This Dollywood-Style Cinnamon Bread is soft, buttery, sweet, and covered in a thick cinnamon-sugar coating that bakes into a golden, caramelized crust. Made with frozen bread dough, melted butter, cinnamon sugar, and a simple vanilla glaze, this easy pull-apart bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, holidays, or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed but still cold
Rhodes frozen bread dough works well - 4 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C.
Lightly grease a loaf pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Place the thawed bread dough into the pan. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough lengthwise into 4 to 6 strips, being careful not to slice all the way through the bottom. The loaf should stay connected.
Next, make several cuts across the dough to create a pull-apart grid pattern. These cuts help the cinnamon sugar and butter soak deep into the bread.
Step 2: Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Brush the melted butter generously over the entire loaf, making sure to get it into every cut and crevice.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture heavily over the dough. Press it gently into the cuts so the bread is fully coated. Be generous with the coating, as this creates that sweet, crunchy cinnamon crust.
Step 3: Bake the Bread
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
The top should look deeply caramelized, slightly crisp, and covered in melted cinnamon sugar.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
While the bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
Start with 2 tablespoons of milk, then add more if needed until the glaze reaches a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Remove the cinnamon bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm bread. Serve fresh while the bread is soft, gooey, and easy to pull apart.
Pro Tips
- Do not skip the deep cuts. They help the bread pull apart easily and allow the butter and cinnamon sugar to soak inside.
- Use plenty of cinnamon sugar. A thick coating gives the bread its signature sweet crust.
- Brush extra melted butter over the top halfway through baking for more richness.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for a crunchy variation.
Serving Suggestion
This cinnamon bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with coffee, hot chocolate, vanilla ice cream, or a side of cream cheese frosting for dipping.
Final Thoughts
This Dollywood-Style Cinnamon Bread is simple, sweet, and incredibly comforting. With buttery layers, a rich cinnamon-sugar crust, and a smooth vanilla glaze, it tastes like a bakery-style treat made right at home.
