If you’re anything like me, you’ll love sinking your teeth into warm, soft cinnamon bread glazed with just the right amount of sweetness. This Cinnamon Bread with Sweet Icing Recipe is basically a hug in bread form—perfect for cozy mornings or sharing with friends over coffee. The combination of buttery, cinnamon-spiced layers and that smooth icing on top is downright addictive, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet impressive: Uses frozen bread dough to make baking stress-free and foolproof.
- So much flavor: Cinnamon sugar layers soaked in melted butter create an irresistible taste and texture.
- Sweet icing finish: The smooth glaze adds just the right balance of sweetness without overpowering.
- Family favorite: Every time I make this, my family goes crazy for the warm, gooey slices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing fresh cinnamon and quality bread dough is key to nailing this Cinnamon Bread with Sweet Icing Recipe. I always use frozen Rhodes Bake-N-Serve bread dough because it saves me so much time, and the results are always fluffy and soft.
- Frozen bread dough: I like Rhodes because it rises just right and bakes perfectly every time. You can thaw overnight or at room temp.
- Butter: Melted butter is what makes the bread rich and helps the sugar stick to every inch of the loaf.
- Granulated sugar: Combine with cinnamon for a classic sweet-spicy layer.
- Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground tastes best here, giving the bread a warm, fragrant flavor.
- Powdered sugar: For that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth icing glaze on top.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the sweet icing, balancing the cinnamon perfectly.
- Milk: Just enough to thin the icing into a lovely drizzle; you can add more or less depending on desired consistency.
Variations
I love making this Cinnamon Bread with Sweet Icing Recipe my own by tweaking the ingredients or textures now and then. It’s so versatile that you’ll have fun experimenting too!
- Nutty twist: I sometimes sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra crunch and a nutty aroma—it’s heavenly!
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar can warm things up with a lovely depth of flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free frozen bread dough alternative and check the rise time; the icing stays the same delicious way.
- Maple glaze: Swap the vanilla icing for a simple maple glaze if you want a rich, autumn-inspired flavor twist.
How to Make Cinnamon Bread with Sweet Icing Recipe
Step 1: Thaw and Prepare Your Dough
First things first: gently thaw your frozen bread dough. I usually let it sit on a tray at room temperature for about 3 to 4 hours, but if you’re planning ahead, thawing overnight in the fridge works beautifully too. This gives your dough time to soften and rise slightly—essential for that perfect fluffy texture.
Step 2: Slice and Butter Every Corner
Spray your 9-inch bread pans with non-stick spray so nothing sticks later. Then, carefully cut four deep cuts into each loaf—almost all the way through but leaving a little bit connected at the bottom, so the loaf stays intact. Now here’s the magic: coat the entire loaf with melted butter, making sure you get inside each cut. I discovered this step makes the cinnamon sugar soak perfectly, creating those addictive, gooey pockets inside.
Step 3: Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Filling
Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a wide dish. Roll your buttered bread gently but generously in this mixture, making sure every inch is coated well. Don’t be shy here—pack the cinnamon sugar into those cuts so every bite bursts with flavor. This is where the wow-factor happens.
Step 4: Let the Bread Rise
Place each loaf into its prepared pan and cover loosely with a light tea towel. Set the pans somewhere warm—near a sunny window or a turned-off oven with just the light on works perfectly. Let the bread rise until it doubles in size, about an hour. It’s so rewarding to see the dough puff up before baking!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Pop your loaves in and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped underneath. The golden crust is a sure sign you nailed it. Let cool for 10 minutes before icing.
Step 6: Whip Up the Sweet Icing
While the bread cools just enough (warm but not hot to the touch), mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy, then adjust with a little more milk if you want a thinner drizzle. Drizzle generously over the warm bread slices. I love how the icing melts in slightly, adding an irresistible glossy finish.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Bread with Sweet Icing Recipe
- Don’t rush thawing: Let your dough soften fully for best rise and bake; cold dough can make dense bread.
- Butter every crevice: I learned this trick after my first try—it’s key to that rich, cinnamon-soaked texture.
- Watch your oven: Ovens vary—keep an eye after 20 minutes to avoid over-browning, especially if using glass pans.
