Pull Apart Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread

I don’t know a soul who can resist pulling off a chunk of gooey, sweet monkey bread. It’s one of the best breakfast treats ever! Monkey bread is the perfect dessert and breakfast treat rolled into one. The rich dough, coated in cinnamon sugar and drenched in a buttery brown sugar mixture, bakes into bite-sized pieces that are fun to pull apart. This recipe’s delightful, caramelized crust and soft interior make it a favorite for both kids and adults! I have a cheater version that I have made for years that uses frozen roll dough, a butterscotch pudding mix, and pecans, and another holiday version made with orange zest and cranberries. But it’s high-time that I shared the classic version made with an easy homemade yeast dough and a simple butter, cinnamon, and sugar coating with a simple vanilla glaze on top for good measure. For more easy-sharing bread recipes, check out my Cranberry Orange Monkey Pull-Apart Bread, TikTok Cinnamon Rolls, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Hot Cross Sticky Buns, and Easy Pecan & Caramel Sauce Pull-Apart Monkey Bread!

Why We Love This Recipe

You can prepare it the night before and let it rise in the fridge, making the morning baking quick and stress-free. This recipe is also great for involving little helpers in the kitchen, turning baking into a fun family activity!

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Milk – helps activate the yeast and thins the glaze. Water – additional liquid for dough consistency. Salted Butter – adds richness to the dough and helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the dough balls. All-Purpose Flour – forms the base of the dough. Granulated Sugar – feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough. Instant Yeast – helps the dough rise. Salt – enhances the flavors. Light Brown Sugar – adds sweetness and caramelization. Ground Cinnamon – gives a warm, spicy flavor to the brown sugar mixture. Powdered Sugar – for a sweet finishing touch. Vanilla Extract – adds flavor to the glaze.

How to Make Homemade Monkey Bread

Tips for Success

Ensure your dough is soft but not too sticky. Add flour gradually during kneading if necessary. Make sure each dough ball is thoroughly coated in butter and cinnamon sugar so they are sticky and gooey throughout and you don’t end up with dry spots. No skimping on the butter and sugar! Allow the dough to rise fully during both rises to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

Substitutions and Variations

Try sprinkling in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, raisins, or chocolate chips while adding the balls of dough to the pan for a little extra pizzazz. Mix in finely chopped apples, peaches, strawberries, or blueberries with the dough balls for a fruity addition.

Recipe Source: Lightly adapted from Cook’s Illustrated. Include monkey bread as part of a festive holiday brunch alongside a breakfast casserole (our favorites are this green chile egg casserole or this hashbrown breakfast casserole) and quiches.