These Monkey Bread Muffins are tiny bites of sweet, sticky goodness! Made with yummy dough rolled in sugar and cinnamon, they’re perfect for breakfast or a treat.
Honestly, I can’t resist pulling apart the soft pieces and enjoying them with a cup of coffee. They’re so easy to make too—perfect for lazy weekends! 🐒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is the star here. I love using Pillsbury flaky biscuits for their convenience. If you want to make it from scratch, use a simple biscuit recipe, but store-bought is super easy!
Granulated Sugar: This gives sweetness and texture. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try coconut sugar or honey, but adjust the amount for moistness and flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level in the recipe. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.
Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely caramel flavor. Light or dark brown sugar work well, but dark brown sugar gives a more intense flavor. You can use maple syrup as a substitute for a different twist.
How Do I Ensuring Perfectly Even Muffins?
To get consistently baked muffins, it’s crucial to not overpack the biscuit pieces. After cutting the dough, dip the pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mix. Here’s how to keep it even:
- Gently fill each muffin cup with a few pieces without forcing them in.
- This allows the dough to rise evenly and bake to a perfect golden brown.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; use a toothpick to check if they’re done.
Letting the muffins cool for a few minutes in the pan before inverting helps with removing them cleanly and keeping their shape intact.
Monkey Bread Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury flaky biscuits)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Non-stick cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. So overall, you’re looking at about 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy treat that’s great for any time of day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take a 12-cup muffin tin and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the muffins from sticking.
2. Mix Your Sugars and Prepare Biscuit Dough:
In a medium bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Then, open the refrigerated biscuit dough and separate it into individual biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters with a knife.
3. Coat the Biscuit Pieces:
Take each quarter piece of the biscuit and dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Place 3 to 4 coated pieces into each muffin cup. Remember, you don’t want to pack them too tightly; just let them sit lightly in the cups.
4. Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble slightly. Remove it from heat and, if you like, stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
5. Assemble Muffins:
Carefully pour the brown sugar and butter mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in each muffin cup. This will create a delicious gooey topping!
6. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
7. Cool and Release:
Once out of the oven, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After cooling, carefully invert the muffin pan onto a plate or baking sheet to release the monkey bread muffins. This allows the delicious caramel sauce to drizzle over the muffins.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These muffins are best served warm! Enjoy pulling apart the sticky, cinnamon-sugary goodness with family and friends.
These monkey bread muffins are sweet, tender, and perfectly portioned for a delightful breakfast treat or snack!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Alternative Flour Biscuits?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat biscuit dough or even gluten-free alternatives! Be aware that the texture may differ, and the baking time might need adjustment, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
How Do I Store Leftover Monkey Bread Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to warm them up before serving to regain that gooey texture!
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use an equal amount of granulated sugar with a splash of molasses or honey for a similar flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar is a great substitute for brown sugar in this recipe!
Can I Make These Muffins Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the biscuit pieces and coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mix the night before, then drizzle the butter and sugar mixture over them just before baking. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked muffins in the morning without much hassle!
