If you’re craving a warm, sweet treat that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, you need to try the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe. This soft, twisted cinnamon loaf delivers a perfect balance of cinnamon-spiced sweetness and tender, buttery dough crowned with a luscious vanilla icing. It’s the kind of homemade bread that feels like a hug in every bite—easy enough to make any day but special enough to impress family and friends, transporting you straight to the charm of Dollywood’s famous bakery stands.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, classic ingredients is the first step toward making your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe a delicious success. Each one plays an important role, from the rich butter that keeps the bread moist to the cinnamon and brown sugar that create that signature sweet swirl.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your soft, tender dough.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: Helps the bread rise to fluffy perfection.
- 1 cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture for a soft crumb.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and add tenderness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Combined with cinnamon, forms the irresistible spiced swirl.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, cozy spice essential to this bread.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Used to brush the dough for a golden, flavorful crust.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the sweet, creamy icing glaze.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Thins the icing to the perfect drizzle consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor to the icing.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by pouring warm milk into a large mixing bowl, then sprinkle in the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until the mixture gets foamy. This bubbling step proves your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, which is key to that light, airy bread texture you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Combine Dough Ingredients
Next, add the granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, eggs, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until just combined. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. This gradual addition ensures the dough isn’t too sticky or dry, setting the stage for perfect kneading.
Step 3: Knead and Let Rise
Dust a clean surface with flour and knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes, until it turns smooth and elastic. This kneading develops gluten, giving your bread structure and that tender chew. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This rise is what creates that pillowy softness.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Loaves
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Divide it into two equal parts and roll each into a rectangle. Brush the surface generously with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Next, cut the dough into strips, twist each one, and place side by side in greased loaf pans. Let the shaped loaves rise again for about 30 minutes—this second rise gives you that beautiful, tender crumb.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown. The warm aroma filling your kitchen at this point is truly irresistible. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before adding your finishing touch.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Icing
While the bread cools just a bit, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Drizzle this luscious icing over the warm loaves for that delightful sweet finish that perfectly complements the cinnamon-spiced bread.
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Though the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe stands out on its own, adding a few garnishes can elevate the experience even more. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the icing adds an exciting contrast, or chopped pecans lend a nice crunch and toasty flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Side Dishes
This warm, sweet bread pairs wonderfully with a simple side of fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples for a balanced snack or breakfast. If you’re serving it for brunch, a side of creamy scrambled eggs or a dollop of Greek yogurt can round out the meal with a savory touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try slicing the bread into thick, generous pieces and serving with individual ramekins of honey butter or cinnamon cream cheese spread for your guests to customize. You could also gently toast leftover slices for a delightful crunch that brings out the cinnamon aroma even more, perfect for dipping in coffee or hot cocoa.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra dollywood cinnamon bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its softness. Wrapping it tightly helps preserve moisture so every slice stays just as wonderful as when freshly baked.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap your cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. Frozen, it will keep well for up to 3 months. Whenever you want a treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. You can add a quick extra drizzle of icing after warming for a fresh, gooey finish that tastes just like the day it was made.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
While whole wheat flour can add nuttiness and fiber, it will make the bread denser. For the classic soft texture of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe, all-purpose flour is best. If substituting, try half whole wheat and half all-purpose to keep some lightness.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Yes, the first rise develops flavor and texture, and the second rise—after shaping—ensures the twisted loaves remain tender and fluffy with that perfect pull-apart quality.
Can I make the icing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the icing ingredients and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before drizzling over the warm bread for best flow and flavor.
What’s the best way to measure the cinnamon for the filling?
Use a leveled tablespoon of ground cinnamon for balanced spice. If you love extra cinnamon flavor, you can add a little more, but be mindful not to overpower the sweetness.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe relies on gluten for its structure and softness, so it’s tricky to make it gluten-free without special flours and additives. For a gluten-free version, look for a recipe designed specifically for gluten-free bread to get the best results.
Final Thoughts
Making the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe at home is like capturing a little piece of sweet, southern magic in your own kitchen. It’s a satisfying project that rewards you with warm, cinnamon-kissed bread that everyone will adore. Whether for a cozy breakfast or a special dessert, this bread is a delicious way to share comfort and joy, so go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret that first buttery, cinnamon-spread slice!
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves, about 16 servings
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is a deliciously soft and sweet homemade bread, filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar twist and topped with a smooth vanilla icing. This American bakery-style bread is perfect for enjoying warm as a dessert or a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add the granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the loaves: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal loaves. Roll each loaf into a rectangle shape on a floured surface.
- Add filling: Brush each rectangle with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture for a flavorful filling.
- Form twisted loaves: Cut the dough into strips, twist each strip gently, and place them side by side into a greased loaf pan to create a beautiful twisted pattern.
- Second rise: Cover the loaves and let them rise again for 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up nicely before baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Prepare icing: While the bread is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the icing.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the icing over the warm bread right after it comes out of the oven for a sweet, creamy topping. Serve warm for the best taste.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- The bread tastes best served warm and can be gently reheated in the oven.
- You can substitute cream for milk in the icing for a thicker and richer drizzle.
