Irresistible Monkey Bread Muffins: An Easy Sweet Treat
A simple, mess-free spin on the classic pull-apart monkey bread for solo servings.
Monkey Bread Muffins: A Fun Twist on a Classic Recipe
If you’re looking for a warm, sticky, cinnamon-sugar breakfast treat that’s simple to make and even simpler to serve, monkey bread muffins are sure to delight. By transforming the classic monkey bread—traditionally baked in a Bundt pan—into individual muffin-sized servings, you can enjoy the same gooey, nostalgic favorite without the need for sharing or waiting in line for the next pull-apart piece.
These muffins use basic ingredients you likely have on hand and take less than 30 minutes to whip up, making them perfect for holidays, brunches, or impromptu family gatherings. With a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating and a sweet glaze, every bite is perfectly portioned and incredibly moreish!
Why Monkey Bread Muffins?
- Easy and Quick: Made with refrigerated canned biscuit dough, minimal prep and cleanup, and a speedy bake time.
- No Sharing Needed: Each muffin is a single serving, making them ideal for brunch buffets, potlucks, or hungry kids who can’t wait for you to finish slicing.
- Ultimate Make-Ahead Brunch Treat: While best fresh, these muffins can be baked and glazed right before serving, or prepped in advance for convenience.
- Customizable: Play with spice or swap out the basic glaze for more flavors. The core method is endlessly versatile!
Ingredients for Monkey Bread Muffins
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nonstick Cooking Spray | As needed | For greasing pan |
| Granulated Sugar | 2/3 cup | For cinnamon-sugar coating |
| Ground Cinnamon | 2 tsp. | Can adjust to taste |
| Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits | 2 tubes (16.3 oz each) | Preferably non-flaky style |
| Salted Butter | 4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) | For rich, gooey flavor |
| Packed Brown Sugar | 1/4 cup | Adds caramel notes |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 cup | For the glaze |
| Milk | 1 – 2 Tbsp. | To thin the glaze |
Best Biscuits for Monkey Bread Muffins
For best texture and structure, use non-flaky buttermilk biscuit dough. These hold together well after baking and create that signature chewy, pull-apart bite reminiscent of classic monkey bread. While any store-bought canned biscuit will work, the texture may vary slightly—flaky varieties may create a more layered muffin.
The flavor remains excellent no matter the choice, but for a reliable, cohesive muffin, basic buttermilk biscuits like Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle are a great option.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare your muffin pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan generously with cooking spray. To keep your oven clean, place the muffin pan on a foil-lined baking sheet—some butter and sugar may bubble over during baking.
- Coat biscuit pieces in cinnamon-sugar: Mix 2/3 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a 1-gallon zip-top bag. Open your canned biscuits and cut each into 6 pieces—this yields 96 bite-sized chunks. Add all biscuit pieces to the bag, seal, and shake vigorously until every piece is evenly covered in cinnamon sugar.
- Fill and press into muffin cups: Distribute the cinnamon-sugar biscuit pieces among the prepared muffin cups. Each should have about 8 pieces. Gently press the pieces down so they stick together but do not overcompact.
- Add the gooey topping: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) of salted butter with 1/4 cup brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and combined. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of this mixture over each filled muffin cup.
- Bake to golden perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the muffins are bubbling at the edges. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes—which helps them hold together when removing.
- Drizzle with glaze: Meanwhile, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk in a bowl. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a thick but pourable consistency. Use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the muffins after removing them from the pan.
- Serve warm and enjoy! These muffins are best eaten warm, fresh from the oven. The glaze will settle into all the nooks, and every piece is delightfully soft and sticky.
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
- Protect Against Spillover: Always bake the muffin tin on a lined baking sheet to catch any buttery drips.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar in the butter mixture or use less glaze.
- Add-Ins: For an extra punch, sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the biscuits before adding the brown sugar mixture.
- Flavor Twists: Add a touch of nutmeg for depth, or infuse the glaze with a little vanilla or orange zest for a fresh twist.
