Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe

If you’re looking to experience pure Southern comfort in every bite, look no further than Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing. This sweet, gooey, pull-apart masterpiece captures the magic of Dollywood right in your own kitchen: pillowy soft bread blanketed with swirls of cinnamon sugar, baked until golden, and topped with a luscious vanilla icing that melts right in. Every slice is a glorious treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or when you just want to spoil yourself and your loved ones with something unforgettable.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role by contributing to the aroma, flavor, or melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure to use the best-quality ingredients you can find, and you’ll end up with results that rival the original theme park classic.

• Frozen bread dough (1 loaf, thawed): This is the shortcut that makes everything so doable; it yields a soft, fluffy loaf with little effort.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds that just-right sweetness and helps the cinnamon stick to every nook and cranny.
• Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tablespoons): The hero of the flavor profile—don’t skimp, as your kitchen will smell like a dream.
• Unsalted butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Creates richness, helps the cinnamon sugar adhere, and gives the edges beautiful crispness.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): The secret to a silky, perfectly sweet icing that drapes over the warm bread.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): Loosens up the icing so it pours and drizzles just right.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the icing with a warm, homemade flavor that makes all the difference.

How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously spraying a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Roll the thawed bread dough out on a lightly floured surface into a long rectangle, about 16 inches. This foundation is all about creating those signature pull-apart layers that make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing so addictive.

Step 2: Create the Signature Cuts

Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, make cuts about one inch apart along the length of the dough, slicing halfway through rather than all the way. This step is key—these cuts are where all that buttery cinnamon sugar goodness will cozy up and infuse every bite.

Step 3: Brush and Sprinkle

Melt the butter and brush it generously over the dough, paying special attention to the slits. In a small bowl, mix together your cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle the mixture evenly across the top, patting it in gently so none of that spiced sweetness escapes.

Step 4: Proof and Bake

Carefully transfer the prepared dough to your loaf pan. Cover it loosely and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size or deliciously puffy—usually around 30 to 45 minutes. Pop it in the oven for 25–30 minutes, and let the scent of fresh-baked cinnamon bread fill your house with warmth and anticipation.

Step 5: Make the Icing

While the bread bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a silky smooth icing. If you love an extra drizzle (who doesn’t with Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing?), feel free to double up!

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then liberally drizzle the icing over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. Serve it warm, preferably with lots of napkins and plenty of smiles to go around.

How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing

Garnishes

This delicious bread is spectacular on its own, but a little flourish never hurts! Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top, garnish with a few chopped pecans, or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. A twist of citrus zest or a few raisins baked in can add fun flavor notes, too.

Side Dishes

For a true Southern brunch, pair Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing with fresh fruit salad, a creamy latte, or some smoky crispy bacon. It’s also lovely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, making it a show-stopping finish to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and stack the bread in a basket lined with a gingham napkin for that perfect rustic touch. Or, serve the loaf on a wooden cutting board, ready to be pulled apart with sticky fingers. For parties, try slicing pieces into sticks and stacking them in a “cinnamon bread tower” with an icing dip on the side—talk about a centerpiece with wow-factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay soft and delicious for up to two days. The bread absorbs flavor as it sits, making it even better for a next-day treat!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this bread for future cravings. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it snugly in foil, and place in a zip-top freezer bag. Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing freezes well for up to two months—just hold off on icing until after thawing for the best texture.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or refresh the whole loaf in a low oven (about 300°F) for 8–10 minutes. Drizzle fresh icing over the top just before serving to bring back the magic.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite sweet bread or brioche dough, feel free to use it. Homemade dough creates an even richer, more personal version of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing.

What kind of milk works best for the icing?

Whole milk gives the icing a creamy, decadent texture, but you can use low-fat, almond, or oat milk if you prefer—it will still taste wonderful spread over the warm bread.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Of course! Chopped pecans or walnuts are a classic addition for crunch, and golden raisins add a lovely burst of sweetness. Sprinkle your extras on after the cinnamon sugar step for best results.

How do I keep the bread from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to generously coat your loaf pan with nonstick spray or butter, and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance—clean-up will be a breeze, and your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing will pop right out!

Is this bread good served cold?

While nothing beats it warm and gooey, leftovers straight from the fridge have their own appeal—the flavors deepen overnight, making for a slightly firmer but still irresistible treat.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever longed for that cozy theme park flavor at home, Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is your ticket. This is the kind of recipe that brings people to the kitchen, noses in the air, ready for something special. Give it a try—you might find it becomes your new family tradition, too!

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