There’s something magical about waking up on Christmas morning, the air filled with the delightful aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house. Picture it: soft, fluffy pieces of dough nestled together, dripping in a warm, gooey glaze. That is Christmas Morning Monkey Bread, a dish that promises to turn your holiday breakfast into a festive feast. The anticipation builds as you imagine everyone gathering around the table, tearing apart that sweet bread like hungry monkeys—hence the name!
This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s about memories. I remember my first time making this treat for my family. We had flour everywhere, laughter echoing through the kitchen, and my dog eyeing us suspiciously as if we were up to no good. It was chaos wrapped in joy! You’ll find that Christmas Morning Monkey Bread is perfect for those cozy holiday mornings when you want to indulge and share warmth with loved ones.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious monkey bread is super easy to make, with minimal prep time required
- Its irresistible flavor profile combines sweet cinnamon with buttery goodness
- The golden-brown color and gooey texture make it a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth
- This versatile dish can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert—perfect for any holiday gathering!
I’ll never forget how my kids’ eyes lit up when they saw this treat fresh from the oven—pure joy!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: Choose a high-quality brand for best results; flaky layers are essential for texture.
Granulated Sugar: This will sweeten your monkey bread beautifully; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon to enhance the warm flavors; it’s the heart of this recipe!
Butter: Unsalted butter works best, adding richness without overwhelming saltiness.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds a deep caramel flavor that takes this recipe over the top.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings everything together; opt for pure extract for maximum flavor.
Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Chopped nuts add crunch and depth; skip them if you prefer a nut-free version.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Morning Monkey Bread
Prepare Your Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take your refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Trust me, this will make your life easier later on.
Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar with cinnamon. Toss in the biscuit pieces until they’re well-coated in sweetness—this is where all the magic begins!
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grab a bundt pan (or any oven-safe dish) and thoroughly coat it with nonstick spray or butter. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle chopped nuts at the bottom before adding dough pieces.
Add Layers of Goodness: Layer half of your coated biscuit pieces into the prepared pan. Drizzle half of your melted butter over them and sprinkle half of your brown sugar mixture next—it’s like building little flavor mountains!
Finish Layering: Add the remaining biscuit pieces on top along with more melted butter and brown sugar mixture. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic charm is part of its appeal!
Bake Away!: Pop that glorious creation into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell heavenly—just try not to eat it before serving!
Let it cool for a few minutes before flipping it out onto a plate. The anticipation is real at this point!
Your Christmas Morning Monkey Bread is ready! Serve it up warm and watch everyone dive in like they’re going after treasure hidden in layers of deliciousness!
You Must Know
- Christmas Morning Monkey Bread is a warm, gooey delight that fills your home with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and sugar
- Perfect for family gatherings, this dish is quick to assemble and offers endless variations to match your festive spirit
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the dough. Assemble your ingredients and mix them efficiently, ensuring a consistent texture for even baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the nuts for chocolate chips or dried fruit. Adding a drizzle of icing on top? A sweet touch that elevates your monkey bread game!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 20 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an extra flavor kick, consider using flavored butter instead of regular
- This adds depth without extra effort
- Don’t rush the dough rising time; it’s essential for achieving that fluffy texture everyone loves
- Lastly, sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for a delightful contrast!
Baking this monkey bread always brings back memories of my little sister sneaking bites when I wasn’t looking. Her giggles and sticky fingers made it clear that this recipe was a family favorite.
FAQ
What type of bread should I use for Christmas Morning Monkey Bread?
Use refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade dough for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning.
How do I store leftover Christmas Morning Monkey Bread?
Wrap it tightly in plastic and keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
Christmas Morning Monkey Bread
Indulge in the festive delight of Christmas Morning Monkey Bread—a sweet, gooey treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. This easy-to-make dish combines soft biscuit dough with warm cinnamon and a luscious glaze, creating an irresistible breakfast centerpiece that everyone will love. Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy tearing into this delightful bread, making memories that will last a lifetime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz each)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut each biscuit into quarters.
- In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon; toss biscuit pieces until coated.
- Grease a bundt pan and optionally add nuts at the bottom.
- Layer half of the coated biscuits in the pan, drizzle with half of the melted butter and sprinkle with half of the brown sugar mixture.
- Repeat layering with remaining biscuits, butter, and brown sugar.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool briefly before inverting onto a plate to serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (85g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider using flavored butter. - Swap nuts for chocolate chips or dried fruits for variations. - Drizzle icing on top for an extra sweet touch.
