This Christmas Monkey Bread is a festive treat that will warm your home! It’s made with soft, buttery dough rolled in cinnamon sugar, baked until golden brown, and topped with sweet icing.
What’s great is that everyone can pull apart their own fluffy piece! It’s always a hit during the holidays—just don’t blame me if you find yourself going back for seconds! 😄
I love to serve it fresh from the oven, with a cup of hot cocoa on the side. It’s perfect for brunch or a cozy snack while decorating the tree. Enjoy the fun! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: I recommend using buttermilk biscuits for a fluffy texture. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can make your own biscuit dough. If you have dietary restrictions, check for gluten-free biscuit alternatives in stores.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Both sugars are important for sweetness and caramelization. You can substitute coconut sugar for a less refined option. Splenda or another sweetener can work for a low-sugar version, but adjust the quantities as needed.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm holiday flavor. You could try pumpkin pie spice for a different twist or omit it entirely if cinnamon isn’t your thing.
Peppermint Extract: Adding this gives a festive flair! If you don’t like peppermint, vanilla or almond extract could also add a pleasant aroma without overwhelming the flavor.
How Do I Ensure the Perfect Pull-Apart Texture?
The key to a great pull-apart monkey bread lies in the dough coating and baking process. Here are some tips:
- Coat each biscuit piece well in the sugar and cinnamon mix. This guarantees each piece is flavorful.
- Stack the pieces loosely in the bundt pan; they need room to expand while baking. Don’t squish them together!
- Check for doneness at around 35 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the bread should come out clean; that’s your cue!
- Let it cool slightly before inverting onto a plate. This step prevents it from falling apart and keeps that beautiful shape.
Christmas Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (buttermilk biscuits work best)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Red or green food coloring (optional)
- Optional: additional caramel or fudge sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Christmas Monkey Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake. Allow about 10 minutes for cooling after baking before serving. So, in total, you’ll need around 1 hour to enjoy this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a bundt pan generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent the bread from sticking once baked.
2. Mix Cinnamon Sugar:
In a large zip-top bag, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be the sweet coating for your biscuit pieces.
3. Cut and Coat the Biscuit Dough:
Open the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Grab a few pieces at a time and toss them into the bag with the cinnamon sugar. Seal the bag and shake well until each piece is nicely coated!
4. Assemble in the Bundt Pan:
Carefully arrange the coated biscuit pieces in the greased bundt pan, spreading them out evenly. This will help them bake uniformly and make pulling them apart easier.
5. Prepare the Butter Mixture:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat, then stir in the packed brown sugar and vanilla extract until everything is mixed together well.
6. Pour and Bake:
Pour the butter mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the buntt pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
7. Cool and Invert:
Once baked, allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully flip it onto a serving plate to let it release from the pan.
8. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract (if using) until smooth. You can adjust the consistency with more milk if needed. If you want to add a festive touch with color, divide the glaze into two bowls and add red or green food coloring to one.
9. Drizzle and Garnish:
Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle both the white and colored glaze over the warm monkey bread. Finish by sprinkling the crushed peppermint candies on top for that holiday crunch!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Gather your loved ones and serve this warm, delicious monkey bread at your Christmas celebration. It’s perfect for people to pull apart and enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa on the side!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cutting it into quarters and coating it with cinnamon sugar.
How Do I Store Leftover Monkey Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes to warm it back up!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the monkey bread up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking according to the instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Peppermint Extract?
No problem! You can simply omit the peppermint extract or substitute it with vanilla extract for a different flavor. You’ll still have a deliciously sweet monkey bread without it!
