These Monkey Bread Muffins are little bites of happiness! Soft, sweet dough is coated in cinnamon sugar, making them perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack.
You might need to hide these from your family, or they’ll disappear faster than you can say “yum!” I love enjoying them warm with a splash of milk—it’s pure joy! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: I love using refrigerated biscuit dough like Pillsbury Grands for convenience. If you prefer homemade, you can use your favorite biscuit recipe instead!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect for the coating. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm, cozy flavor. You could also mix in a bit of nutmeg for added depth, or use pumpkin pie spice for a twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. In a pinch, you can substitute with margarine or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Vanilla Extract: This is optional, but I encourage using it! It enhances flavors beautifully. If you don’t have any, feeling free to skip it or use almond extract instead for a different taste.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cinnamon Coating?
Coating the biscuit pieces well is key for maximum flavor! Here’s a simple method to ensure even coverage:
- Cut each biscuit into quarters to create bite-sized pieces.
- Toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mix in batches. This makes it easier to coat every piece.
- Don’t forget to use a generous amount of the cinnamon-sugar mix for that delicious crunch on the outside!
By following these tips, every bite will be bursting with flavor. Enjoy the process and your tasty treats!
Monkey Bread Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 35 minutes before you can indulge in these delicious muffins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
2. Mix Sugar and Cinnamon:
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix them well until they are thoroughly combined—this will be the tasty coating for your biscuit pieces!
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. This will give you bite-sized pieces that are easy to pull apart later. Pour the biscuit pieces into the bowl with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Coat the Biscuit Pieces:
Toss the biscuit pieces gently in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are well-coated. Make sure each piece gets an even layer of the delicious mixture!
5. Make the Brown Sugar Butter Mixture:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the packed brown sugar and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it in now for extra flavor!
6. Assemble the Muffins:
Evenly divide the cinnamon-sugar coated biscuit pieces among the muffin cups in the prepared tin. Place them loosely to create that signature “monkey bread” texture.
7. Drizzle with Brown Sugar Mixture:
Carefully drizzle the hot brown sugar butter mixture over the biscuit pieces in each muffin cup. This will add sweetness and make them oh-so gooey.
8. Bake the Muffins:
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden on top.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool for about 5 minutes. After that, you can invert the muffins onto a serving plate. They should come out easily!
10. Enjoy Warm:
Serve the muffins warm for the best gooey, sticky, and sweet experience. They make for a delightful breakfast or snack that everyone will love!
Enjoy your delicious Monkey Bread Muffins!
Can I Use Different Types of Biscuit Dough?
Absolutely! While I recommend refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience, you can use homemade biscuit dough if you prefer a scratch-made option. Just ensure it’s similar in consistency for best results.
Can I Make These Muffins Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon-sugar coated biscuit pieces and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let them come to room temperature before adding the brown sugar mixture and baking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, although they’ll be best enjoyed fresh. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their gooey texture.
Can I Add Mix-ins to the Muffins?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in mini chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit before coating the biscuit pieces for an extra flavor kick. Just be mindful not to overload the dough with too many additions.