Description
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is a deliciously soft and sweet homemade bread, filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar twist and topped with a smooth vanilla icing. This American bakery-style bread is perfect for enjoying warm as a dessert or a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add the granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the loaves: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal loaves. Roll each loaf into a rectangle shape on a floured surface.
- Add filling: Brush each rectangle with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture for a flavorful filling.
- Form twisted loaves: Cut the dough into strips, twist each strip gently, and place them side by side into a greased loaf pan to create a beautiful twisted pattern.
- Second rise: Cover the loaves and let them rise again for 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up nicely before baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Prepare icing: While the bread is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the icing.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the icing over the warm bread right after it comes out of the oven for a sweet, creamy topping. Serve warm for the best taste.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- The bread tastes best served warm and can be gently reheated in the oven.
- You can substitute cream for milk in the icing for a thicker and richer drizzle.
