If you’ve ever visited Dollywood, you know exactly what I’m talking about — that warm, soft, perfectly sweet Cinnamon Bread with Icing that fills the park with an irresistible aroma. It’s one of those treats that’s impossible to forget, and I’ve been making this copycat recipe at home for years to relive that magic.
This bread is soft and fluffy, loaded with buttery cinnamon sugar, and topped with a drizzle of sweet icing that takes it completely over the top. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, and your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing while it bakes. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with coffee, this bread never lasts long in my house.
Here’s how I make my favorite Dollywood-inspired cinnamon bread at home.
Why You’ll Love This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Copycat
- Soft, buttery bread with ribbons of cinnamon sugar
- Sweet icing drizzle that makes every bite indulgent
- Perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunch, or dessert
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Fills your kitchen with the best cinnamon-bakery aroma
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread:
- 1 package frozen bread dough (thawed) or homemade dough if you prefer
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How I Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
1. Prepare the Bread
I start by letting the bread dough thaw according to package instructions. Once it’s ready, I lightly flour my countertop and roll the dough into a large rectangle.
2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, I combine the sugar and cinnamon.
3. Coat the Dough
I brush the entire surface of the dough with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over, pressing gently so it sticks.
4. Slice and Twist
I cut the dough into strips (about 1 ½ inches wide) and gently twist each strip before placing them into a buttered loaf pan. This gives the bread those beautiful cinnamon-swirled layers when you pull it apart.
5. Second Rise
I let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes, until puffy.
6. Bake
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
7. Make the Icing
While the bread bakes, I whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Drizzle and Serve
Once the bread is out of the oven and slightly cooled, I drizzle the icing generously over the top and serve it warm — usually pulling apart pieces with my hands just like you do at Dollywood!
My Favorite Tips for Success
- Don’t skip twisting the strips of dough — it gives the bread its signature pull-apart texture.
- Use fresh cinnamon for the most intense, sweet-spicy flavor.
- Add chopped pecans or raisins if you want to mix it up.
- Drizzle extra icing right before serving for ultimate indulgence.
- Enjoy warm — it’s best when soft and gooey right out of the oven.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Bread
- Hot coffee or chai tea for a cozy treat
- Fresh berries or fruit salad on the side for balance
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling decadent
- Warm spiced cider during holiday gatherings
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the dough from scratch?
A: Yes! A soft, sweet bread dough works beautifully if you prefer homemade.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then let it rise for 30 minutes before baking the next morning.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Q: Can I freeze this bread?
A: Yes! Bake, cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw and warm in the oven before serving.
Pure Cinnamon-Sugar Bliss at Home
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing recipe brings all the magic of the park right to your kitchen. Whether it’s for holiday mornings, family brunches, or just because you’re craving something sweet and special, this bread never disappoints.
If you try it, let me know how it turns out! Add your personal twist, drizzle that icing generously, and enjoy every soft, warm, cinnamon-kissed bite.
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing: A Copycat Recipe for the Famous Treat
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and remaining sugar.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it, then pour the remaining batter on top.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top of the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the bread is baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the bread is done, let it cool for 10 minutes before drizzling the icing on top.
Leave a Reply