Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread with Icing is an iconic dessert that has become synonymous with the popular theme park. Whether you’re visiting the Smoky Mountains or simply craving something sweet, this cinnamon delight is hard to resist. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the history, ingredients, and step-by-step process to recreate this delicious treat at home.
A Sweet Tradition at Dollywood
Dollywood, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and entertainment, is also home to some amazing food experiences. One of the most popular items on the menu is its cinnamon bread, famously sold at the Grist Mill. This bread, served fresh with sweet icing, has been a favorite for many years, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the park.
In fact, the recipe for Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is so loved that it has been shared by food enthusiasts across the country. For a taste of this treat at home, check out Garden & Gun’s recipe that guides you through the process.
For an even deeper look into the world of Dollywood and everything it has to offer, make sure to visit Dollywood’s Official Website, where you’ll find all the details about the park’s attractions and its famous Grist Mill.
Why is Dollywood Cinnamon Bread So Special?
Dollywood’s cinnamon bread isn’t just another baked good; it’s an experience. The warm cinnamon scent that wafts through the air as it’s being made is enough to draw visitors to the Grist Mill, and the first bite is nothing short of magical. Here’s why this bread stands out:
- Freshly baked every day: There’s something magical about fresh, hot bread coming out of the oven. Dollywood’s cinnamon bread is made from scratch, ensuring it’s always fresh.
- Generous icing: The icing on top is rich and perfectly complements the cinnamon-sugar filling. It’s not too sweet, but it adds just the right amount of indulgence.
- Crafted with love: Made with care in the Grist Mill, this bread carries with it a sense of nostalgia and tradition, which is something you can taste with every bite.
The History Behind Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread
The history of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread dates back to the early days of Dollywood, when the park was first established. The bread was initially prepared in the Grist Mill, a historic water-powered mill that has now become a staple in the park. Its success is largely attributed to its simplicity and the mouth-watering combination of cinnamon and sugar, paired with a decadent icing that’s spread generously over the warm bread.
The Grist Mill has been a major part of Dollywood’s charm, and it remains an attraction in itself. In the 1980s, Dolly Parton herself wanted to bring some of the heart and soul of traditional Appalachian baking into the park. That’s when Dollywood Cinnamon Bread was born. The recipe has remained largely unchanged, preserving the traditional flavor while introducing a new generation to this mouthwatering delight.
If you want to dive deeper into the history and heritage of Dollywood, visit their official site at Dollywood’s Official Website for more details about their attractions and food offerings.
Ingredients for Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Before you begin, it’s important to gather all the right ingredients. The recipe for Dollywood Cinnamon Bread calls for a few simple items, but the key to its deliciousness lies in how they’re combined.
Dough Ingredients
The dough forms the base of the bread, and getting the right texture is essential for that soft, pillowy bite that’s characteristic of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread. You’ll need the following ingredients for the dough:
- Flour (about 5 cups)
- Yeast (2 packets)
- Sugar (1/2 cup)
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened)
- Milk (1 cup)
- Eggs (2 large)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
The star of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is the filling. The sweet, spicy cinnamon-sugar mixture that oozes through each slice makes it a showstopper. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Brown sugar (1 cup)
- Cinnamon (3 tablespoons)
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened)
Icing
The icing is what brings everything together, offering a sweet finish that coats the warm bread. The simple ingredients for the icing are:
- Powdered sugar (2 cups)
- Butter (1/4 cup, softened)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Milk (2-3 tablespoons)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Creating Dollywood Cinnamon Bread at home is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps:
1. Preparing the Dough
- In a bowl, combine the yeast with warm milk and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add the yeast mixture, butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients, stirring until the dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth, then cover it and let it rise in a warm area for 1-1.5 hours.
2. Assembling the Bread
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle.
- Spread the butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the surface.
- Roll the dough up tightly into a log and place it in a greased baking pan.
3. Baking the Bread
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before icing.
4. Icing the Bread
- Mix the powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the icing generously over the warm bread.
Enjoy the aroma and taste of your freshly baked Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with icing! For even more ideas, explore different variations of this beloved recipe.
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread with Icing is a beloved theme park treat, featuring soft, pillowy dough coated in cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich icing glaze. Recreate this famous recipe at home with this easy step-by-step guide.
Ingredients
- 5 cups flour
- 2 packets yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (for filling)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (for icing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine yeast with warm milk and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add yeast mixture, butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients, stirring until dough forms.
- Knead dough for 5-7 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1-1.5 hours.
- Punch down dough and roll into a large rectangle.
- Spread butter over the dough, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll tightly into a log and place in a greased baking pan.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle icing generously over warm bread before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve warm with a side of apple butter or honey butter. Enjoy the classic taste of Dollywood right from your kitchen!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Dollywood, cinnamon bread, icing, sweet bread, theme park treat