cinnamon bun monkey bread recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best cinnamon bun monkey bread recipe

I’m so excited to share this cinnamon bun monkey bread recipe with you all. This sweet treat has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion. My kids just love helping me make it, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings.

But what I love most about this recipe is the combination of the soft, fluffy dough and the sweet, sticky cinnamon sugar topping. It’s just pure comfort food at its best. The idea of cinnamon bun monkey bread actually originated from traditional Swedish coffee breads, which were sweet, spiced breads that were often served with coffee.

But over time, bakers began to experiment with different ingredients and techniques, resulting in the sweet, gooey delight we know and love today. One of the key techniques to making great cinnamon bun monkey bread is to use a high-quality yeast. This will ensure that your dough rises beautifully and gives the bread its characteristic light and airy texture.

I also like to use a mix of white and brown sugar in my topping for added depth of flavor. And don’t even get me started on the importance of using real butter – it makes all the difference in the world. But what really sets this recipe apart is the way the flavors come together.

The sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon pairs perfectly with the richness of the butter, creating a truly indulgent taste experience. And let’s not forget about the fun factor – who doesn’t love getting their hands sticky with melted butter and sugar? I like to serve my cinnamon bun monkey bread warm, fresh out of the oven.

But it’s also amazing as a leftover – simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through, and serve as a special breakfast or brunch treat. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their baking routine. It’s easy to make ahead of time, freezes beautifully, and is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.

Cinnamon Bun Monkey Bread

4.8 from 1820 votes

This delightful monkey bread is infused with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon buns. It is a perfect treat for breakfast or brunch.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 300 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 large egg
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt

For the Filling

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, combine yeast and warm water.
2Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, melted butter, and egg.
4Add the yeast mixture and mix well.
5Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
6Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
8While the dough is rising, prepare the filling.
9In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Set aside.
10Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches.
11Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough.
12Roll up the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
13Cut the log into 1-inch slices.
14Place the slices, cut side up, in a greased baking dish.
15Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
16Cover the baking dish with a clean cloth and let the monkey bread rise for another 30 minutes, or until the slices have almost doubled in size.
17Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
18While the monkey bread is baking, prepare the glaze.
19In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
20Once the monkey bread is done, let it cool for 5 minutes.
21Drizzle the glaze over the top and serve warm.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 300 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 300mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use whole milk and add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. You can also add nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.

Watch Video Of How Cinnamon Bun Monkey Bread Works

This cinnamon bun monkey bread recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving it as a special treat or as an everyday breakfast option.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it reheats – simply pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through, and serve as a delicious breakfast or brunch treat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Bun Monkey Bread

Q: What type of yeast should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using active dry yeast. This type of yeast will give your dough a nice rise and a light texture.

Q: Can I use brown sugar only for the topping?

A: While you can use brown sugar only for the topping, I recommend using a mix of white and brown sugar for added depth of flavor.

Q: How do I get my monkey bread to rise properly?

A: Make sure your yeast is fresh and that you’re using warm water (around 100°F) when mixing your dough. Also, don’t overmix your dough – this can prevent it from rising properly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply let it rise in the fridge until ready to bake.

Q: How do I store leftover monkey bread?

A: Leftover monkey bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

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