- Glaze Alternatives: Swap traditional glaze for a cream cheese drizzle or melted chocolate if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Monkey bread muffins are perfect for breakfast spreads, holiday brunches, school treats, and family gatherings. They’re also crowd-pleasers at potlucks, baby showers, and anytime you need a portable, irresistible sweet treat. No utensils required—just grab and savor each sticky, cinnamon-sugar bite!
Pair with fresh fruit, a savory breakfast casserole, or a pot of strong coffee for a balanced brunch or breakfast buffet.
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Can They Be Made Ahead?
These muffins are best served warm, straight from the oven for maximum softness and gooey goodness. However, with only 15 minutes of prep, they are easy to whip up last-minute. If necessary, you can:
- Slice and sugar the biscuit pieces the night before; store in an airtight bag at room temperature.
- Mix the butter-brown sugar topping in advance, then rewarm to pour just before baking.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 day. Refresh briefly in the microwave to restore that just-baked softness.
Monkey Bread Muffins vs. Classic Monkey Bread
| Monkey Bread Muffins | Classic Monkey Bread |
|---|---|
| Individual servings, baked in muffin tin | One large pull-apart loaf, baked in Bundt pan |
| Perfect for portion control and serving crowds | Traditionally served whole, everyone pulls off pieces |
| Faster bake time, less cleanup | Takes longer to bake and cool |
| Can customize each muffin (e.g., nuts in some) | All-in-one flavor, but customizable fillings between pieces |
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Keep monkey bread muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Longer than that, and they may dry out.
- Reheating: To regain softness, pop muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid refrigerating, as cold air can dry out the bread quickly.
- Freezing: Not best for freezing—texture may become chewy. However, you can freeze unbaked, sugared biscuit pieces, thaw, assemble, and bake later.
FAQs: Monkey Bread Muffins
Q: What if my muffin pan overflows?
A: It’s normal for some butter and sugar to bubble over during baking. Always place the muffin tin on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch drips and prevent a mess.
Q: Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
A: Absolutely! While canned biscuits are a time-saver, homemade also works. Cut into small, uniform pieces for even baking.
Q: How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan?
A: Generously coat your muffin tin with nonstick spray. Let muffins cool in-pan for 5 minutes after baking before removing. Running a thin knife around the edge helps with release.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Substitute plant-based butter and check your biscuit ingredient labels to make a dairy-free version. Glaze can be made with non-dairy milk.
Q: Can I double or halve the recipe?
A: Yes! Easily scale the ingredient amounts depending on the crowd. Bake in batches if needed.
Perfect Pairings & Occasions
- Easter Brunch: Add a festive touch to springtime breakfasts with a basket of monkey bread muffins.
- Mother’s Day: Serve with fresh coffee and fruit for a memorable breakfast-in-bed.
- Kids’ Sleepovers: These treats are always a hit—no slicing needed, just grab and enjoy!
- Coffee Breaks: The gentle sweetness and cinnamon are a perfect companion to any hot beverage.
More Tips for Breakfast Success
- Always check the expiration date on canned biscuits for best quality.
- Sifting powdered sugar makes for a smoother glaze.
- Add a pinch of salt to the glaze for balance if using unsalted butter in the topping.
- Allow muffins to set for a few minutes after glazing so the icing forms a slightly crisp top.
Alternatives & Fun Variations
- Swap cinnamon sugar for pumpkin spice in autumn.
- Add mini chocolate chips between biscuit pieces for a chocolatey twist.
- Include a dollop of fruit preserves inside each muffin center before baking.
- Try savory monkey bread muffins: skip the glaze, sprinkle with cheese and herbs instead.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per muffin)
| Calories | ~180 |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Sugar | 13g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Protein | 2g |
(Values will vary based on exact product brands used and added glaze or toppings.)
Final Thoughts
Monkey bread muffins bring together everything people love about the classic recipe—sticky, buttery morsels, a cinnamon-sugar punch, and that signature sweet glaze—now in a format built for sharing or savoring solo. Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels and every occasion that needs a dash of sweetness!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a64422579/monkey-bread-muffins-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10982/monkey-bread/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTO_FSiBPQ4
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11300/monkey-muffins/
- https://icecreamandneondreams.com/lazy-girls-guide-mini-monkey-bread-muffins/
- https://mymothersdaughter.net/monkey-bread-muffins/
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