Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing

The very mention of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing brings to mind the warm, comforting aroma that greets you the moment you step into Dollywood’s famous Grist Mill. Imagine golden loaves, hot from the oven, their soft layers drenched in butter, sugar, and cinnamon, with icing drizzled generously over the top. It’s more than a treat, it’s an experience that feels like a hug from the Smoky Mountains themselves. And now, you can bring that same magic straight into your own kitchen.

Behind the Recipe

Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread has gained a cult following, and for good reason. It’s not just about the bread, it’s about the memory it creates. Families flock to the park and make a beeline for the Grist Mill, eager to grab a loaf or two before it sells out. Baking this bread at home lets you recreate those joyful moments, filling your kitchen with the same irresistible scent and warmth.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

This bread is one of Dollywood’s most famous culinary staples. Every year, thousands of visitors purchase it, often making it their first stop in the park. The bread’s recipe itself is said to be rooted in traditional Appalachian baking, where cinnamon and sugar were pantry staples used to turn simple bread into something extraordinary. It’s a little slice of Smoky Mountain history wrapped in buttery, sweet layers.

Why You’ll Love Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing

Trust me, you’re going to love this. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your kitchen:

Versatile: Enjoy it warm from the oven, toasted for breakfast, or as a sweet snack anytime.

Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry ingredients come together to make a treat that feels gourmet.

Quick and Easy: With just a bit of kneading and rising, you’ll have a bakery-worthy loaf.

Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even a swirl of chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings, this bread disappears in no time.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough ahead, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh the next day.

Great for Leftovers: If by chance you have any left, it reheats beautifully or can be transformed into French toast.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To capture that Dollywood magic, keep these tips in mind:

1. Always use fresh yeast for the best rise.
2. Don’t skimp on the butter and cinnamon sugar—it’s the heart of the recipe.
3. Let the bread cool just slightly before icing, so it melts and seeps into every crevice.
4. Use a sharp knife to score the dough before baking to help flavors sink in.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before diving in, make sure you’ve got these on hand:

Mixing Bowls: For combining and proofing the dough.

Stand Mixer or Wooden Spoon: Helps knead the dough with ease.

Loaf Pan: The classic vessel for shaping this bread.

Pastry Brush: To coat the dough generously with butter.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy makes all the difference in baking.

Ingredients in Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing

Every ingredient plays its part in creating that iconic loaf. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups Light yet sturdy, this forms the base of the dough.
2. Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup Adds sweetness to the bread itself.
3. Salt: 1 teaspoon Balances flavors and enhances the dough.
4. Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) Helps the bread rise to fluffy perfection.
5. Warm Water: 1 cup Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
6. Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons melted, plus extra for brushing Adds richness and keeps the bread moist.
7. Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons The star spice that brings warmth and comfort.
8. Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup Caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
9. Powdered Sugar: 1 cup Forms the base of the icing.
10. Milk: 2 tablespoons Thins the icing to the perfect drizzling consistency.
11. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon Enhances the icing with a warm, sweet note.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you may need to swap things around:

All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour for extra chewiness.
Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar for a subtle caramel flavor.
Milk: Almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Butter: Vegan margarine for a plant-based loaf.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cinnamon: This spice is what makes the bread iconic. Its natural warmth infuses each bite with comfort and nostalgia.

Brown Sugar: When paired with butter and cinnamon, it melts into a gooey, caramel-like filling that seeps into every layer of the bread.

Instructions for Making Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing

Let’s roll up our sleeves and recreate Dollywood’s most beloved bread step by step:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan generously.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it foam for 5 minutes. Mix in flour, granulated sugar, salt, and melted butter. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Assemble the Dish: Punch down the dough, roll into a rectangle, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle generously with brown sugar and cinnamon. Fold or twist the dough, then place in the loaf pan. Score the top with a knife.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
6. Finishing Touches: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create the icing. Drizzle over the warm bread.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice while still warm and watch it disappear quickly.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This bread is all about contrast. The outside bakes to a light golden crust, while the inside stays pillowy soft. The cinnamon sugar caramelizes slightly, creating a sticky-sweet layer, and the icing adds a silky finish. Together, it’s a harmony of fluffy, gooey, and sweet.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Keep these in mind for stress-free baking:

• Use a thermometer to check your water temperature (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Don’t rush the rise, let the dough double in size naturally.
• For extra flavor, let the dough rest overnight in the refrigerator.

What to Avoid

Even seasoned bakers can run into a hiccup or two. Avoid these mistakes:

• Adding too much flour, which makes the bread dense.
• Using water that’s too hot, which kills the yeast.
• Skipping the scoring step, which helps the bread bake evenly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 260

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (including rise time)

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Leftover bread can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully—just wrap in foil and reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing

Serve it warm with the icing still glistening on top. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee in the morning, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It’s also wonderful alongside a holiday brunch spread.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you manage to save a few slices, here’s how to reinvent them:

• Turn into cinnamon bread French toast.
• Cube and bake for a sweet bread pudding.
• Toast and top with cream cheese for a breakfast twist.

Additional Tips

For extra decadence, try adding a touch of nutmeg with the cinnamon. Keep an eye on the bread during the last 5 minutes of baking to avoid overbrowning. And always drizzle the icing generously—it’s what makes the bread irresistible.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters. Serve the bread on a wooden board, with the icing dripping dramatically down the sides. Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a bakery-style look.

Variations to Try

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Swirl in a layer of chocolate spread before baking.
• Make mini loaves for individual servings.
• Add raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, just add it directly to the flour without proofing.

2. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just bake in two loaf pans.

3. How do I know when the bread is done?

It should sound hollow when tapped and have a golden top.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend, though texture may differ slightly.

5. Can I reduce the sugar?

You can cut back a little, but sugar is key to the caramelized flavor.

6. What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

You can shape it free-form on a baking sheet, though it may spread more.

7. How long does the icing keep?

Store extra icing in the fridge for up to a week.

8. Can I make this vegan?

Yes, substitute dairy-free milk and margarine.

9. Do I need to score the dough?

Yes, it helps the flavors penetrate and gives a rustic look.

10. Can I reheat the bread?

Yes, warm slices in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition, a sweet memory, and a treat that never fails to delight. Whether you’ve tasted it fresh from Dollywood or are discovering it for the first time, baking it at home brings the joy of the Smoky Mountains right to your table. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.