Pin it
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
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
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.