Description
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a soft and sweet yeast bread infused with cinnamon and sugar, perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack. This homemade bread features a tender crumb with a cinnamon-sugar swirl, baked until golden brown and deliciously fragrant.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Softened butter for spreading (quantity as needed)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Let it sit for about five minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, the remaining sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture and the melted butter into the well. Stir gently until everything comes together to form a dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, approximately one hour.
- Prepare the Roll: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle generously with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the rolled dough into twelve pieces and arrange them side by side in a greased baking dish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For extra richness, use melted butter both in the dough and for spreading before rolling.
- You can add a glaze or icing after baking for more sweetness.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
- To refresh, warm slices in the oven or toaster before serving.
