Dollywood Has the Best Cinnamon Bread in America — and We Have the Official Recipe (2024)

When it comes to theme park food, a few select treats reign supreme: Disney's Dole Whip, Universal Studios' Harry Potter-inspired Butterbeer, and Dollywood's cinnamon bread. Dollywood is well-known for its Southern eats, with popular dishes like fried chicken and catfish at Aunt Granny's, barbecue pork sandwiches at Hickory House BBQ, and the 25-pound apple pie at Spotlight Bakery. Most popular, however, is the Grist Mill, home of Dollywood's iconic pull-apart cinnamon bread, served hot with apple butter or icing.

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In the park, the bread is made right in front of (a usually long line of) guests. The bakers cut slits into each uncooked loaf, then dip it in butter and a cinnamon-sugar mixture before sending it into the oven. The result is a perfectly gooey, delicious snack that tastes like it was made with love (and, of course, lots of sugar and butter). And it's served by the loaf, so it's easily shareable between four people (if you're willing to give up some of the homemade goodness, that is).

You can also purchase Dollywood's cinnamon bread at other locations on property, but you can't beat a fresh, warm piece between rides, even in the Tennessee summer heat. It's also the perfect souvenir, and many guests grab an extra loaf to bring home and enjoy the next morning for breakfast (or during the ride home from the theme park, we won't judge).

Dollywood Has the Best Cinnamon Bread in America — and We Have the Official Recipe (2)

We got Dollywood's cinnamon bread recipe straight from the source, so you can make this delicious theme park treat at home whenever you want.

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 1/2 cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • 3/4 tsp. active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp. plus a pinch of granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 tbsps. unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • Cooking spray

For the Topping:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
  • 6 tbsps. unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsps. light corn syrup

For the Glaze:

  • 1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsps. unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 to 5 tbsps. milk

How to Make Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread

Make the dough: Combine the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of granulated sugar in a small bowl and let sit until foamy, five to eight minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the bread flour, remaining one tablespoon of granulated sugar, and salt in a stand mixer.

Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the flour mixture. Knead with the dough hook on medium speed until it is smooth and elastic, about eight minutes. Transfer to a bowl coated with cooking spray. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about one and a half hours.

Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Punch down the dough and transfer to a work surface; knead a few times. Cut in half and gently shape into two three-by-six-inch loaves (do not overwork the dough). Place the loaves three inches apart on the prepared pan. Lightly spray the loaves with cooking spray and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until puffy, 30 minutes to one hour.

Make the topping: Whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small baking dish. Whisk the melted butter and corn syrup in another small baking dish.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two nine-by-five-inch loaf pans with parchment paper, leaving a two-inch overhang on all sides. Cut four deep slashes across the top of each loaf (the loaves will look deflated). Dip each loaf in the butter-corn syrup mixture, turning to cover, then coat with the cinnamon sugar, making sure to get the sugar in the crevices. Place the loaves in the prepared pans. Drizzle with any remaining butter mixture and sprinkle with any remaining cinnamon sugar. Bake until light brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Lift the bread out of the loaf pans using the parchment overhang and transfer to a rack. Let cool in the paper, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the glaze: Whisk the confectioners' sugar, salt, melted butter, and three tablespoons of milk in a bowl until smooth. Whisk in up to two more tablespoons of milk as needed to loosen. Drizzle on the warm loaves or serve on the side for dipping.

Dollywood Has the Best Cinnamon Bread in America — and We Have the Official Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How much does a loaf of cinnamon bread cost at Dollywood? ›

And, as for places to eat, the Dollywood Grist Mill is an iconic option in the park, known for their "world-famous" cinnamon bread. Paired with buttercream icing or Dollywood's homemade apple butter, the fresh-baked cinnamon bread is loved by park-goers all year round and costs $10 for an order.

What is the bread at Dollywood? ›

Today, the Grist Mill is home to our world-famous cinnamon bread, which is freshly made daily before your very eyes. Try this famous snack with buttercream icing or Dollywood's own apple butter. In addition, you'll find an assortment of cookies and drinks.

Why is it a good idea to limit the cinnamon in your actual bread dough? ›

Cinnamon and sourdough are flavors that go so well together ... however, cinnamon will actually inhibit the fermentation of your sourdough bread if you add it into the actual dough.

