Monkey Bread Muffins are fluffy little treats covered in cinnamon sugar. They’re fun to pull apart and perfect for breakfast or snack time!
These muffins are like mini monkey breads that you can easily share—or not! I love popping one into my mouth while still warm. Who can resist that? 🐒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is the star here. I prefer Pillsbury, but any similar brand will work. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try using whole wheat biscuit dough or even make your own from scratch with flour, baking powder, yogurt, and a little salt.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key for that classic flavor. If you want to mix it up, consider using a cinnamon blend that includes nutmeg or allspice, or even pumpkin spice for a unique twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best because it allows you to control the saltiness of your muffins. If you need a dairy-free version, coconut oil or a plant-based butter works well as a substitute.
Brown Sugar: Both light and dark brown sugars add a rich flavor. For a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or even light agave syrup, but the texture may be slightly different.
How Do You Make Sure the Muffins Bake Evenly?
The baking process is essential for perfect Monkey Bread Muffins. Here are some tips to ensure even baking:
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat the oven. This step ensures the muffins start cooking right away at the correct temperature.
- Muffin Tin Preparation: Line the muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Even Distribution: Make sure to evenly distribute the biscuit dough pieces in each muffin cup. This helps them cook uniformly.
- Check for Doneness: A good rule of thumb is to bake until they’re golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Following these steps will help you achieve muffin perfection every time!
How to Make Monkey Bread Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, plus an additional 10 minutes to cool before serving. In just about 45 minutes, you’ll have delicious, warm Monkey Bread Muffins ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
2. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. This mixture will give your muffins that delightful sweet and spiced flavor!
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open the cans of biscuit dough and separate them into individual biscuits. Using a knife or kitchen scissors, cut each biscuit into quarters to make bite-sized pieces.
4. Coat the Dough Pieces:
Take the quartered biscuit pieces and toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re well coated. This step ensures each muffin will be sweet and flavorful.
5. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Evenly distribute the coated biscuit pieces among the muffin cups, making sure to fill them up nicely. It’s important to divide the pieces equally so each muffin has a good amount of dough.
6. Make the Butter Mixture:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it melts, stir in the brown sugar and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until fully combined and slightly thickened. This will create a gooey syrup!
7. Pour the Syrup Over the Muffins:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Carefully spoon this warm butter and brown sugar mixture over the biscuit pieces in each muffin cup, ensuring an even distribution.
8. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they are ready when the tops are nicely browned and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve:
Let the Monkey Bread Muffins cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing them. This will help them set and make them easier to take out.
10. Glaze (Optional):
If you want to add a sweet finishing touch, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract to make a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the warm muffins for an extra treat!
11. Enjoy!
Serve the muffins warm and enjoy pulling them apart to savor that gooey, sweet, and cinnamon-filled goodness!
Now you have a delicious recipe for Monkey Bread Muffins that are perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Biscuit Dough?
Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuit dough is the traditional choice, you can experiment with flaky pastry or even homemade biscuit dough if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary a bit.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the muffin cups with the coated biscuit pieces in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to bake them within a day for the best results, and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What Should I Do with Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave briefly or warm them in the oven.
Can I Customize the Flavors?
Definitely! You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the biscuit pieces for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to change things up.