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

Can you buy Dollywood cinnamon bread outside the park? ›

The bread is available for purchase at both of Dollywood's resorts, DreamMore and HeartSong, which are located right near the park. Both resorts have grab-and-go cafes (DM Pantry at DreamMore, and Songbird Market at HeartSong), where anyone can buy the Cinnamon Bread.

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.

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 have 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.

How strict is Dollywood with bringing in food? ›

Food & Dining

Although we do not allow food or drink to be brought into the Park, Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country offer a wide variety of delicious foods available at our restaurants and snack vendors. However, guests are allowed to bring one unopened bottle of water per person.

How much do performers get paid at Dollywood? ›

The estimated total pay range for a Performer at Dollywood is $26K–$43K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Performer base salary at Dollywood is $33K per year. The average additional pay is $0 per year, which could include cash bonus, stock, commission, profit sharing or tips.

What age is Dollywood free? ›

Do Kids Under The Age Of 4 Get A Free Pass? No, but children under the age of 4 always enjoy free admission to Dollywood without a pass. Are Parents Or Guardians Required To Buy A Season Pass?

How much is Dollywood worth today? ›

Parton's 50% stake in the theme park is worth about $165 million, Forbes reported in 2021. Dollywood remains the top tourist attraction in Tennessee with around 3 million visitors each year, according to CBS affiliate WVLT. A one-day adult ticket costs $89.

Does Dolly Parton own Dollywood? ›

Dollywood is a theme park that is jointly owned by Herschend Family Entertainment and country singer-songwriter Dolly Parton through her entertainment company, Dolly Parton Productions.

What did Dollywood used to be called? ›

It Wasn't Always Dollywood

In 1970, the attraction was relaunched as Goldrush Junction, and then renamed Silver Dollar City in 1976 when Herschend Enterprises bought it. It wasn't until Dolly Parton expressed interest in the park that Herschend Enterprises rebranded it as Dollywood in 1986.

What is so special about Dollywood? ›

Dollywood's entertainment is recognized worldwide, having received more awards than any other theme park for its live entertainment, which showcases country, bluegrass, Southern gospel, classic rock 'n' roll and Appalachian music.

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.

What is cinnamon bread made of? ›

Cinnamon Bread Ingredients

For the bread: all-purpose flour, white sugar, buttermilk, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. For the topping: white sugar, butter or margarine, and ground cinnamon.

What's the difference between a sticky bun and a cinnamon roll? ›

Though sticky buns may contain cinnamon, they do not always contain the spice, whereas cinnamon rolls always contain cinnamon (as the name implies). As a result, sticky buns have a more nutty and toffee-like taste compared to cinnamon rolls, which are more sugar-and-spice forward.

Does Dollywood allow outside snacks? ›

Can I bring food into the park? Due to health & safety regulations, outside food, beverages, glassware & coolers are not permitted inside Dollywood or Dollywood's Splash Country.

Does Dollywood ever sell out? ›

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

Can you come in and out of Dollywood? ›

Can you leave the park and then re-enter for free... - Dollywood. Yes, you can leave and return the same day. You will need to have your hands stamped.

Do you need to buy parking at Dollywood? ›

Parking is $22.78 for all standard length vehicles. However, parking is FREE if you purchase a Dollywood Gold or Diamond Season Pass. Initial parking fee is non-refundable for Gold and Diamond Season Passholders.

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