There’s something magical about the aroma of warm cinnamon bread fresh from the oven — especially when it brings back memories of Dollywood. Known for its rich, buttery layers and generous cinnamon sugar coating, Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread has become an iconic treat for theme park visitors. But what if you could enjoy that same soft, pull-apart perfection without leaving your kitchen?
This recipe brings the sweet, Southern comfort of Dollywood’s cinnamon bread right to your table. Whether you’ve visited the park or just heard the rave reviews, this copycat version recreates the same fluffy texture, caramelized crust, and cozy flavor — with simple pantry ingredients and no special equipment required.
From the first bite, you’ll notice the soft layers of yeast-raised dough, brushed with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar. It’s the kind of bread that disappears fast, whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This guide walks you through every step — from preparing the dough to baking it golden brown — with tips to guarantee success.
If you’re craving a nostalgic treat that tastes like a warm hug, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started with everything you need to know to make Dollywood-style cinnamon bread at home — including the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for getting that perfect theme park flavor.
Key Benefits
Making Dollywood’s cinnamon bread at home isn’t just about recreating a treat — it’s about bringing a sense of comfort and joy into your kitchen. This recipe is simple, rewarding, and loaded with benefits that go beyond taste.
1. Budget-Friendly Alternative to Theme Park Treats
A single loaf of cinnamon bread at Dollywood can cost more than your entire batch at home. With pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and yeast, you can enjoy multiple loaves for a fraction of the price.
2. No Special Tools Needed
You don’t need a bread machine, stand mixer, or specialty pans. Just a mixing bowl, baking dish, and a little patience are enough to recreate this pull-apart classic.
3. Perfect for Beginners
If you’ve never made homemade bread before, this is a great place to start. The dough is forgiving, and the steps are straightforward — no advanced techniques required. Plus, the rustic pull-apart style hides imperfections.
4. Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Warm, buttery cinnamon bread is a hit with all ages. Whether you’re serving it to kids, guests, or treating yourself, this sweet loaf doesn’t last long on the table.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly
The dough can be prepped the night before and baked the next day. You can also freeze the baked bread for future cravings, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeks or holiday gatherings.
6. Customizable to Your Taste
Love extra cinnamon? Prefer a glaze drizzle? Want to add raisins or nuts? This recipe offers plenty of room for personalization without losing that signature flavor.
7. Smells Like a Bakery at Home
The aroma of cinnamon and melted butter baking in the oven is unbeatable. It fills your home with warmth and nostalgia — no scented candle can compete.
Ingredients
To recreate Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread at home, you’ll need a few pantry staples. Each ingredient is essential for building the signature soft, buttery texture and sweet cinnamon flavor that makes this bread unforgettable.
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
Provides structure for a tender, chewy loaf. - 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
Enables the dough to rise, creating a light, airy texture. - 1¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
Activates the yeast effectively. Avoid using water that’s too hot, as it can kill the yeast. - ¼ cup granulated sugar
Feeds the yeast and gives the dough a subtle sweetness. - 1½ teaspoons salt
Balances the flavors and enhances overall taste. - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Used to coat the dough, giving it a sweet and slightly crunchy finish. - 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
The core flavor of the bread — warm, aromatic, and essential. - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Brushed over the dough to help the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere and soak into the crevices.
Optional Glaze
This glaze adds a soft sweetness and enhances presentation, although it’s not part of the original Dollywood recipe.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
With these ingredients, you’ll produce one large loaf or two smaller loaves of buttery cinnamon pull-apart bread, ideal for sharing or storing for later.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your own Dollywood-style cinnamon bread from scratch. The process is straightforward and beginner-friendly, with plenty of room for success on the first try.
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F) with the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy. This signals that the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and 3 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough begins to form. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour, ¼ cup at a time, mixing between each addition. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly wet.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes, pushing and folding the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks too much, sprinkle in a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook and knead on medium speed for about 6 minutes.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
If your kitchen is cool, place the bowl in an oven that’s been briefly warmed, then turned off.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
While the dough is rising, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, melt the butter. Set both aside — you’ll need them when shaping the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rough rectangle, about 9 by 12 inches.
Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into long strips, about 1½ inches wide. Then cut each strip into smaller segments, roughly 2 to 3 inches in length.
Dip each dough piece into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Stack the pieces vertically (like a row of dominoes) in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, filling it loosely but evenly.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the filled loaf pan loosely with a towel and let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, until puffed and nearly doubled.
This rise helps the pieces expand and hold together during baking, creating that signature pull-apart effect.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has completed its second rise, place the pan on the center rack of the oven.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent the loaf with foil halfway through baking.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack.
If using glaze, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle it over the warm (not hot) bread. Let the glaze set for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips and Variations
To get the most out of your homemade Dollywood-style cinnamon bread, here are expert tips and creative variations to customize it to your taste. These tweaks can elevate the texture, flavor, and presentation while keeping the recipe approachable.
