There’s something undeniably magical about the warm, buttery aroma that greets you at Dollywood’s Grist Mill. It isn’t just bread—it’s a tradition steeped in Southern charm. And now, thanks to this foolproof Dollywood cinnamon bread recipe, you can bring that sweet, comforting experience straight into your kitchen.
Whether you’re reminiscing about a cherished visit to Tennessee or introducing this legendary loaf to loved ones for the first time, this recipe delivers the pull-apart, cinnamon-sugar masterpiece that makes Dollywood famous.
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Why This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe Is So Loved
Unlike typical cinnamon breads, this one starts with a pillowy yeast dough that’s slathered in butter and rolled in a generous cinnamon-sugar blend. The bread is partially sliced before baking, turning it into a natural pull-apart loaf. The crowning glory? A dreamy vanilla glaze poured while the bread is still warm, soaking into every sticky, spiced crevice.
This isn’t just dessert—it’s nostalgia baked into golden, gooey slices.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
You likely have most of these ingredients on hand. Here’s the full list along with a few handy substitution tips:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups | Bread flour can add a chewier texture |
| Active dry yeast | 2¼ tsp | Instant yeast works with slight timing tweaks |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | Helps activate the yeast |
| Warm milk | 1 cup | Around 110°F; oat or almond milk works too |
| Eggs | 2 large | Use flax eggs for vegan version |
| Unsalted butter | 6 tbsp | Plus extra for coating; use plant-based if needed |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Balances sweetness |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | Light or dark both work well |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tbsp | Feel free to add nutmeg or cardamom for depth |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup | For the glaze |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Pure vanilla preferred |
| Milk (for glaze) | 2 tbsp | Adjust consistency as needed |
Step-by-Step: How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
1. Activate the Yeast
Combine warm milk and sugar, sprinkle the yeast on top, and let it sit until frothy. No bubbles? Your yeast may be old or the milk too hot.
2. Make the Dough
Mix flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture, eggs, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until a dough forms, then knead it until smooth—about 8-10 minutes.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Coating
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Melt the remaining butter and set both aside.
5. Shape, Slice & Coat
Split the dough in two. Roll each half into a rectangle, slice crosswise ¾ of the way through, brush with butter, and dredge in the cinnamon mixture.
6. Second Rise & Bake
Place each loaf in a greased pan and let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
7. Glaze It!
Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk into a smooth glaze. Pour over the warm bread and watch it seep into every delicious fold.
The Secret Behind the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
What makes this Dollywood cinnamon bread recipe so irresistible? It’s not just the ingredients—it’s the method. The slicing technique ensures butter and cinnamon sugar reach every layer, while the glaze locks in moisture and flavor.
Dollywood’s bakers have perfected this process at the Grist Mill, where they craft hundreds of loaves daily. Visitors say it’s worth the trip alone!
Fun Variations on the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Apple Pie Twist: Add thinly sliced apples between layers.
- Pumpkin Spice Version: Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon.
- Maple Glaze Option: Swap vanilla for maple extract in the glaze.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
- Serve with coffee or a dollop of whipped cinnamon butter.
- Don’t refrigerate—it dries out. Store at room temperature for 2 days.
- To freeze, wrap tightly and reheat at 300°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
How do I get the original Dollywood cinnamon bread?
Visit the Grist Mill at Dollywood, or try this homemade version!
Can I refrigerate it?
No. It’s best stored at room temp or frozen for longer shelf life.
Who makes the original?
Dollywood’s Grist Mill bakers create it fresh daily.
Did Dolly Parton sell Dollywood?
Not completely—Dolly remains a part-owner and beloved figure at the park.
How many loaves are sold annually?
Over 350,000 loaves—it’s a best-seller!
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe: Recreate the Iconic Theme Park Treat at Home
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
Description
Soft, golden, and swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar, this Dollywood cinnamon bread is a Southern favorite turned home kitchen hero. Pull-apart perfection meets a rich vanilla glaze—comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
2¼ tsp active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 tbsp melted unsalted butter
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
For the Coating:
3 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
½ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk (adjust to desired consistency)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Activate Yeast
In a bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk eggs and melted butter. Add the yeast mixture, flour, and salt. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.First Rise
Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled.Prep Filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Melt remaining butter separately.Shape & Coat
Divide dough into two pieces. Roll each into a rectangle. Slice slits across the top (¾ through), brush with butter, and dredge in cinnamon-sugar mix.Second Rise
Place loaves in greased loaf pans and let rise for 30 minutes.Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.Make Glaze & Finish
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over warm bread right out of the oven.
Notes
- For extra gooeyness, double the glaze and drizzle both before and after slicing.
- Let bread cool slightly before glazing if you want a thicker coating.
- Store at room temp for up to 2 days or freeze tightly wrapped loaves.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 loaf)
- Calories: ~260
- Sugar: ~15g
- Sodium: ~180mg
- Fat: ~9g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Carbohydrates: ~38g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~5g
- Cholesterol: ~45mg
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Final Thoughts: Why the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen
This Dollywood cinnamon bread recipe isn’t just another baking project—it’s a warm, sweet slice of Southern tradition. It brings comfort, nostalgia, and irresistible flavor to your table. Whether you’re honoring a cherished memory or creating new ones, this treat is sure to become a family favorite.
Bake it once, and you’ll understand why thousands of people flock to Dollywood each year—for a loaf of this cinnamon magic.