- Icing consistency is key: Too thin and it won’t cling; too thick and it won’t drizzle—you’ll get a feel for it with practice.
How to Serve Cinnamon Bread with Sweet Icing Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or even some finely chopped pecans on top of the icing for an added touch. It makes the bread look even more inviting and adds a bit of texture contrast that everyone seems to love.
Side Dishes
This bread is perfect on its own, but if you want to jazz up your morning or dessert table, pair it with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese spread. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries also complements the cinnamon warmth beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I slice the cinnamon bread and arrange it on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra icing and nuts for guests to customize their slices. It’s such a fun and interactive way to serve this delicious bread at brunch or holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftover cinnamon bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. This way, it stays soft and tasty. If your kitchen is humid, storing it in an airtight container is even better.
Freezing
This Cinnamon Bread with Sweet Icing Recipe freezes wonderfully! Just make sure the bread is fully cooled before wrapping tightly in foil and placing in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
I find reheating slices in a toaster oven or warming the whole loaf at 300°F for 10 minutes revives the bread’s soft texture and lightly melts the icing. If you prefer, a quick zap in the microwave (15 to 20 seconds) works in a pinch, but the texture isn’t quite as perfect.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen dough?
Absolutely! Homemade bread dough works well if it’s a soft, enriched dough that rises nicely. Just make sure to adjust the rising time accordingly, as fresh dough may need more or less time to double in size compared to frozen dough.
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How sweet is this Cinnamon Bread with Sweet Icing Recipe?
It strikes a lovely balance—the cinnamon sugar is generously sweet, but the powdered sugar icing adds a delicate sweetness that complements rather than overwhelms. If you prefer less sweet, you can reduce the sugar in the icing or drizzle less on top.
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Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk in the icing. The flavor and texture will still turn out delicious.
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Why does the bread need to rise after rolling in the cinnamon sugar?
Letting the bread rise at this stage ensures it becomes fluffy and soft rather than dense after baking. The sugar and butter coatings won’t interfere with the yeast’s work, so the bread puffs up beautifully, making each bite light and airy.
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How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown crust and tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190°F. Don’t skip the cooling step before icing so the glaze sets nicely.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cinnamon Bread with Sweet Icing Recipe has truly become one of my go-to comfort treats in the kitchen. It’s easy enough for a weekday treat but special enough to serve when friends drop by or on lazy weekend mornings. I love how adaptable it is and the way the warm cinnamon scent instantly fills my home. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this as much as I do—trust me, once you try it, it might just become a staple in your recipe box too!
Print
Cinnamon Bread with Sweet Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (3 loaves)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Bread recipe yields a sweet, soft bread infused with rich cinnamon sugar and topped with a smooth vanilla icing. Inspired by the famous Dollywood cinnamon bread, it uses frozen bread dough for convenience and is perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Bread and Coating
- 3 loaves frozen bread dough (Rhodes Bake – N – Serve)
- ¾ cup butter (melted)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup ground cinnamon
Icing
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 – 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Thaw the bread dough: Place frozen loaves on a tray and let them thaw at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the pans: Spray 9-inch bread pans with non-stick cooking spray and set them aside for later use.
- Cut the bread: Make 4 deep cuts into each loaf of bread, slicing nearly all the way through but leaving a small piece connected at the bottom to keep the loaf intact.
- Butter the bread: Coat the entire loaf, including the inside of each cut, generously with melted butter to ensure richness in every bite.
- Add cinnamon sugar: In a wide dish, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each buttered loaf in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making a thick coat and stuffing the cuts with plenty of cinnamon sugar.
- Let the bread rise: Place each loaf into a prepared bread pan. Cover with a light tea towel and allow the bread to rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bread.
- Bake the bread: Bake loaves for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. To check doneness, thump the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the icing: While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add extra milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Drizzle the icing over the warm bread and serve for a deliciously sweet finish.
Notes
- This bread replicates the famous cinnamon bread from Dollywood, known for its buttery cinnamon sugar coating and sweet icing topping.
- Ensure the bread is warmed for the best flavor and texture when served.
- Adjust milk in the icing to get your preferred drizzle consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 43 g
- Sodium: 622 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 100 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
