Cinnamon monkey bread rolls are a delightful treat that combines soft, fluffy dough with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. This pull-apart bread is perfect for breakfast or dessert and is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
The recipe is simple and involves rolling dough balls in cinnamon sugar, stacking them in a bundt pan, and baking until golden brown. You can enjoy them warm, drizzled with a sweet glaze or served plain.
What is Cinnamon Monkey Bread?
Cinnamon monkey bread is a delightful treat that features soft, fluffy dough coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture.
This pull-apart bread is not just a breakfast option; it can easily double as a dessert, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
The fun of tearing apart the rolls adds to the experience, making it a favorite among both children and adults.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The key to a perfect cinnamon monkey bread lies in its ingredients.
Using active dry yeast creates a light and airy texture, while warm milk and melted butter contribute to the richness of the dough.
The combination of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for coating ensures each bite is bursting with flavor.
The Preparation Process
Preparing cinnamon monkey bread is straightforward and enjoyable.
Start by activating the yeast in warm water, which is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture.
Once the dough is mixed and kneaded, it requires some time to rise, allowing the yeast to work its magic.
Coating and Assembling the Rolls
After the dough has risen, it’s time to shape the rolls.
Dividing the dough into small pieces and rolling them in melted butter followed by a cinnamon-sugar mixture creates that signature sweet crust.
Layering these coated balls in a bundt pan not only makes for an attractive presentation but also ensures even baking.
Baking to Perfection
Baking the monkey bread is where the magic happens.
As it bakes, the rolls rise and develop a golden-brown exterior while the cinnamon sugar caramelizes, creating a delicious crust.
Once out of the oven, letting it cool slightly before inverting onto a plate allows the rolls to maintain their shape.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon monkey bread is best enjoyed warm, with a drizzle of sweet glaze for an extra touch of indulgence.
Pair it with a cup of coffee for a cozy breakfast or serve it as a dessert at gatherings.
The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Easy Cinnamon Monkey Bread Rolls Recipe
These monkey bread rolls are made from a rich yeast dough, rolled in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, and baked to perfection. The recipe takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze, optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and egg. Add the activated yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In another bowl, melt the remaining butter.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, dip in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Assemble: Layer the coated dough balls in a greased bundt pan. Once all dough balls are in the pan, cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
- Optional Glaze: If desired, mix powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze and drizzle over the warm monkey bread before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 8 rolls
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
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