Description

A soft, fluffy cinnamon bread with a sweet, shiny glaze that captures the magic of Dollywood. This easy recipe uses simple pantry staples and requires minimal active time for a perfect comfort food treat.

Ingredients

Scale

4 to 4.5 cups (500g to 550g) All-Purpose Flour
2 packets (about 4.5 teaspoons) Active Dry Yeast
1 cup (240ml) Warm Milk
1/2 cup (100g) Granulated White Sugar
1/4 cup (60g) Unsalted Butter, melted
2 large Eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Brown Sugar (for filling)
2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for filling)
2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon (for filling)
1 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze)
2–3 tablespoons Milk (for glaze)
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for glaze)

Instructions

Activate the yeast: In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk (110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the dough: Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine. Gradually add 4 cups of flour and mix on low speed with a dough hook. Knead on medium-high speed for 5-7 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides but remains slightly tacky. Add more flour if too sticky.
First Rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling: While dough rises, mix brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Shape the bread: Punch down risen dough. Roll out into a 12×16 inch rectangle (1/4 inch thick). Brush surface with melted butter. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter and press gently.
Roll and Cut: Roll dough tightly into a log starting from the long side. Pinch seam to seal. Place into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Second Rise: Cover loaf pan loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes until dough rises about an inch above the rim.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35-45 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
Glaze: While bread bakes, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Remove bread from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes.
Finish: Turn bread out onto a wire rack. Brush generously with glaze while warm. Let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Ensure milk is warm but not hot (below 120°F) to avoid killing the yeast. Do not over-knead the dough. Apply glaze while bread is warm, not hot, to prevent it from melting away completely. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan butter. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 22
Sodium: 280
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 1
Protein: 5

Keywords: Dollywood cinnamon bread, homemade cinnamon bread, soft cinnamon bread, yeast bread recipe, easy brunch recipes, sweet bread, glazed bread