Cinnamon Monkey Bread: A Sweet, Pull-Apart Delight

Warm, sticky, and packed with cinnamon goodness, Cinnamon Monkey Bread is one of those desserts that instantly brings comfort and joy. Its golden-brown pieces, coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, pull apart effortlessly, making it perfect for sharing at family breakfasts, brunches, or holiday gatherings. Beyond its irresistible flavor, monkey bread has a playful charm: each bite is soft, gooey, and fun to tear apart, creating an interactive dessert experience that children and adults alike love.

The beauty of cinnamon monkey bread lies not only in its flavor but also in its simplicity. With basic pantry ingredients and minimal prep, this sweet treat transforms ordinary dough into a decadent, sticky masterpiece. Whether served straight from the oven or as part of a festive spread, its aroma of cinnamon and butter fills the kitchen, setting the tone for cozy, memorable moments.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a table of ingredients along with approximate calorie counts per serving:

Ingredient	Quantity	Approx. Calories
Refrigerated biscuit dough	16 oz (1 can)	1,200 kcal
Granulated sugar	½ cup	400 kcal
Brown sugar	½ cup	420 kcal
Ground cinnamon	2 tsp	12 kcal
Unsalted butter	½ cup (1 stick)	810 kcal
Optional: chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)	½ cup	200 kcal
Optional: glaze (powdered sugar + milk)	½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp milk	200 kcal

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the cinnamon sugar
   In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cut and coat the dough
   Separate the biscuit dough into individual pieces. Cut each biscuit into quarters. Roll each piece into a ball and toss it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
4. Layer in the pan
   Place the coated dough pieces into the greased pan, layering them evenly. Sprinkle chopped nuts between layers if using.
5. Prepare the butter-sugar topping
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar until it forms a smooth mixture. Pour evenly over the dough in the pan.
6. Bake
   Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked through. Check for doneness by ensuring the dough is no longer raw in the center.
7. Cool and serve
   Allow to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes. Invert onto a serving plate if desired. Drizzle with glaze if using, and pull apart pieces to serve.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

• Add chocolate chips: Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough pieces before baking for an extra sweet treat.
• Use flavored syrups: Drizzle caramel or maple syrup on top instead of glaze.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a warming twist.
• Nut-free version: Simply omit nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for crunch.
• Make mini versions: Use a muffin tin to create individual monkey bread portions for parties or lunchboxes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~270 kcal
Fat	14 g
Carbohydrates	35 g
Sugar	18 g
Protein	3 g

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or chai tea.
• Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast spread.
• Ideal for brunch buffets or holiday gatherings where guests can pull apart their portions.
• Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

FAQs

1. Can I make Cinnamon Monkey Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

2. Can I freeze monkey bread?

Absolutely. Bake the monkey bread first, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

3. Can I make monkey bread without nuts?

Yes! Nuts are optional. Simply omit them or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch.

4. Can I use homemade dough instead of biscuit dough?

Definitely! Homemade yeast dough or pizza dough works well. Adjust the baking time if necessary, depending on the dough thickness.

5. How do I prevent monkey bread from sticking to the pan?

Grease your pan generously with butter or non-stick spray. You can also lightly flour the pan to make releasing easier.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Monkey Bread is more than a dessert; it’s an experience. Its soft, buttery, cinnamon-coated pieces create a fun and indulgent treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Simple to make yet impressive to serve, monkey bread embodies comfort, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia in every pull-apart bite. Whether for holidays, weekend brunch, or a sweet treat any day, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.