This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is a warm, pull-apart treat that’s soft, buttery, and layered with a cinnamon-sugar swirl in every bite. It’s inspired by the famous version served at The Grist Mill in Dollywood and brings all the cozy, sweet comfort of a theme park favorite right into my kitchen. Finished with a simple vanilla icing drizzle, this bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday brunch centerpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it brings back nostalgic flavors with every bite. The dough is fluffy and tender, and the layers of cinnamon sugar melt into a gooey swirl that’s completely irresistible. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home, and it fills my whole kitchen with the most comforting, bakery-style aroma. Whether I’m baking it for a cozy Sunday morning or serving it for guests, it always impresses.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Active dry yeast
- Warm water
- Whole milk
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Ground cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy cream or milk (for the icing)
directions
- I start by activating the yeast in warm water until it becomes foamy.
- In a large bowl, I mix the flour, sugar, and salt, then add in the yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
- I knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, then let it rise until doubled in size.
- Once risen, I roll the dough into a rectangle and generously coat it with melted butter.
- I mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it all over the dough.
- Then, I cut slits into the dough and twist it to get that classic pull-apart effect.
- I transfer the dough to a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- I bake it until golden brown and cooked through, then let it cool slightly.
- For the icing, I whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth and drizzle it over the warm bread before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 loaf, which serves about 8 slices.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours 20 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch. For a fruity twist, I’ve also tried sprinkling raisins or finely chopped apples into the cinnamon layer. Swapping the vanilla icing with a cream cheese glaze is another delicious variation I like to use when I want it to feel more like a dessert.
storage/reheating
I store leftover cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. I always add a bit more icing after reheating to keep it tasting fresh.
FAQs
What makes Dollywood cinnamon bread different from regular cinnamon bread?
It’s the pull-apart style and the generous amount of buttery cinnamon sugar that makes it extra special. The twisted shape lets the cinnamon mix soak into every bite, and the icing adds just the right touch of sweetness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, I’ve made the dough the night before and kept it in the fridge. I just let it come to room temperature and rise before baking.
Do I have to make it in a loaf pan?
While the loaf pan gives it that signature look, I’ve also baked it in a round cake pan or even shaped smaller individual portions for a more snackable version.
Can I freeze the bread?
Absolutely. I wrap the fully baked and cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze it for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to serve, I thaw and warm it, then drizzle fresh icing on top.
What kind of icing works best?
I usually go with a simple vanilla icing made with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream. For a thicker, richer option, I sometimes use a cream cheese frosting.
Conclusion
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing brings the magic of a beloved theme park treat into my own kitchen. It’s warm, sweet, and perfectly spiced, and the soft, pull-apart texture makes it as fun to eat as it is satisfying. Whether I’m baking it for a special occasion or just because, it always hits the spot.
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
- Category: Bread, Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is a soft, buttery, pull-apart loaf packed with gooey cinnamon-sugar swirls and finished with a sweet vanilla drizzle. Inspired by the iconic treat from The Grist Mill at Dollywood, this homemade version captures all the nostalgic, bakery-style flavor in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or brunch!
Ingredients
-
All-purpose flour
-
Granulated sugar
-
Salt
-
Active dry yeast
-
Warm water
-
Whole milk
-
Unsalted butter
-
Eggs
-
Ground cinnamon
-
Brown sugar
-
Powdered sugar
-
Vanilla extract
-
Heavy cream or milk (for icing)
Instructions
-
Activate the yeast in warm water until foamy.
-
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Mix in yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
-
Knead until dough is smooth and elastic. Let rise until doubled in size.
-
Roll dough into a rectangle and brush with melted butter.
-
Sprinkle a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the dough.
-
Slice and twist dough to create a pull-apart shape.
-
Place in greased loaf pan; let rise for 30 minutes.
-
Bake until golden brown. Cool slightly.
-
Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream for icing; drizzle over warm bread before serving.
Notes
- Add chopped nuts or raisins for variation.
- Swap vanilla icing for cream cheese glaze for a richer taste.
- Dough can be made ahead and chilled overnight.
- Store in airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5.
