If you love cinnamon rolls but wish they were a bit more fun to share—or maybe a little messier—then Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is your new best friend. Think of it as a sweet, sticky, pull-apart cloud of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery goodness that practically begs to be dunked in coffee. Unlike ordinary cinnamon rolls, this recipe is designed for community: each piece is a little bite-sized treasure, perfect for family breakfasts, brunches, or even a cozy treat while binge-watching your favorite shows.
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Why This Recipe is Perfect for Breakfast and Brunch
This recipe shines because it’s both simple and indulgent. You don’t need fancy ingredients—just pantry basics like sugar, butter, cinnamon, and pre-made dough or homemade dough. Within about an hour, you can serve a dessert-like breakfast that feels special without the stress. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. Plus, it’s flexible: add nuts, caramel, or even chocolate chips to upgrade the flavor. The best part? Everyone gets their own pull-apart piece, so no fighting over the cinnamon roll with the perfect swirl. It’s comfort food that’s also fun to eat.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated biscuit dough or pre-made cinnamon roll dough | 16 oz (about 8-10 biscuits) | You can use store-bought or homemade |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | For coating dough pieces |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tsp | Mix with sugar for classic cinnamon flavor |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | Melted, for drizzle and pan coating |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup packed | Creates sticky, caramelized topping |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Optional, adds depth to the glaze |
| Powdered sugar | ½ cup | For optional icing drizzle |
| Milk | 2–3 tsp | To thin icing if desired |
| Optional: chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) | ¼ cup | Adds crunch, can be omitted |
| Optional: chocolate chips | ¼ cup | Sweet twist for chocolate lovers |
Optional Add-ons and Variations
- Caramel twist: Drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of caramel sauce on top before serving.
- Fruit addition: Toss small pieces of diced apples or berries with cinnamon sugar before layering the dough.
- Spice upgrade: Add ¼ tsp nutmeg or pumpkin spice to cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
These ingredients create that irresistible combination of soft, pull-apart dough coated in cinnamon sugar and baked in a buttery, sticky glaze that everyone will reach for first at breakfast or brunch.
Step-by-Step Preparation of Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Preparing the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a bundt pan or a 9-inch round baking dish with butter. Take your biscuit or cinnamon roll dough and cut each piece into bite-sized chunks, about 1-inch each. In a medium bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each dough piece in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. The sugar sticks easily, so don’t be shy—every piece should be evenly covered for that perfect caramelized coating.
Coating and Layering the Dough
Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in the brown sugar until it forms a smooth, sticky glaze. Carefully layer the cinnamon-sugar coated dough pieces in the prepared pan, sprinkling optional nuts or chocolate chips between layers if you like. Pour the butter and brown sugar glaze evenly over the top. This is what makes the bread sticky, gooey, and irresistible. Every bite will be soft inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and bursting with cinnamon flavor.
Baking and Serving Tips
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Check the center with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Optional: whisk powdered sugar with a few teaspoons of milk and drizzle over the top for a sweet finish. Serve warm—this is best when pulled apart immediately with family or friends. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave, though the magic is in the fresh-baked warmth.
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Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
- Total Time: 50 mins
Description
Soft, gooey, and full of cinnamon-sugar goodness, this pull-apart breakfast bread is perfect for family brunches or cozy mornings.
Ingredients
- 16 oz refrigerated biscuit dough or cinnamon roll dough
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tsp milk
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease pan. Cut dough into bite-sized pieces and roll in cinnamon sugar.
- Layer dough pieces in pan, sprinkling nuts or chocolate chips if desired. Pour melted butter and brown sugar glaze evenly on top.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until golden. Let cool 5–10 minutes, invert onto serving plate, and drizzle with powdered sugar icing if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Store in airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature, or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8–10
Tips and Tricks for the Best Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Even a simple recipe can go sideways if you’re not careful. One common mistake is under-coating the dough in cinnamon sugar. Make sure every piece gets a good roll; otherwise, you’ll have bland pockets in the bread. Another tip: don’t skip greasing the pan. Sticky monkey bread can become a nightmare to remove if the pan isn’t well-buttered. Also, avoid overbaking. Keep an eye on the golden brown color—overbaked dough dries out, and you want soft, pull-apart bites.
How to Make it Extra Gooey
If gooey, melty cinnamon goodness is your goal, don’t skimp on the butter and brown sugar glaze. Layer it generously over the dough pieces and let it seep into the gaps. Adding small chunks of butter between dough layers before baking creates extra richness. For an indulgent twist, consider sprinkling a few chocolate chips or a handful of chopped nuts on top. Drizzling warm icing after baking elevates the flavor and makes each pull-apart piece irresistible.
Presentation Tips
Monkey bread looks impressive without much effort. Use a bundt pan for a classic round shape or a 9-inch round dish for a rustic pull-apart style. Serve it on a warm plate and encourage everyone to pull apart their own piece. The aroma of cinnamon and butter will make it the star of any breakfast or brunch table.
Storing, Reheating, and Serving
Best Storage Practices
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them properly to keep them soft and flavorful. Let the bread cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezing is also an option: wrap the baked bread in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating Without Losing Flavor
To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until warm and soft. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the bread chewy instead of tender. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven before serving. For a decadent touch, drizzle a little extra glaze or icing after reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread warm with coffee, tea, or milk for a cozy breakfast. It’s perfect for family brunches, holiday mornings, or even a weekend treat. Encourage everyone to pull apart their own piece—this is part of the fun. You can also add optional toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit to make it even more special. Pairing it with a simple fruit salad balances the sweetness and adds a fresh twist to the table.
FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
How long does Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it stays fresh for up to 2 days. Refrigerated, it lasts about 5 days, and frozen for up to 2 months. Always reheat before serving for the best flavor.
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dough in the pan, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works perfectly. Just make sure it’s soft and slightly sticky for the best pull-apart texture.
Can I add chocolate or nuts?
Yes, chocolate chips, pecans, or walnuts can be sprinkled between layers for extra flavor and texture.
Is Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free biscuit or roll dough to make it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is the ultimate breakfast or brunch treat—soft, gooey, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness. It’s simple to make, fun to share, and perfect for cozy mornings with family or friends. With easy pantry ingredients, optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate, and flexible storage options, this pull-apart pastry is both indulgent and versatile. Whether you’re baking it fresh for a special occasion or making a make-ahead breakfast, each bite delivers warmth, sweetness, and comfort. Try it once, and it’s guaranteed to become a go-to recipe for holidays, weekends, or anytime you want a sweet, crowd-pleasing treat.