There’s something magical about monkey bread that brings back warm memories of family gatherings and lazy Sunday mornings. Imagine tearing apart soft, buttery pieces of sweet dough, enveloped in a sugary cinnamon glaze. The aroma wafting through the house is enough to make anyone drool. This delightful treat isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that wraps you in nostalgia and comfort.
Every time I whip up this monkey bread recipe, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, where laughter mingled with the sweet scents of cinnamon and sugar. It’s perfect for brunch or even as an indulgent late-night snack. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a rollercoaster ride of flavors!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Monkey bread is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy mornings or spontaneous gatherings
- Its flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice that pleases every palate
- Visually, it’s a stunning centerpiece with its gooey glaze and golden-brown pieces
- Plus, it’s versatile—enjoy it warm or at room temperature, any time of day!
My friends were blown away when I brought this monkey bread to our last potluck; they couldn’t believe how good it was!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Frozen Dinner Rolls: Opt for high-quality rolls; they provide the best texture and flavor once baked.
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Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Combine granulated sugar with ground cinnamon for that signature flavor everyone loves.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for rich flavor; it helps balance the sweetness from the sugar.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth and warmth to the overall taste profile.
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Optional Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Feel free to get creative by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your monkey bread bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden color.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grease a bundt pan generously with non-stick cooking spray or butter. This will help your monkey bread slide out effortlessly once baked.
Create the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will give your dough an irresistible sweet crust.
Coat the Dough Balls: Take those frozen dinner rolls and cut them into quarters. Roll each piece in melted butter before tossing them into the cinnamon sugar coating until fully covered.
Layer in the Bundt Pan: Begin placing the coated dough balls into your prepared bundt pan. If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, sprinkle them between layers for added surprise bites!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top. The aroma will drive you wild!
Let me tell you; nothing beats pulling this beauty out of the oven while it’s still bubbling hot! The anticipation builds as you wait just long enough for it to cool so you can dig in without burning your tongue.
Once you’ve tackled this recipe, you’ll find yourself re-making it often—whether it’s to impress guests at brunch or simply indulge in something sweet after a long week! Enjoy every sticky bite of fluffy goodness!
You Must Know
- Monkey bread is not just a fun treat; it’s a delightful blend of sweetness and sharing
- The soft, pull-apart bread is perfect for gatherings, making it a star at brunches or family get-togethers
- The aroma of cinnamon will have everyone rushing to the table!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare your dough and let it rise while you mix the buttery cinnamon sugar. Bake until golden brown for about 30-35 minutes for the best texture.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional cinnamon for nutmeg or even add chocolate chips. Consider using caramel sauce instead of butter for a decadent twist that adds flavor and richness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore that fresh-baked warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure dough balls are coated well in cinnamon-sugar for maximum flavor impact
- Letting the dough rise longer results in softer, fluffier monkey bread
- Serve warm with a drizzle of icing for an extra sweet touch that everyone will love!
Creating monkey bread brings back fond memories of family gatherings and laughter around the table. The joy of pulling apart soft, gooey pieces is something everyone cherishes.

FAQ
Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate overnight before baking.
What type of bread works best for monkey bread?
Use biscuit dough or homemade yeast dough for a fluffy and delicious result.
How do I prevent my monkey bread from sticking?
Grease your pan generously with butter or cooking spray before adding the dough balls.
Monkey Bread
Monkey bread is a delightful treat that combines soft, buttery dough with a sweet cinnamon glaze, making it perfect for brunch or a cozy dessert. This easy-to-make dish brings back fond memories of family gatherings and lazy mornings. With its gooey texture and irresistible aroma, monkey bread is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 16 frozen dinner rolls (thawed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a bundt pan generously with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon until combined.
- Cut each dinner roll into quarters, roll in melted butter, then coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Layer the coated dough balls in the bundt pan, adding nuts or chocolate chips between layers if desired.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (40g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg





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