Description
Dollywood’s cinnamon bread is celebrated for its rich, aromatic flavor and tender, fluffy texture. This recipe offers a delightful journey into the world of Southern baking, embodying the warmth and hospitality synonymous with Dollywood.
Ingredients
1 loaf bread dough (about 1 pound)
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Glaze (optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Prepare Dough: Roll out the bread dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Brush the surface of the dough with half of the melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
Roll and Cut Dough: Roll up the dough tightly from one long side to form a log. Cut the log lengthwise to expose the layers of cinnamon and sugar.
Twist and Place in Pan: Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up, and place in the prepared loaf pan.
Final Butter Application and Bake: Brush with the remaining melted butter. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Glaze (Optional): If using the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and drizzle over the warm bread.
Notes
- Yeast Activation: Ensure that the water is at the correct temperature (100 to 110 degrees F) for activating the yeast. Too hot and it will kill the yeast; too cold and it won’t activate properly.
- Kneading: Proper kneading is crucial for developing the gluten in the dough, which helps create the bread’s soft, chewy texture. If using a stand mixer, the dough should become smooth and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- First Rise: Find a warm, draft-free spot for the dough to rise. This is important as the right environment will help the dough rise properly. The dough should roughly double in size and not be rushed.
- Topping Application: Be generous with both the butter-corn syrup mixture and the cinnamon-sugar mixture to ensure every bite is as flavorful as those served at Dollywood.
- Baking: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s advisable to check the bread a few minutes before the timer goes off. The bread should be golden brown and should sound hollow when tapped.
- Glazing: The glaze should be thick but pourable. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar if necessary. Apply the glaze while the bread is still warm so it soaks into the bread slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal