Homemade Dollywood-Style Cinnamon Bread with Sweet Icing

This Homemade Dollywood-Style Cinnamon Bread with Sweet Icing brings that famous theme park flavor straight to my kitchen. Soft, pull-apart bread coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a drizzle of vanilla icing—it’s warm, comforting, and downright irresistible. Whether I’m serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack with coffee, this sweet bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this cinnamon bread hits all the right notes—soft on the inside, golden and caramelized on the outside, and perfectly coated in cinnamon and sugar. It’s easy to make, especially if I use store-bought dough, and it fills the kitchen with the most comforting aroma while baking. The icing adds just the right amount of sweetness, making every bite feel like a little celebration. It’s perfect for holidays, lazy weekends, or anytime I’m craving something warm and cozy.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cinnamon bread:

• Frozen bread dough or homemade white bread dough (thawed if frozen)
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

For the icing:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk or heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. I cut the thawed dough lengthwise and crosswise to make deep slits without cutting all the way through—creating pull-apart sections.

3. In a small bowl, I mix the cinnamon and sugar together.

4. I brush the dough all over with melted butter, making sure it seeps into the cuts.

5. I generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the entire loaf, pressing it into the slits.

6. I place the dough into the prepared loaf pan and let it rise in a warm place for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy.

7. I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

8. While the bread bakes, I whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the icing.

9. Once the bread is out of the oven and slightly cooled, I drizzle the icing generously over the top before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 loaf, serving 6–8 slices.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Rise time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Stuffed version: I tuck mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the slits for added flavor.

• Maple glaze: I swap the vanilla icing for a maple-flavored glaze made with maple syrup and powdered sugar.

• Cinnamon rolls: I use the same dough and filling to make individual rolls in a muffin tin or baking dish.

• Cream cheese icing: I add softened cream cheese to the icing for a richer, tangier finish.

• Extra spice: I mix a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon sugar for a spiced-up twist.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. The icing may melt slightly, but the bread stays soft and delicious. I avoid refrigerating it, as it can dry out.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough?

Yes, I often use homemade white bread dough or even sweet roll dough. It adds an extra layer of freshness and flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble the bread and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. I bring it to room temperature before baking the next day.

What’s the best way to cut the slits?

I use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to make deep crosshatch cuts—just not all the way through the bottom. This helps the cinnamon sugar soak in.

Can I freeze the bread?

Yes, I freeze the baked, un-iced loaf for up to 2 months. I thaw, reheat, and add fresh icing before serving.

Is the icing necessary?

While the bread is delicious on its own, I think the icing adds the perfect sweet finish. It’s totally optional, but I rarely skip it!

Conclusion

This Homemade Dollywood-Style Cinnamon Bread with Sweet Icing is warm, gooey, and everything I love about a freshly baked treat. With its buttery cinnamon layers and simple vanilla drizzle, it brings that nostalgic, comforting flavor right to my kitchen—no theme park required. Whether I’m serving it for breakfast, dessert, or just because, this cinnamon bread always disappears fast.