The Famous Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: An Easy & Iconic Recipe

Tis the season for a warm and cozy theme park recipe! Although admittedly, it’ll always be the season for the iconic fan favorite Dollywood cinnamon bread.

Dollywood cinnamon bread? Dollywood cinnamon bread.

In the heart of the Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood is a renowned hotspot for thrill seekers, music lovers, and–relevantly for your being here–those with a sweet tooth. And, among its array of culinary treasures, one particular treat stands tall: Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread. 

Down below, we’ve got the easy homemade recipe for it, because not everyone has daily access to the Grist Mill and the withdrawal can be real.

As such, let’s uncover how to create park’s famous cinnamon bread at home!

Related Reading: 15 Beloved Theme Park Recipes To Try

The Magic of Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread

Now, what makes Dollywood cinnamon bread so unique? 

It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spice, a soft and fluffy texture, and yet a slightly crisp exterior. 

The bread is generously coated in a heavenly mix of cinnamon and sugar, baked to golden perfection, and then drizzled with a sweet glaze. It offers a taste that’s peak classic Dollywood cooking.

The origins of this recipe are as charming as the bread itself, being rooted in the traditions of Southern baking. It’s a recipe that has been passed down, tweaked, and perfected over the years. And, the cinnamon bread is a staple that embodies the spirit of Dollywood itself (their equivalent of Universal Studios’ butterbeer in sentiment).

So, let’s get ready to sprinkle some cinnamon, sweeten our day, and bake a loaf or two of Dollywood’s finest!

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Ingredients

Ready for a taste of Dollywood magic? Here are all the necessary ingredients for your Dollywood cinnamon bread recipe. 

Fortunately, this simple yet delightful recipe utilizes everyday items, making it easy to whip up this treat whenever the craving strikes.

• Loaf Pans: Two 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 by 2 1/2 inch loaf pans will be the most popular dishes for creating this classic.
• For Non-Stick Convenience: A bit of vegetable oil cooking spray ensures your warm loaves of cinnamon bread will release easily from the pans.
• The Sweet Blend: You’ll need 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon. These combine to create that signature cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• The Bread Base: The star of the show is a 1 pound loaf of thawed frozen bread dough. This is, of course, the key element in the Dollywood cinnamon bread recipe, with the frozen aspect of the bread dough offering both convenience and great texture alike.
• The Buttery Touch: 4 tablespoons of butter will be melted and used to give the bread its moist, rich flavor.
• For the Glaze: To top off your creation, you’ll need 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar and 2 1/2 tablespoons of water to create a sweet and smooth glaze that perfectly complements the spiced bread.

With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a batch of the best cinnamon bread, courtesy of Dolly Parton. Each component plays a special role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures just like the real thing. So, gather your ingredients and prepare for the next step–crafting your perfect loaf.

How To Make The Iconic Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Now that you have all your ingredients for the Dollywood cinnamon bread recipe, it’s time to dive into the baking process! 

Follow these detailed steps to ensure your cinnamon bread turns out just as delightful as the real deal from Dollywood. 

Note: The use of thawed frozen bread dough makes this recipe not only delicious but also incredibly convenient.

1) Preparation: Pans & Dough

• Warming the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F.
• Prepping the Loaf Pans: Start by coating your two loaf pans with vegetable oil cooking spray. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures your bread comes out easily after baking.
• Dough Readiness: Take the thawed frozen bread dough and cut it lengthwise into two pieces. Then, make four crosswise slits in each piece. This will help the butter and cinnamon sugar to seep into the bread, creating layers of flavor.

2) The Cinnamon Sugar Blend

• Mixing the Coating: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated white sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon. Stir them together until you have a uniform mixture. This blend is the heart of your Dollywood cinnamon bread, giving it that iconic taste.

3) Crafting & Baking The Bread

• Buttering the Dough: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Brush the loaves entirely with the melted butter, ensuring every part is covered. This step is crucial for achieving that moist, rich texture.
• Coating with Cinnamon Sugar: Now, generously coat the buttered loaves in your cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure to get the mixture into the deep slits for an even flavor throughout.
• Letting the Bread Rise: Place the loaves in the prepared pans and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. This allows the dough to become light and airy.
• Baking the Loaves: Once the oven reaches 300°F, bake the loaves for 35 minutes or until the top turns golden brown. Remember to turn the pans around once halfway through the baking process for an even bake.

