Few desserts can compete with the warm, gooey, nostalgic comfort of Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread. This iconic pull-apart bread combines everything people love about classic cinnamon rolls—soft dough, buttery cinnamon sugar, and sweet glaze—into one stunning, shareable dessert that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, and special occasions.
Monkey bread has deep roots in American home baking, especially in Midwest and Southern kitchens, where it has long been a staple at family gatherings, Christmas mornings, and Sunday brunch tables. What makes Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread especially popular today is how easy it is to make using refrigerated biscuit or cinnamon roll dough, while still delivering a bakery-style result.
This recipe is all about comfort, simplicity, and indulgence. Bite-sized pieces of dough are coated in cinnamon sugar, baked together in a Bundt pan, and finished with a luscious glaze that drips into every crevice. The result is a soft, sticky, pull-apart bread that’s meant to be shared—no slicing required.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, preparing a holiday breakfast, or simply craving something sweet and cozy, Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
There are many reasons why this recipe is so beloved across the United States:
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Pull-apart and shareable, perfect for gatherings
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Soft, gooey texture with crispy caramelized edges
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Uses store-bought dough for convenience
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Packed with warm cinnamon flavor
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Topped with a rich, sweet glaze
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Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
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Crowd-pleasing and kid-approved
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Looks impressive with minimal effort
It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with the smell of cinnamon and instantly makes any morning feel special.
Ingredients (What You’ll Need)
Base Ingredients
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2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (or cinnamon roll dough), cut into pieces
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Butter Sauce
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
Optional Add-Ins
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Chopped pecans or walnuts
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Mini cinnamon roll pieces
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Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon, optional)
Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended)
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a Bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray, making sure to coat every groove.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Cut each biscuit into quarter-size pieces. In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss the dough pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Monkey Bread
Layer the coated dough pieces evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. If using nuts or add-ins, sprinkle them between layers.
Step 4: Make the Butter Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the dough in the pan.
Step 5: Bake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is fully cooked through.
Step 6: Rest and Flip
Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Place a plate over the pan and carefully invert it to release the bread.
Step 7: Add the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle generously over the warm monkey bread, allowing it to seep into every bite.
Flavor Profile
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread delivers a rich and indulgent flavor experience:
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Warm cinnamon spice throughout
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Buttery caramel notes from brown sugar sauce
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Soft, fluffy interior
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Sticky, golden exterior
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Sweet vanilla glaze for balance
Each bite is comforting, nostalgic, and completely addictive.
Variations to Try
Classic Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Use refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and drizzle with the included icing.
Pecan Cinnamon Monkey Bread
Add chopped pecans for crunch and nutty depth.
Cream Cheese Glaze Version
Replace classic glaze with a tangy cream cheese drizzle.
Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread
Add small diced apples tossed in cinnamon sugar.
Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread
Add pumpkin spice to the sugar mix for fall flavor.
Cooking Notes & Pro Tips
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Grease the pan very well to prevent sticking
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Don’t overbake—this keeps the bread soft
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Let rest before flipping to avoid breaking
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Warm glaze absorbs better into the bread
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Use a baking sheet under the pan to catch drips
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread pairs beautifully with:
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Hot coffee or cappuccino
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Iced vanilla lattes
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Fresh fruit or berries
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Scrambled eggs or bacon for brunch
It’s perfect as the centerpiece of a breakfast table.
Holiday & Special Occasion Ideas
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A Christmas morning tradition
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Easter brunch favorite
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Mother’s Day breakfast
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Baby showers and bridal brunches
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Weekend family breakfasts
This dish instantly feels festive and special.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make-Ahead
Assemble the monkey bread the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
Storage
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Freezing
Freeze baked monkey bread (without glaze) for up to 2 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping pan greasing
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Overfilling the Bundt pan
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Flipping too soon
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Baking at too high a temperature
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Adding glaze to cold bread
Avoiding these ensures perfect results every time.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 60g
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Sugar: 32g
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough?
Yes, but refrigerated dough is faster and more consistent.
Is monkey bread supposed to be sticky?
Yes! That gooey texture is the signature feature.
Can I make it without a Bundt pan?
Yes, use a loaf or round pan, adjusting bake time slightly.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely—kids love pulling it apart.
Internal Linking Opportunities
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Try our Muffin Pan Pizza Cups for a savory snack
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Pair with Creamy Tortellini Soup for a cozy brunch
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Love sweet breakfasts? Don’t miss Mini German Pancakes
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For comfort baking, check Red Velvet Cupcakes
External Authority Links
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Baking tips for Bundt cakes:
https://www.kingarthurbaking.com -
Food safety and storage (USDA):
https://www.usda.gov/food-safety -
History of monkey bread in America:
https://www.southernliving.com/food
Why Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Is So Popular in the USA
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread perfectly fits American food culture: nostalgic, indulgent, easy, and meant to be shared. Its popularity spikes during holidays, weekends, and special occasions, making it one of the most searched sweet breakfast recipes in the U.S. The pull-apart style encourages togetherness, which is why it remains a timeless classic.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. Warm, sticky, sweet, and comforting, it brings people together around the table and creates memories with every pull-apart bite.
Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers unbeatable comfort and flavor every time.
