cinnamon bun monkey bread recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
cinnamon bun monkey bread recipe
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The Best cinnamon bun monkey bread recipe

I’ve been making cinnamon bun monkey bread for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. This sweet bread is made by twisting dough into knots and then topping them with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

The result is a deliciously sweet and gooey treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. I love that this recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

My kids devour this bread in minutes, and I appreciate how it’s a great way to get them to eat some whole grains without even realizing it. Plus, the aroma of cinnamon wafting from the oven is heavenly and makes our home smell like a bakery.

This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try it out. I’ve experimented with different types of sugar and spices to create the perfect blend, but feel free to get creative and add your own twist to the recipe.

Whether you’re serving it at a brunch or as an after-school snack, this cinnamon bun monkey bread is sure to impress.

Cinnamon Bun Monkey Bread

Cinnamon Bun Monkey Bread

4.6 from 1983 votes

A delightful pull-apart bread with a sweet cinnamon swirl and cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

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

For the Cinnamon Filling

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a saucepan, heat the milk until it reaches 110°F.
2Remove from heat and add sugar and salt.
3Stir until dissolved.
4Sprinkle yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
5In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and 2 cups of flour.
6Mix until a soft dough forms.
7Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky.
8Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
9Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
10While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined.
11Preheat the oven to 350°F.
12Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
13Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
14Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
15Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut it into 1-inch pieces.
16Place the dough pieces cut side up in the greased baking dish.
17Cover the dish with a clean cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until the dough pieces have almost doubled in size.
18Bake the monkey bread in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are lightly caramelized.
19While the monkey bread is baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze by beating the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
20Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
21Once the monkey bread is done, let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
22Then, invert it onto a serving plate and drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top.
23Serve warm and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Spatula
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 450mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of skim. You can also add nuts or raisins to the cinnamon filling for extra texture.

Watch Video Of How Cinnamon Bun Monkey Bread Works

One thing I love about this cinnamon bun monkey bread is that it’s so easy to store and reheat. Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.

When reheating, simply microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm and gooey. This bread makes an amazing breakfast on-the-go or as an after-school snack when paired with a glass of cold milk.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Bun Monkey Bread

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

You can use either white granulated sugar or brown sugar for this recipe. If you prefer a milder flavor, white sugar is the way to go. However, if you want to add a richer flavor, brown sugar is the better choice.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Q: How do I prevent the dough from sticking together?

To prevent the dough from sticking together, make sure your hands are lightly floured before working with it. You can also try adding an extra tablespoon or two of flour if you find that the dough is too sticky.

Q: Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can use any type of nut you prefer instead of walnuts. Almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts all work well in this recipe.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

This recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free flour. However, please note that if you’re using gluten-free flour, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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