Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: Smoky Mountain Cinnamon Swirl Loaf
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.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: 310 kcal per slice
- Servings: 8 slices
20 Popular Questions and Answers related to Dollywood Cinnamon Bread:
- What kind of bread dough should I use for this recipe?
- You can use any type of bread dough you prefer, such as white, whole wheat, or even a sweet dough.
- Can I make my own bread dough for this recipe?
- Yes, you can make your own bread dough or use store-bought dough.
- How do I know when the bread is done baking?
- The bread should be golden brown and cooked through. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter, but the flavor may be slightly different.
- Do I have to use the glaze?
- No, the glaze is optional. The bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness.
- Can I freeze this bread?
- Yes, you can freeze the bread for later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
- How should I store leftover bread?
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
- Yes, you can use brown sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- Can I use this recipe to make cinnamon rolls?
- Yes, you can use a similar method to make cinnamon rolls by cutting the dough into smaller pieces and rolling them individually.
- Can I add nuts or raisins to the bread?
- Yes, you can customize the bread by adding nuts, raisins, or other mix-ins before rolling.
- Can I use this dough to make other types of bread?
- Yes, you can use this dough recipe as a base for other types of bread, such as dinner rolls or sweet rolls.
- How should I store the bread if I’m not serving it right away?
- Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.
- Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
- Yes, you can use olive oil as a substitute for butter, but the flavor may be different.
- Can I use a different type of pan to bake the bread?
- Yes, you can use a different size or shape of pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Can I make this bread gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free bread dough and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk in the glaze?
- Yes, you can use almond milk or any other type of milk as a substitute for regular milk in the glaze.
- Can I add extra cinnamon to the glaze?
- Yes, you can adjust the amount of cinnamon in the glaze to suit your taste preferences.
- Can I use this recipe to make mini loaves of bread?
- Yes, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and bake them in mini loaf pans for individual servings.
- Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
- Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead and rise the dough before shaping it and baking it in the oven.
- Can I make this bread ahead of time and reheat it?
- Yes, you can make the bread ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Certainly! Here are some secrets to achieve the perfect Dollywood Cinnamon Bread:
- Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality ingredients, including fresh bread dough, good-quality cinnamon, and real butter. Using fresh ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture in your bread.
- Proper Dough Rolling: Roll out the bread dough evenly to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures that the cinnamon sugar mixture is distributed evenly throughout the bread, resulting in delicious swirls of cinnamon flavor in every bite.
- Generous Cinnamon Sugar Filling: Don’t skimp on the cinnamon sugar filling! Make sure to evenly spread the mixture over the rolled-out dough, covering it from edge to edge. This creates a deliciously sweet and aromatic filling throughout the bread.
- Tightly Roll and Cut: Roll up the dough tightly from one long side to form a log. Cutting the log lengthwise exposes the layers of cinnamon and sugar, creating beautiful swirls in the finished bread. Ensure the log is tightly twisted together to maintain the swirl pattern.
- Golden Brown Baking: Bake the bread until it is golden brown and cooked through. This ensures that the bread is fully baked and has a crisp exterior while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.
- Optional Glaze: While the glaze is optional, it adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor to the bread. If using the glaze, drizzle it over the warm bread to allow it to soak in and enhance the overall taste experience.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and the bread to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and enjoy.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread warm. The aroma of cinnamon and sugar will fill the air, and the warm, gooey texture will be irresistible.
By following these secrets, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect Dollywood Cinnamon Bread that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends!