar and topped with a vanilla glaze.

What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Cinnamon Bread?

To get that signature pull-apart softness, a simple yeast-based dough works best. You don’t need anything fancy—just patience and a warm spot for it to rise. If you’re short on time, a store-bought frozen bread dough can be a handy shortcut, but nothing truly compares to homemade dough made with love.

Ingredients for the Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread

Making this cinnamon bread from scratch means you control the flavor, texture, and sweetness. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Bread Flour – Helps give structure to the bread while keeping it soft and chewy.

Instant Yeast – Speeds up the rise time and gets you to the cinnamon faster.

Sugar – Both for sweetening the dough and forming the cinnamon sugar coating.

Salt – Enhances the flavor and balances out the sweetness.

Butter – Adds richness to the dough and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.

Warm Milk – Activates the yeast and makes the dough extra tender.

Egg – Provides structure and helps with browning.

Cinnamon – The star of the show; don’t be shy with it.

Vanilla Glaze – A simple mix of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to finish things off.

How To Make the Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. Add egg, melted butter, salt, and bread flour. Mix and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape and Coat

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle. Cut the dough into strips and generously coat each one in melted butter and a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Stack the strips loosely in a greased loaf pan, letting them fold naturally.

Step 3: Second Rise

Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes. This helps it puff up beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Mix powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm bread and serve immediately—pulling it apart is half the fun.

How to Serve and Store This Cinnamon Bread

This cinnamon bread is best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven when the glaze is still slightly runny and the layers are fluffy. It serves about 6 people generously, but don’t be surprised if it disappears much faster.

To store, wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that “just-baked” warmth. You can also freeze the bread before glazing and reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Bread?

A Hot Cup of Coffee

The bittersweet notes of coffee pair beautifully with the cinnamon and sugar.

Chai Latte

The warm spices in chai complement the flavors in the bread for a cozy pairing.

Fresh Fruit

Serve with strawberries or sliced apples to balance the sweetness with something fresh.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop alongside warm slices turns this into a decadent dessert.

Maple Bacon

If you’re serving this for brunch, salty maple-glazed bacon is a savory contrast.

Whipped Cream Cheese

Spread a little over warm pieces for a creamy, tangy twist.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Drizzle a little over the top during fall months for extra autumnal vibes.

Want More Bread Ideas?

If you love this sweet pull-apart cinnamon loaf, you’ll definitely enjoy these other bread recipes too:

Try Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread if you’re into soft, festive loaves with color.
The Pumpkin Bread With Maple Cream Cheese Filling is perfect for fall brunch tables.
You’ll adore the Creamy Corn Dip as a savory companion to your next spread.
Add a savory twist with Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs on the side.
Sweeten things up more with a slice of Butter Pecan Cheesecake after!

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra cinnamon or make it with a cream cheese glaze instead? I love seeing your creative takes.

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Conclusion

Bringing Dollywood into your home kitchen has never been easier. This cinnamon bread is sweet, gooey, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re recreating vacation memories or simply craving a cozy bake, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try and see why it’s a beloved classic worth making again and again.