4) The Final Touch: Glazing

• Glaze Preparation: While the bread is still warm, mix 1 cup sifted powdered sugar with 2 1/2 tablespoons of water to make the glaze. Aim for a smooth, pourable consistency.
• Drizzling the Glaze: Drizzle the top of each loaf with the prepared glaze while they’re still warm. This adds a sweet finish that complements the spicy cinnamon flavor beautifully.

And with that, you’ve got your very own Dollywood cinnamon bread in your very own kitchen.

Cinnamon Bread Tips & Recommendations

Here are some creative ideas for serving and enjoying your freshly baked cinnamon bread, along with tips on keeping it fresh.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is a versatile treat, perfect for various occasions. Serve it warm for breakfast, as a delightful snack, or even as a dessert.

For an extra indulgence, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, butterscotch, extra cinnamon mixture (not judging), and/or brown sugar. The warm spices and sweet glaze of the bread complement these additions wonderfully.

At Dollywood itself, they offer the opportunity to top the cinnamon bread with apple butter. So, if you have some at home, enjoy!

Pairing Ideas

This beloved theme park food pairs beautifully with a range of beverages too. Enjoy it with a cup of hot coffee, milk, or tea to balance the sweetness. Furthermore, it pairs well with a glass of dessert wine, coquito, cider, or a hot chocolate.

Storing for Freshness

To keep your cinnamon bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can also wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator.

If you’ve decidedly gone all in and made multiple​ of these pillowy loaves of bread, you can wrap your extra cinnamon breads in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for about 3 months.

Reheating Tips

If you enjoy your cinnamon bread warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds. You can also wrap the bread in foil and warm it in the oven for a few minutes too.

FAQs About The Famous Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

When it comes to Dollywood cinnamon bread, there are often a few questions that pop up regularly. So, here are some quick answers to help nip those questions in the bud. If there are any that aren’t covered here, drop a comment and I’ll circle back to you with an answer!

Should you refrigerate cinnamon bread?

Ideally, cinnamon bread is best enjoyed fresh. So, by default you don’t have to refrigerate it. However, if you need to store it, it’s perfectly fine to refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it’s wrapped well or in an airtight container to retain its moisture and flavor.

How long does cinnamon bread last?

Properly stored in an airtight container, cinnamon bread can last for 2-3 days at room temperature. If refrigerated, it can last up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months, though it’s best to enjoy it fresh for the best taste and texture.

Is Grist Mill hot fresh cinnamon bread made daily?

At Dollywood, the Grist Mill is renowned for making hot fresh cinnamon bread daily. This ensures that visitors always get to experience the bread at its best–warm, aromatic, and freshly baked.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Dollywood cinnamon bread by using gluten-free bread dough. Keep in mind, the texture might vary slightly from the original, but you can still enjoy a delicious gluten-free cinnamon treat.

What can I serve with Dollywood cinnamon bread?

Dollywood cinnamon bread is quite versatile. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a cold glass of milk, or even a scoop of ice cream. For a festive twist, try it with a glass of apple cider or coquito.

Are there any variations I can try for this recipe?

Certainly! You can experiment by adding nuts or raisins to the dough for added texture. Some enjoy a hint of vanilla in the glaze or nutmeg in the cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra flavor dimension. Feel free to get creative and make the recipe your own.

Wrapping It Up

Hopefully you find this Dollywood cinnamon bread recipe a fun way to enjoy a piece of Dollywood at home! It’s certainly a way that your taste buds will thank you for.

If you do bake this recipe, be sure to share your cinnamon bread adventures below! Did you stick to the official recipe or did you add your own twist? And, how did it turn out? Your experiences, questions, or even your own tips are always welcome.

Now, go ahead and preheat the oven. Many batches of mouth-watering cinnamon bread awaits you.

Happy baking!

For more theme park recipes, you can also check out:

15 Beloved Theme Park Recipes To Try At Home

Easy Butterbeer Recipes: Original, Alcoholic, Frozen, & Hot

Thanks for reading!