Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing – A Sweet Slice of Tennessee Magic

If you’ve ever walked through the gates of Dollywood, the famed theme park nestled in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, you know there’s one irresistible aroma that lures every visitor down Showstreet — the warm, sugary scent of Cinnamon Bread. Freshly baked, dripping with butter and cinnamon sugar, and finished with a sweet vanilla icing, it’s more than just a treat — it’s a Dollywood tradition.

Now, you don’t have to travel to the Smokies to enjoy that same comforting indulgence. With this easy, homemade version of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing, you can recreate the park’s most famous pastry right in your kitchen. This recipe captures everything people love about the original: the pull-apart texture, the caramelized cinnamon crust, and the luscious drizzle of icing that ties it all together.

It’s the perfect recipe for cozy weekends, family gatherings, or holiday brunches — and it makes your entire house smell like a dream. Whether you serve it straight from the oven or slightly reheated the next day, each bite is a sweet reminder of Southern hospitality and the magic of Dollywood.

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Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup melted butter (for brushing)

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add softened butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn onto a floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare Cinnamon Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Melt the butter in a separate dish for brushing.
6. Shape the Bread: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 9×13 inches. Cut into 1-inch strips without separating them completely, then turn the loaf sideways and cut again — forming a crosshatch pattern while keeping the loaf intact at the base.
7. Coat the Bread: Brush the entire loaf generously with melted butter, making sure to get between the cuts. Sprinkle and press the cinnamon sugar mixture all over and between the sections.
8. Second Rise: Place the loaf in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Make the Icing: While the bread bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable.
11. Glaze and Serve: Let the bread cool slightly, then drizzle the icing generously over the warm loaf. Pull apart pieces and serve immediately for that iconic Dollywood experience.

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Tips & Tricks:

• The Warm Milk Trick: Make sure the milk isn’t too hot — just warm to the touch. Too much heat can kill the yeast and prevent rising.
• Extra Gooey Version: For an even more decadent loaf, double the cinnamon sugar and brush additional butter halfway through baking.
• Easy Shortcut: If you’re short on time, use refrigerated bread dough — you’ll still get a delicious result with less effort.
• Serving Idea: Warm each slice in the microwave for 10 seconds before serving to recreate that “fresh from the oven” texture.

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Variations:

• Apple Cinnamon Bread: Add finely chopped apples between the cuts for a fruity twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon mixture for a buttery crunch.
• Maple Glaze: Replace milk with maple syrup in the icing for a fall-inspired flavor.
• Mini Loaves: Divide the dough into smaller portions for individual pull-apart breads — perfect for gifting!

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Serving Suggestions:
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is best served warm, with the icing dripping down each golden ridge. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee, chai, or hot cocoa for the perfect cozy morning. It’s also lovely as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

If you’re serving it for brunch, set it on a wooden board surrounded by fruit, bacon, and scrambled eggs for a beautiful Southern breakfast spread.

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Storage Information:
Store leftover cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 10–15 seconds. The icing will soften again beautifully.

You can also freeze the baked loaf (without icing) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

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FAQ:
Can I make this dough the night before?
Yes! After the first rise, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Do I need a stand mixer?
Not at all — this dough is soft and easy to knead by hand. A little elbow grease is all it takes.

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes. If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients without proofing.

Is this the exact Dollywood recipe?
While Dollywood keeps their original recipe under wraps, this version closely captures the same flavors and textures that make it iconic.

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History / Fun Facts:
Dollywood’s cinnamon bread has become a legend in its own right. It’s said that the park sells over 350 loaves every hour during peak season! The recipe originated at the Grist Mill, a charming replica of an 1800s flour mill that still grinds fresh grain daily. The combination of freshly milled flour, real butter, and warm cinnamon sugar quickly earned it cult status.

Visitors line up daily just to catch a loaf straight from the oven, and the smell alone has become synonymous with Dollywood itself. Recreating it at home not only brings that same nostalgia but also fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of Tennessee warmth and hospitality.

So, whether you’ve been to Dollywood or just dream of visiting someday, this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is your delicious ticket to that experience — no travel required.