Pro Tips
Use fresh yeast for a better rise.
Old yeast often fails to activate properly. Check expiration dates and proof it in warm water with sugar to confirm it’s active.
Don’t skip the second rise.
It may be tempting to rush, but the second rise is key to the bread’s pull-apart structure and soft crumb. It gives each piece room to expand and bake evenly.
Stack the dough loosely.
Leave small gaps between dough pieces in the loaf pan. This encourages better air circulation and prevents the bread from becoming dense or gummy in the center.
Avoid overbaking.
The loaf should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. Overbaking can dry out the bread, while underbaking can leave it doughy in the center.
Cool before glazing.
If you add glaze while the bread is too hot, it will melt and soak in too quickly. Wait until it’s warm but not hot for the best visual effect and texture.
Variations
Add raisins or chopped apples.
Fold in ½ cup of golden raisins or finely chopped, peeled apples before shaping. Both add a subtle sweetness and texture that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts.
For a crunchy twist, add ¼ cup of chopped nuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture before coating the dough. It brings a nutty contrast to the soft bread.
Try brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Replace half of the granulated sugar in the coating with light brown sugar. It adds a molasses-like richness that gives the crust a caramelized finish.
Make mini loaves or muffin-style servings.
Instead of a single loaf, divide the dough among greased muffin tins or mini loaf pans for individual portions. These bake faster and are perfect for sharing.
Swap the glaze for cream cheese frosting.
For a dessert-style finish, top the cooled bread with a light cream cheese glaze made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk.
Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg.
To give your cinnamon sugar an extra dimension, stir in a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg. It adds warmth and complexity without overpowering the cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade Dollywood cinnamon bread is best served warm, fresh from the oven — but it’s just as enjoyable in many other ways. Whether you’re sharing it with guests or saving it for later, here are serving ideas that make each bite feel special.
Serve It Warm for Breakfast or Brunch
This bread shines when served warm as part of a weekend breakfast or holiday brunch spread. Pair it with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or yogurt to balance its sweetness. Add a pot of coffee or hot tea, and you’ve got a cozy start to your morning.
Use as a Sweet Afternoon Snack
A slice of cinnamon bread makes the perfect mid-afternoon treat. Serve it slightly warmed with a glass of cold milk, or enjoy it plain as a soft, flavorful bite that satisfies your sweet craving without being overwhelming.
Make It Dessert
Turn this bread into a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. If you’ve added the optional glaze or cream cheese frosting, it doubles as a simple yet crowd-pleasing sweet to end any meal.
Serve with Fresh Fruit or Berries
The warmth and sweetness of the bread pair beautifully with the freshness of sliced strawberries, blueberries, or orange segments. The contrast in texture and temperature makes for an enjoyable, well-rounded dish.
Great for Sharing
Because the bread is pull-apart style, it’s easy to place on a platter and serve to a group. It works well for potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings where guests can grab a piece without needing utensils or slicing.
Serve with Coffee or Chai
Cinnamon’s warmth naturally pairs well with spiced or bitter drinks. Try serving the bread with black coffee, cinnamon tea, or masala chai for a balanced flavor profile.
Store Leftovers for Later Enjoyment
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly and store at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five. Toast slices briefly in a toaster oven to revive their texture before serving again.
Conclusion
Making Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread at home is a simple yet rewarding experience that brings the warmth and comfort of a theme park treat directly to your kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a soft, buttery loaf that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a special dessert, this cinnamon bread has a way of bringing people together. Plus, the optional variations and glaze allow you to customize it to your liking, making it a versatile recipe that suits any occasion.
Now that you know how to make this delicious bread, it’s time to give it a try! Follow the instructions, embrace the pro tips, and let the delightful aroma fill your home. Don’t forget to share your creation with family and friends, or save it for a quiet moment of indulgence.
Happy baking, and enjoy your slice of Dollywood magic at home!
FAQs
1. Can I make this cinnamon bread without yeast?
While this recipe relies on yeast for a light and airy texture, you can try using baking powder as an alternative for a quicker, more biscuit-like result. However, the flavor and texture will be different from the original pull-apart cinnamon bread.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. However, whole wheat flour may result in a denser texture, so it’s best to use a 50/50 blend with all-purpose flour to maintain the bread’s softness.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, punch it down, cover it, and store it in the fridge. The next day, allow the dough to come to room temperature before proceeding with the shaping and second rise.
4. How do I store leftover cinnamon bread?
Store leftover bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply toast slices in a toaster oven.
5. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when the top is golden brown, and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re unsure, you can insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
When mentioning Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread, you can include a link to Dollywood’s Official Website to provide readers with more information about the theme park and its popular cinnamon bread.
You can link to related recipes like Soft & Golden Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookies – Better Than Grandma’s? for a deliciously sweet treat that pairs perfectly with your cinnamon bread!