If you’re looking for a treat that is pure, warm comfort in every bite, Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is about to become your new obsession. This recipe combines pillowy-soft bread, swirls of cinnamon sugar, and a drizzle of sweet vanilla icing—it’s the star of theme park snacks, but now you can recreate it at home whenever the craving hits. With simple steps and everyday ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this Southern classic in your own kitchen. Get ready for a slice of nostalgia and a whole lot of deliciousness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing lies in a handful of familiar ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—bringing rich texture, irresistible flavor, and that signature pull-apart appeal. Don’t skip a thing, because they all work together for cinnamon bread bliss!
- Frozen bread dough (1 loaf), thawed: Using ready-made dough keeps things quick and foolproof, and the result is fluffy, bakery-quality bread.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): This adds essential sweetness and that crave-worthy caramelized edge once the bread is baked.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): You can’t have Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing without this signature spice—it’s what gives that warm, nostalgic aroma.
- Unsalted butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Melted butter ensures the cinnamon-sugar swirls soak deep into every bite and gives the loaf its rich, golden crust.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): The base for the luscious icing that takes this bread from delicious to dessert-worthy.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Just enough to make the icing perfectly pourable and smooth.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): A little vanilla in the icing ties all the flavors together with a creamy, aromatic finish.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and get your 9×5-inch loaf pan ready with a good coat of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter. Thaw the bread dough completely—this is crucial for easy rolling and perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix Up the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until the color is even and the aroma is irresistible. This quick mix will become the flavorful heart of your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing.
Step 3: Roll Out and Slice the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface, then gently roll out the thawed dough into a rectangle—aim for about 8×16 inches. With a sharp knife, carefully cut slits across the width spaced about 1 inch apart, but stop before slicing all the way through. These slits are the secret to that signature pull-apart effect.
Step 4: Butter and Sprinkle for Maximum Flavor
Brushing the dough generously with the melted butter is where the magic happens. Make sure to get into all the slits, soaking each crevice. Next, add the cinnamon-sugar mixture, working it into every cut and across the surface. Don’t be shy—this is where all that rich flavor comes from!
Step 5: Roll, Rise, and Bake
Carefully roll the dough up lengthwise so it looks like a cinnamon-streaked log, then nestle it into your prepared loaf pan. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 30–45 minutes. Once the loaf looks soft and puffy, bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is a beautiful golden brown and your kitchen smells like a cinnamon wonderland.
Step 6: Whisk Up the Icing
While your bread cools slightly, it’s time to mix up the icing. Combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth—you want it thick but pourable, perfect for that bakery-style drizzle.
Step 7: Drizzle and Enjoy!
Once the bread is just cool enough to handle, lift it out of the pan and onto a serving board. Drizzle the icing generously over the top, letting it cascade into every delicious nook. Serve your homemade Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing warm for maximum comfort and pure joy.
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing
Garnishes
A little extra on top goes a long way! Sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon over the icing for extra drama, or finish with chopped pecans or walnuts if you love a bit of crunch. You could even add an extra swirl of icing just before serving—there’s no such thing as too much frosting here.
Side Dishes
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing pairs perfectly with breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a creamy latte. For dessert, serve with vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream to take things completely over the top.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the bread into thick slices and serve them in a basket lined with a pretty napkin for a brunch centerpiece. Or cut into smaller pull-apart pieces for a party platter—watch them disappear in minutes! Mini loaves also make adorable, thoughtful gifts wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers, wrap your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, perfect for easy morning treats.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze whole loaves or individual slices. Wrap well in foil and then a freezer bag—this helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the bread soft. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. The icing gets glossy, the bread turns soft, and it’s just as fabulous as day one.
FAQs
Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade dough brings a personal touch and works wonderfully—just make sure to allow for extra rising time and roll out the dough just as you would with the frozen kind.
Is it possible to make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute plant-based butter and your favorite dairy-free milk in both the bread and icing. The result will still be irresistibly rich and flavorful.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and split the dough into two loaves or bake in a larger pan. This bread is always a hit at gatherings and potlucks.
What’s the best way to keep the bread from drying out?
Be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container. If you’re not eating it within a day, wrapping the bread or slices tightly before storing will help lock in moisture and keep it fresh.
How long will the icing stay good?
Extra icing can be refrigerated for up to a week. Simply whisk well before drizzling over reheated slices of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing for a fresh burst of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the scent and taste of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing fresh from your own oven. It’s the perfect treat to share, gift, or sneak a bite of all to yourself. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delicious piece of Southern tradition!
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus rising time)
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, sweet, and comforting flavors of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing. This homemade cinnamon bread is a delightful treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert. The soft bread, filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a creamy icing, will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Icing:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll the thawed bread dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Cut slits across the dough, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mix, and roll lengthwise.
- Rise and Bake: Place the dough in the loaf pan, let it rise for 30–45 minutes, then bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle and Serve: Cool the bread slightly, drizzle with icing, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for added crunch.
- For a more decadent treat, double the icing and serve extra on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
