Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread Bites

Featured in: Sweet Treats for Every Occasion

Soft balls of biscuit dough are coated with a mix of cinnamon and sugar, then baked until golden and soft in a pie pan. Fresh out of the oven, warm pieces are drizzled with a smooth vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these sweet bites are easy to make, come together quickly with refrigerated biscuits, and are a crowd-pleasing treat for both kids and adults.

Tags: #halal #vegetarian #north-american #brunch #dessert #baked #under-30-minutes #easy #family-friendly #kid-friendly

A woman is sitting at a table with a plate of food in front of her. The plate contains a dessert with berries on top.
Updated on Sun, 12 Oct 2025 21:10:16 GMT
A plate of cinnamon sugar monkey bread bites. Pin it
A plate of cinnamon sugar monkey bread bites. | recipebyme.com

Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread Bites are the ultimate sweet treat for breakfast or dessert when you want something warm gooey and crowd pleasing with minimal fuss. They come together quickly from store-bought biscuit dough and always fill your kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of cinnamon and sugar.

The first time I made these my family went through the entire pan before they even cooled One bite and everyone was asking for my secret Even my dad who never eats dessert grabbed seconds

Ingredients

  • Refrigerated biscuit dough: Use a homestyle variety like Pillsbury Grands for best texture Look for ones that are fluffy but not too buttery
  • Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and that classic monkey bread flavor Check freshness before using for the strongest scent
  • Granulated sugar: Creates that crunchy sweet coating around each bite
  • Unsalted butter: Gives richness to every bite choose a high quality butter for better taste
  • Kosher salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the cinnamon flavor
  • Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly for a velvety glaze sift first for best results
  • Whole milk: Makes the glaze just the right consistency whole milk gives extra creaminess
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant finish look for pure extract instead of imitation

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:
Grease a nine inch pie pan generously and preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit This step ensures every bite releases easily and bakes evenly
Mix the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl combine cinnamon and granulated sugar stirring until the mixture is uniform This becomes your sweet spicy coating so mix thoroughly
Melt the Butter:
Gently melt unsalted butter and stir in the kosher salt Let this cool slightly so your dough does not get too soft too fast
Cut and Shape the Biscuits:
Remove biscuits from the can Separate and cut each one into four equal pieces Roll each piece into a ball for that classic monkey bread bite shape
Coat the Dough Balls:
Dip each dough ball first in the melted butter then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture Make sure every surface is covered for the best flavor
Arrange in the Pan:
Place the coated dough balls closely together in the greased pie pan Fill in any gaps as you go for a pull apart effect
Bake Until Golden:
Bake the pan uncovered in your preheated oven for twenty to twenty three minutes The bites should be puffed and deep golden on top when done
Make the Glaze:
Whisk together sifted powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until completely smooth The glaze should easily drizzle off your spoon
Finish and Serve:
Drizzle about half the glaze over the hot monkey bread bites right after baking Save the rest for dipping Serve warm and enjoy every gooey pull apart piece
A bowl filled with sugar-coated doughnuts, ready to be enjoyed.
A bowl filled with sugar-coated doughnuts, ready to be enjoyed. | recipebyme.com

I absolutely love how the vanilla glaze soaks into the crevices right out of the oven It makes every bite extra indulgent My sister always requests an extra drizzle when she visits and now it is a family tradition to sneak a bit more glaze on the side

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two To rewarm just microwave for a few seconds until soft again If you want to keep them longer pop in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap whole milk in the glaze for half and half or even a splash of strong coffee for a twist For the biscuit dough any store brand will do if you cannot find Pillsbury Grands You can even try this with smaller flaky biscuit varieties though baking time may vary

Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm out of the oven on a platter for breakfast alongside coffee or hot chocolate They are just as good for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dipped in extra glaze Set out toothpicks for guests and watch them disappear

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Monkey bread has roots in American home baking loved for its easy pull apart style and crowd pleasing flavor These bites are especially popular during holiday mornings or winter gatherings but they fit any occasion where comfort food is needed

Seasonal Adaptations

Add diced apples in fall for a caramel apple version Top with chopped pecans for crunch around the holidays Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice blend in October for a seasonal twist

Success Stories

My neighbor took these to her book club and came back with an empty pan and three requests for the recipe Another friend made them with her young kids and they said it was the most fun dessert to make together Never underestimate how quickly these will vanish once people get a taste

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can freeze unbaked coated dough balls in a single layer then transfer them to a freezer bag When you are ready to bake just add a few minutes to the baking time from frozen and glaze as usual

A bowl filled with powdered sugar covered doughnuts.
A bowl filled with powdered sugar covered doughnuts. | recipebyme.com

Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread Bites will make you the hero of any brunch or cozy night in. Serve warm for the ultimate soft gooey treat every time.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of biscuits should I use?

Use a can of refrigerated biscuits, preferably Southern Homestyle varieties for best texture.

→ How do I get the bites evenly coated with cinnamon sugar?

Dip each dough ball into melted butter first, then roll thoroughly in cinnamon sugar for full coverage.

→ Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, whisk the glaze ingredients together and store covered; stir before serving if it thickens.

→ How should these be served?

Serve warm as a breakfast treat, brunch addition, or sweet dessert bite. Extra glaze is great for dipping.

→ Are leftovers still good the next day?

Yes, store in an airtight container. Reheat gently to restore softness and flavor.

Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread Bites

Bite-sized biscuits coated in cinnamon sugar, baked until golden, and drizzled with vanilla glaze.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
23 min
Total Time
38 min
By: Sana

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (32 monkey bread bites)

Dietary Categories: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough Base

01 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough, Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle preferred

→ Cinnamon Sugar Coating

02 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
03 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 1/4 cup unsalted butter
05 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Sweet Glaze

06 1 cup powdered sugar, whisked or sifted
07 2 tablespoons whole milk
08 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

Step 01

Set oven to 350°F (177°C) and generously grease a 9-inch pie pan. Set aside.

Step 02

Melt unsalted butter and stir in kosher salt, allowing the mixture to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, combine ground cinnamon with granulated sugar and mix until evenly blended.

Step 03

Open the can of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece between your palms to form small balls.

Step 04

Dip each dough ball in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat completely. Place coated dough balls into the prepared pie pan. Repeat with all dough pieces, arranging them evenly.

Step 05

Place pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 23 minutes, or until the monkey bread bites are deep golden brown.

Step 06

While the bread bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract in a small mixing bowl until the glaze is smooth and pourable.

Step 07

Remove baked bites from the oven and drizzle with half the prepared glaze. Reserve the remaining glaze for dipping. Serve warm.

Notes

  1. For best texture, serve the monkey bread bites warm directly after glazing.

Required Equipment

  • 9-inch pie pan
  • Oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Whisk
  • Pastry brush (optional for butter application)

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and may contain egg depending on biscuit brand.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

This data is provided as a guide and doesn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 259
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 3 g