Does Splash Country have cinnamon bread? ›

With a variety of sweet flavors like Cinnamon Bread, Black-Beary-Cobbler and more, and savory flavors like our BBQ Pullled Pork, and Chicken Bacon Ranch, you're sure to find something to satisfy the whole family!

Does Dollywood offer a senior discount? ›

Regular Dollywood Prices

As of November 2023, Dollywood prices are $92 for a standard one day adult pass, $119 for two days, and $129 packages for three days. Dollywood discount tickets apply to seniors 62+ and children ages 4-9. Admission is free to children 3 and under.

Where can I get Dolly's cinnamon bread? ›

Today, the Grist Mill is home to our world-famous cinnamon bread, which is freshly made daily before your very eyes. Try this famous snack with buttercream icing or Dollywood's own apple butter.

Does Dolly Parton own Dollywood? ›

Since 1986, Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Enterprises have remained partners in Dollywood, Tennessee's most-visited tourist attraction. Dollywood also ranks in the Top 50 most attended theme parks worldwide. The park has more than doubled in size now encompassing 150 acres.

Does Dollywood get sold out? ›

It does not usually sell out but it is a good idea to buy the ticket early for convenience and extra security.

Does Dollywood cinnamon bread have dairy? ›

The Grist Mill

Did you know that Dollywood's cinnamon bread is a vegetarian and dairy-free option? Although not 100% vegan, the butter cream is made with a butter alternative rather than real butter to support allergen awareness, which helps to land this fan-favorite a sweet spot on our vegetarian-friendly list!

Why is it impossible to eat a spoonful of cinnamon? ›

Cinnamon is made from tree bark and contains cellulose, a substance that doesn't break down easily. While tolerable in very small amounts, in larger concentrated amounts cinnamon can cause kids to gag, cough, choke, and have a burning sensation in the mouth, nose, and throat.

What's the best flour to use for cinnamon rolls? ›

Bread flour is hands down the best option when making cinnamon rolls. Any good cinnamon rolls recipe is going to usually call for bread flour instead of other kinds of flour. This is because bread flour is high in protein, usually containing 11% to 13% more protein than other kinds of flour.

What happens if you eat raw cinnamon roll dough? ›

You can get sick if you eat unbaked dough or batter made with flour containing germs. Germs are killed only when flour is baked or cooked. CDC investigated outbreaks linked to raw flour or cake mix in 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2023.

What country has the best cinnamon rolls? ›

They are most popular in Sweden. There's even a National Cinnamon Roll Day (Kanelbullens dag) on October 4 that is celebrated in Sweden. Cinnamon rolls are typically enjoyed with afternoon coffee. In the U.S., they are also eaten at breakfast or for dessert.

Which country makes the best cinnamon buns? ›

Cinnamon buns are the best-loved pastry among the pastry-loving Swedes. Sweet and moreish, they are also an important feature of the Swedish 'fika'.

Does Panera bread have cinnamon bread? ›

Cinnamon Raisin Oat Breakfast Bread

Plump raisins, sweet cinnamon and rolled oats in every bite make for a delightful breakfast bread. No artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors or colors from artificial sources.

How much is the 25 pound apple pie at Dollywood? ›

Log in . A TikToker in Tennessee visited the Dollywood amusem*nt park, where he came across a $229 pie. He filmed the 25-pound dessert for TikTok, where users debated whether it was worth the price. He told Insider he knew it would cause controversy, but thinks the price is actually a good deal.

Is it expensive to eat at Dollywood? ›

The prices are high but that's expected for these places. They do give you specials on food and drinks that are good for the entire season if you're going more than once. For perspective, we bought 3 personal pizzas and 4 drinks (with 4 pieces in each pizza). It was $43!

How much is a whole apple pie at Dollywood? ›

Yes, There Really Is A $229 Apple Pie At Dollywood

In fact, I'd say that's roughly the baked goods equivalent of a Disney Parks turkey leg; it's that massive. It's also part of how the creator that captured this beast in the wild justified the cost of $229 for a full damned pie.

How much is a frozen drink at Dollywood? ›

Dollywood Theme Park Options

Mug allows the purchase of fountain drink refills for $. 99 + tax and frozen drinks for $1.99 + tax during the remainder of the current season. Mug may be used at Dollywood, Dollywood's Splash Country and Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa during the current season.

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