If you’re looking to bake a treat that turns any kitchen into your happy place, Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is the baking project to try next. It’s soft, pillowy, and slathered with a lush cinnamon-sugar swirl, finished off with a decadent drizzle that seals its legendary status. There’s a reason this bread is the star of Dollywood’s theme park, but now you can capture that unmistakable warmth and nostalgia right at home. You’ll end up with two loaves—perfect for sharing, gifting, or stashing away for a sweet breakfast treat. Get ready to fall in love with every bite (and lick the icing spoon, of course).
Ingredients You’ll Need
What truly makes this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing shine are the simple, reliable ingredients—each one playing a key role in achieving the signature soft, tender crumb and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crust. Don’t skimp or swap for shortcuts; trust these pantry staples to work their magic.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect sturdy-yet-soft base for the bread, giving it just the right amount of chew.
- Active dry yeast: Ensures your loaves rise tall and fluffy with a light, airy structure.
- Warm milk: Helps activate the yeast and adds a richness you can taste in every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast, kickstarting that beautiful rise.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Delivers buttery softness throughout the loaf and helps create a velvety crumb.
- Salt: Just a touch balances all the sweetness and makes the cinnamon flavor pop.
- Large eggs: Bind the dough together, add structure, and lend excellent richness.
- Brown sugar: For that gooey cinnamon swirl—a must for authentic Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing.
- Ground cinnamon: The spicy-sweet backbone of the bread, giving each slice warmth and character.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brushed onto the dough so the cinnamon-sugar filling sticks—and pools into dreamy layers.
- Powdered sugar: Base for the icing, delivering that classic sweet finish.
- Milk: Whisks into the powdered sugar to make the icing perfectly pourable (substitute cream for extra luxe results!).
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, smooth note to the icing that finishes the bread beautifully.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let this mixture stand for about five minutes, until it becomes foamy—this means your yeast is alive and ready, so you’ll get a bakery-worthy rise every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of flour to your yeast mixture. Stir until it forms a shaggy dough, then gradually add the remaining flour. Mixing bit by bit keeps the dough manageable and leads to the soft, pillowy texture that defines Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing.
Step 3: Knead and Let Rise
Knead your dough for 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic (it should bounce back when poked). Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for an hour or until doubled in size. Take a minute to imagine how good your kitchen is about to smell!
Step 4: Shape, Fill, and Twist
Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each into a rectangle and brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon—if you love a spicier taste, add just a pinch of nutmeg here for a twist. Slice the dough into strips, twist each strip, and line them up in a greased loaf pan. The twisty strips give you extra swirls of cinnamon in every bite.
Step 5: Final Rise and Bake
Cover your pans and let the loaves rise again for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When it’s time, pop the breads into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until they’re deeply golden and your kitchen smells beyond heavenly.
Step 6: Make the Icing and Finish
While your bread cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. When the loaves are warm but not hot, drizzle generously with icing—the true signature of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing. The icing will drip into every ridge and crevice, making the first slice super satisfying.
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing
Garnishes
The classic creamy icing is already perfection, but feel free to top each loaf with a little extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of coarse sugar, or even a handful of toasted chopped pecans for crunch. For special occasions, a few plump raisins or finely diced dried apples on top will add festive energy to your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing.
Side Dishes
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, a hot mug of coffee, or a latte for those lazy weekend brunches. For gatherings, serve thick slices alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory spread that never disappoints.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice the bread into thick sticks, stand them upright in a mason jar, and offer small bowls of extra icing for dipping. Turn day-old slices into luxurious French toast or bread pudding. You can even slice and stack the pieces on a rustic wood cutting board for a cozy family-style dessert that puts Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing front and center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It will stay lovely and moist for up to three days at room temperature. If you can resist eating it all in one sitting, store it in an airtight container so it doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices or whole loaves (before icing) in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature, and wait to drizzle with fresh icing after reheating—it tastes just-baked every time.
Reheating
Warm leftover slices in a 300°F oven for about 7 minutes or zap briefly in the microwave in 10-second bursts until soft and warm. Add a little extra icing if desired—there are no rules against an extra drizzle!
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely—just swap it in at the same amount. The dough may rise faster, so keep an eye on it and check after 45 minutes instead of a full hour.
Is it possible to make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, and use plant-based butter. The texture and flavor will still be delightful!
Help! My dough didn’t rise well. What went wrong?
Check the temperature of your milk—it should be warm, not hot, to activate the yeast. Also, make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired.
Can I double the recipe or halve it?
This recipe doubles beautifully if you want to bake more loaves, but halving works just as well for a single treat. Just keep a close eye on baking time if using a smaller or larger pan.
How do I get that perfect “drizzle” for the icing?
Mix the icing until thick but pourable. If it’s too stiff, add milk a teaspoon at a time; if too thin, a bit more powdered sugar will bring it together. The goal is what makes Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing unforgettable—a dreamy, luscious glaze.
Final Thoughts
Baking Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing at home is pure joy, and the payoff is an aroma and flavor that instantly feels like a hug. Share a loaf (or keep it all to yourself) and let this legendary recipe become a new favorite in your kitchen. Trust me—it’s too good to let it wait on your to-bake list!
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves, about 16 servings
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing recipe is a delicious treat reminiscent of theme park goodies. Soft, cinnamon-infused bread with a sweet icing drizzle, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 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
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit until foamy. Add sugar, butter, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of flour. Gradually mix in the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Shape the Loaves: Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each portion into a rectangle, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, then cut into strips. Twist and place in loaf pans.
- Second Rise and Bake: Let the loaves rise for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the warm bread before serving.
Notes
- Enhance the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Best served warm; gently reheat in the oven if needed.
- Substitute cream for milk in the icing for a thicker consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
