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
Directions:
- 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.
Enjoy your delicious Dollywood Cinnamon Bread!
Here are some tips to enhance the deliciousness of your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread:
- Freshly Ground Cinnamon: For the best flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon. It will impart a more intense and aromatic taste to the bread.
- Quality Bread Dough: Use high-quality bread dough for the best texture and flavor. You can either make your own dough or purchase it from a bakery.
- Adjust Sugar Levels: Depending on your preference for sweetness, you can adjust the amount of sugar used in the recipe. You can decrease or increase the sugar to suit your taste.
- Add Nutmeg or Cardamom: For a twist on the traditional cinnamon flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. These spices will add depth and complexity to the bread’s flavor profile.
- Infuse Butter: Infuse the melted butter with additional flavor by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon. This will enhance the richness of the bread and complement the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Use Brown Sugar: Substitute some or all of the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses, which pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Add Nuts or Raisins: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins over the cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling up the dough. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds work well in this recipe.
- Let it Rise Twice: Allow the rolled dough to rise twice before baking. This extra rise time will result in a lighter and fluffier bread with a more pronounced cinnamon swirl.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread while it’s still warm from the oven. The aroma and flavors will be at their peak, creating a truly delightful eating experience.
- Store Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven for a few seconds to revive their freshness.
By following these tips, you’ll take your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread to the next level of deliciousness!
Here are some secrets to achieving perfection with your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe:
- Temperature Control: Ensure your ingredients are at the right temperature. Cold dough won’t roll out as easily, and melted butter might soak into the dough rather than creating a deliciously crisp layer.
- Even Rolling: Roll out the dough evenly to maintain consistent thickness throughout. This ensures an even distribution of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and prevents any areas from being under or overfilled.
- Tightly Rolled Log: When rolling the dough into a log, make sure it’s tightly rolled to avoid gaps between layers. This creates a beautiful swirl pattern and ensures every bite is filled with flavor.
- Sharp Knife for Cutting: Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough lengthwise. A dull knife may squish the dough, resulting in a less defined swirl.
- Twist Technique: Master the twisting technique to create an attractive presentation. Gently twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up, for a visually appealing loaf.
- Proper Proofing: Allow the twisted dough to proof properly before baking. This allows the dough to rise one final time, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
- Golden Brown Bake: Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes to ensure it reaches a golden brown color. This indicates that it’s fully cooked and will have a deliciously crisp crust.
- Glaze Consistency: If using the optional glaze, adjust the consistency to your liking. A thicker glaze will sit on top of the bread, while a thinner glaze will soak into the cracks and crevices, adding extra sweetness.
- Patience for Cooling: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to develop and prevents the bread from becoming too soft or mushy.
- Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of the recipe. Whether it’s adding nuts, dried fruit, or a different spice blend, customizing the recipe to your taste preferences can lead to your own perfect version of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread.
By mastering these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Dollywood Cinnamon Bread every time!
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe:
- Can I use pre-made cinnamon roll dough instead of bread dough?
- Yes, you can use pre-made cinnamon roll dough for a quicker version of the recipe. Just roll out the dough, add the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and proceed with the instructions.
- Can I freeze the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked bread. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Can I make this recipe without butter?
- While butter adds richness and flavor to the bread, you can substitute it with a non-dairy alternative like margarine or coconut oil. However, keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste and texture.
- How long does the glaze take to set?
- The glaze typically sets within 10-15 minutes after drizzling it over the warm bread. If you prefer a firmer glaze, you can place the bread in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up the setting process.
- Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free bread dough?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free bread dough to make this recipe. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly from the original version.
- What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
- If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can shape the twisted dough into a round or oval shape and bake it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Adjust the baking time as needed based on the shape and size of the dough.
- Can I omit the glaze?
- Yes, you can omit the glaze if you prefer a less sweet bread. The cinnamon-sugar filling provides plenty of flavor on its own, but the glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and a glossy finish.
- How long will the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread stay fresh?
- The bread is best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s baked. However, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven to refresh them before serving.
These are some of the common questions and answers related to the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe.