If you’ve ever been to Dollywood, you know that one of the most beloved treats is the warm, buttery, and perfectly spiced Cinnamon Bread. This legendary snack is soft, pull-apart, and coated in a delicious blend of cinnamon and sugar, making it a must-try for every visitor.
Freshly baked at The Grist Mill, Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread has gained iconic status, drawing long lines of guests eager to grab a loaf. But if you can’t make it to the park, don’t worry! You can recreate this famous treat at home with just a few simple ingredients.
In this guide, we’ll dive into what makes Dollywood Cinnamon Bread so special, answer frequently asked questions, and show you how to bake your own version of this legendary bread. Let’s get started! 🍞✨
What Is Dollywood Cinnamon Bread?
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a soft, pull-apart loaf coated in buttery cinnamon-sugar goodness and baked to perfection. It’s served warm and fresh at The Grist Mill, one of the most popular food stops at Dollywood.
What Is the Famous Bread at Dollywood?
The famous bread at Dollywood is their signature Cinnamon Bread, which has become a must-try treat for visitors. People line up for this warm, gooey, and perfectly spiced bread, often pairing it with apple butter or icing for extra indulgence.
How Many Cinnamon Breads Does Dollywood Sell a Day?
Dollywood sells thousands of loaves of Cinnamon Bread daily, especially during peak seasons. On busy days, The Grist Mill can sell up to 350 loaves per hour—that’s how popular it is!
Why Is It So Special?
✔ Warm, Buttery, and Sweet – The perfect balance of soft dough, cinnamon, and sugar.
✔ Pull-Apart Texture – Made with deep cuts in the dough, so it’s easy to tear and share.
✔ Freshly Baked Daily – Each loaf is made from scratch and served warm.
✔ A Dollywood Tradition – No trip to the park is complete without a slice of this famous bread.
Why You’ll Love This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Bringing Dollywood Cinnamon Bread into your own kitchen means you can enjoy this legendary treat anytime—no theme park visit required! Here’s why you’ll love making it at home:
- ✅ Soft, Buttery, and Warm – Just like at Dollywood, this bread is gooey, pull-apart, and coated in cinnamon-sugar goodness.
- ✅ Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and no fancy equipment, you can whip up a homemade version in no time.
- ✅ Perfect for Sharing – The pull-apart texture makes this a great family-friendly snack or holiday treat.
- ✅ Tastes Just Like the Original – Recreate Dollywood’s famous flavor with this easy-to-follow recipe.
- ✅ Pairs with Any Topping – Serve with apple butter, cream cheese frosting, or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Ingredients Needed Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
To make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread at home, you’ll need simple baking staples that create the perfect soft, buttery, and cinnamon-sweet loaf.
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
The Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For Serving (Optional, but Highly Recommended!):
🍎 Apple Butter – Just like Dollywood’s famous pairing!
🍦 Vanilla Glaze – A drizzle of powdered sugar + milk makes it extra indulgent.
🍯 Honey or Caramel Sauce – A warm, sticky-sweet topping.
💡 Love cinnamon-spiced treats? Try this Pumpkin Bars with Chai Caramel for another warm and cozy dessert!
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Follow these simple steps to recreate Dollywood’s famous Cinnamon Bread right in your own kitchen!
1: Make the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk (110°F), yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2: Shape & Coat the Bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Using a sharp knife, make deep slits (but not all the way through) across the top of the loaf to create a pull-apart texture.
3: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- In a bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Dip the entire loaf in melted butter, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Roll and press the loaf into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, covering every side.
- Place the loaf in the prepared pan and let it rise for 15-20 minutes.
4: Bake & Serve
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Let the bread cool slightly before removing it from the pan.
- Serve warm with apple butter, honey, or vanilla glaze.
Pro Tips for the Best Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Want your homemade Dollywood Cinnamon Bread to taste just like the real thing? Follow these expert tips:
- Use Real Butter – Don’t substitute margarine! Melted unsalted butter gives the best flavor and texture.
- Let the Dough Rise Properly – A warm, draft-free place helps the dough double in size. Rushing this step can lead to dense bread instead of soft, fluffy pull-apart goodness.
- Make Deep Slits for the Pull-Apart Texture – Cutting deep but not all the way through helps create the signature tear-and-share style.
- Coat Generously in Cinnamon Sugar – Don’t hold back! The more coating, the better for that Dollywood-style crunchy-sweet crust.
- Serve It Warm! – Fresh out of the oven is the best way to enjoy it. If making ahead, warm it up before serving for the full experience.
Serving Suggestions For Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is best enjoyed warm and fresh, but here are some delicious ways to elevate your experience:
- With Apple Butter – Just like at Dollywood, serve it with a side of rich, spiced apple butter for the ultimate pairing.
- Drizzled with Honey or Caramel – A drizzle of warm honey or caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness.
- With Ice Cream – Pair with a scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or butter pecan ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- With a Hot Drink – Enjoy with a cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- French Toast Style – Slice leftovers and pan-fry them in butter for an indulgent cinnamon bread French toast!
💡 Want another comforting, cinnamon-spiced dessert? Try this Pumpkin Bars with Chai Caramel for a warm, autumn-inspired delight!
FAQs About Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
1. Can you buy Dollywood Cinnamon Bread?
Yes! You can buy freshly baked Dollywood Cinnamon Bread at The Grist Mill inside Dollywood, as well as at DreamMore Resort and Spa.
2. What is the famous bread at Dollywood?
The famous bread is Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread, a soft, buttery, pull-apart loaf coated in cinnamon sugar and served warm.
3. How many cinnamon breads does Dollywood sell a day?
Dollywood sells thousands of loaves per day, with busy days reaching 350 loaves per hour!
4. How to warm up cinnamon bread from Dollywood?
To reheat:
- Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds until warm.
💡 Want another classic baked treat? Try this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake for a sweet, tangy dessert!
