Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing

If you’ve ever stepped foot into Dollywood, you know that one of the highlights (besides the rides and shows) is that famous cinnamon bread. The moment you catch a whiff of its sweet, spiced aroma, you’re hooked. Soft, fluffy, buttery bread, swirled with cinnamon-sugar magic, and then smothered in a dreamy glaze. It’s pure comfort in every bite. But here’s the best part—you don’t have to go all the way to Tennessee to enjoy this incredible treat. I’m about to share the best recipe for Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing that you can make right in your own kitchen. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. You’ll feel like you’re sitting in the park, enjoying the sights, sounds, and that iconic bread fresh out of the oven.

Why You’ll Love Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing

This bread is all about bringing a little bit of the magic of Dollywood to your home—and who doesn’t want that? Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Incredible Aroma: As this bread bakes, your kitchen will smell like heaven. That cinnamon-sugar swirl is impossible to resist, and the glaze makes everything even better.

Soft & Fluffy: The bread itself is soft, pillowy, and slightly sweet, with just the right amount of cinnamon spice. It’s the kind of bread that melts in your mouth.

Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as dessert after dinner, this cinnamon bread is perfect for sharing with friends or family. You’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!

Versatile: You can eat it warm, cold, or toasted. It’s great for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee, or as an indulgent treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. No wrong way to enjoy it!

Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared ahead of time, and the bread can be baked fresh when you’re ready. Perfect for those busy mornings when you want something homemade but don’t have the time to mix up everything from scratch.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Bread:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread, making it soft and fluffy.
• Sugar: Sweetness to balance out the cinnamon and yeast.
• Active Dry Yeast: This gives the bread its light and airy texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Butter: You can’t make cinnamon bread without buttery goodness! It adds flavor and a soft texture to the bread.
• Eggs: Help bind the dough together and contribute to its tender crumb.
• Water: Used to activate the yeast.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

• Brown Sugar: Brings a deeper sweetness to the bread and works perfectly with the cinnamon.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show! It infuses the dough with that comforting, warm spice.
• Butter: More butter—because why not? It helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the dough and creates that irresistible swirl.

For the Icing:

• Powdered Sugar: To create that smooth, sweet icing that ties the whole dish together.
• Milk: Helps thin out the icing to a perfect drizzle consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: For that little extra flavor boost.
• Butter: Again, for that creamy, rich texture in the icing.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

This bread may take a little time, but the process is easy, and the payoff is more than worth it. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying the best cinnamon bread ever.

Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine the warm water (not too hot, or it will kill the yeast!) and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This is how you know the yeast is good and ready to go!

Make the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the activated yeast mixture, milk, butter, and eggs. Stir everything together until it forms a dough. It might seem a little sticky at first, but that’s totally normal.

Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for a soft, smooth dough that doesn’t stick too much to your hands. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but don’t go overboard. The dough should be just a tad tacky.

Let It Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Patience is key here, so don’t rush this part!

Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set it aside.

Shape the Dough:

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Brush the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long edge, and pinch the seams to seal.

Bake the Bread:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or two (depending on your preference). Place the rolled dough into the pan(s) and cover with a towel. Let it rise for another 30 minutes. The dough will rise again, so don’t worry if it looks a little small at first!

Once it’s risen, pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell as it bakes will be heavenly.

Make the Icing:

While the bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.

Glaze the Bread:

Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes. Then, drizzle the icing generously over the top. The warm bread will absorb the icing, making each bite melt in your mouth.

Serve and Enjoy:

Let the bread cool slightly before slicing into it—if you can wait that long! Enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee or tea, or save it for a special breakfast. You can also store it in an airtight container for up to a few days (if it lasts that long!).

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8-10
Calories per serving: 350-400 (depending on portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing

This cinnamon bread is perfect for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent snack. Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy it:

With Coffee or Tea: It’s the perfect pairing with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate. The sweetness of the bread and the icing balances out the rich flavors of your drink.

As a Dessert: Serve slices of this cinnamon bread as a decadent dessert after dinner. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream wouldn’t hurt either.

For Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend treat, this bread makes a lovely addition to any occasion. You can also serve it at brunch, where everyone will be raving about how amazing it is!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Don’t Rush the Rising Time: The key to soft, fluffy cinnamon bread is letting the dough rise properly. Be patient and give it time to double in size—this is where the magic happens!

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your milk, butter, and eggs are at room temperature before mixing them into the dough. This helps everything blend together smoothly.

Add Some Extras: If you want to get fancy, you can add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the cinnamon-sugar filling, or even swirl in some chocolate chips for an extra indulgence.

Freezing Instructions: You can freeze the dough before baking! Just shape it, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it rise and bake as directed.

Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or enjoy them at room temperature.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cinnamon bread without yeast?
A1: Unfortunately, the yeast is what gives this bread its soft, fluffy texture. If you don’t want to use yeast, you could try making a quick bread recipe instead, but it won’t have the same rise or texture.

Q2: Can I make this in advance?
A2: Yes! You can prep the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before baking in the morning.

Q3: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A

3: You can substitute the brown sugar with white granulated sugar, but the brown sugar gives a deeper, more caramelized flavor that’s part of what makes this bread so special.

Q4: Can I freeze the cinnamon bread?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the baked bread (without the glaze) for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw it out and warm it in the oven.

Q5: Can I make this recipe without the icing?
A5: You absolutely can! The bread itself is delicious on its own, so if you prefer to skip the icing, go right ahead.

Q6: How can I make this bread even more decadent?
A6: Try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for an extra treat.

Q7: Can I make mini loaves of this bread?
A7: Yes! Just divide the dough into smaller portions and bake for a shorter time (around 20-25 minutes).

Q8: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A8: You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the bread may be a bit denser.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftover cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in slices for up to 3 months.

Q10: Can I make the icing dairy-free?
A10: Yes! Use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and dairy-free butter for the icing.

Conclusion

This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing brings the joy of a theme park treat straight to your kitchen. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery, with a rich, decadent icing that makes every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a slice of this delicious, melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

Print