Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s signature theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has officially reopened for its 40th season. While the park’s roller coasters and attractions are exciting, there’s only one thing on my mind every time I visit: cinnamon buns. Almost as popular as Parton herself, this signature treat is a must-have item at Dollywood.
Cinnamon buns can trace their origins back to Silver Dollar City, where they have been a signature feature of the Branson, Missouri theme park for generations. In 1977, the Herschend family (current co-owners of Dollywood and Silver Dollar City) bought the theme park, which is located on Dollywood’s current land, and renamed it Silver Dollar City Tennessee. In 1986, Parton became a part-owner of the park and renamed it Dollywood.
According to representatives from Dollywood and Silver Dollar City, cinnamon buns were first introduced at both the Missouri and Tennessee theme parks. The recipes at both parks are very similar, but avid theme park fans love to compare the two to determine which flavor they like best.
What is a Cinnamon Bun?
A Cinnamon Bun is a sweet bread that is a unique cross between a cinnamon roll and monkey bread. At Dollywood, slits are cut into the top of the unbaked bread and the whole thing is dipped in butter, sugar, and cinnamon before being baked in a giant oven. The baked bread is served with either frosting or Dollywood’s famous applesauce. During the theme park’s off-season (January to March), more than 200 jars of applesauce are made daily to supply the park year-round.
Where to Find Cinnamon Buns at Dollywood
Luckily for theme park goers, there are two places to get Cinnamon Buns at Dollywood. The first is the Grist Mill, where visitors can line up to order their cinnamon buns while watching them being made. Additionally, Dollywood fans can get their hands on Cinnamon Buns at the Spotlight Bakery on Showstreet near the park entrance.
There are usually long lines at both locations, but don’t let that put you off. The lines move quickly, and your patience is rewarded with a box of hot cinnamon buns with your choice of toppings. I saw families strolling through the park with a box of cinnamon buns tucked under their elbows, finding a table, bench, or other out-of-the-way spot to enjoy the treat together.
HeartSong and DreamMore at Dollywood Resort offer cinnamon buns in their grab-and-go cafés. Resort guests can order hot cinnamon buns delivered to their rooms almost any time through room service.
All of these places use the same recipe, so you’re guaranteed to get the same flavor no matter where you order your cinnamon buns.
The best way to eat cinnamon buns is Dollywood’s way
To be honest, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy cinnamon buns, and the same can be said for where to get them. The real debate is over which toppings are the best. I had a chance to ask Parton if she liked her cinnamon buns with frosting or applesauce, and she responded simply but resoundingly, “Both.” So I had to try Parton’s version: the sweet buns were sweeter with frosting, but the almost savory flavor of the applesauce balanced the sweetness just right.
“I really loved it all,” Parton continued, “and everyone kept talking about the cinnamon buns. I even brought some back to Nashville for friends who were in my Broadway musical production.”
How to Bring Your Cinnamon Buns Home
When it comes to traveling with park cinnamon buns, it’s easy to bring one or two home. I drove to Dollywood on a recent trip, so I could take as many as I wanted. Two of the three buns I bought ended up making their way to my home in Florida. After purchasing the buns at the parks, I placed them in the hotel mini-fridge and then packed them in cooler bags for the drive home. Once home, I put the buns in the fridge to reheat. There’s a QR code on the box that you can scan for instructions for reheating in the oven or microwave.
If you’re flying to Dollywood, don’t worry. Cinnamon buns are allowed in carry-on luggage. Just be sure to pack them in a ziploc bag before packing them in your suitcase so the sweet cinnamon butter syrup doesn’t make your suitcase sticky.
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