This Christmas Monkey Bread is a fun and easy treat that will bring joy to your holiday table! With soft, gooey pieces of dough covered in cinnamon and sugar, it’s simply irresistible.
I love how it pulls apart so easily—you can snack on it while decorating the tree! Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing while it’s baking. 🎄🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is the star of this recipe. Southern-style buttermilk biscuits give a fluffy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use crescent roll dough as an alternative, but the texture will be slightly different.
Cinnamon and Sugar: This combo makes the bread delightful. If you want a unique twist, consider adding nutmeg or cardamom for extra flavor. Sweeteners like coconut sugar or brown sugar can also work in place of granulated sugar.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my favorite, but you can use margarine or a dairy-free alternative if you’re vegan or lactose-intolerant. Just make sure it’s melted.
Peppermint Candies: Crushed peppermint adds a festive crunch. If peppermint isn’t your thing, try crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit as delicious toppings.
How Do I Get the Perfect Pull-Apart Texture?
The key to getting that perfect, pull-apart texture is in how you prep the biscuit dough. Cutting the dough into quarters helps create those small pieces that bake up soft and fluffy. Don’t rush this step! Make sure to coat each piece well in the cinnamon sugar mixture for uniform flavor.
- When placing the coated pieces in the bundt pan, try to layer them without packing too tightly. This keeps them fluffy.
- For the best results, allow the monkey bread to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. This will help it hold its shape when you invert it onto a plate.
- Enjoy it warm, and consider serving with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. It adds an extra fun element!
Christmas Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Southern-style buttermilk biscuits)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Fresh parsley or edible green garnish (optional, for a festive contrast)
- Optional: Chocolate or caramel sauce for drizzling or dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Christmas Monkey Bread will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour from start to finish. You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix everything, and then approximately 35 to 40 minutes for baking. Don’t forget an extra 10 minutes for cooling before serving—so many delicious layers to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s happening, grease a bundt pan or a ring-shaped baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking—this is important for that beautiful pull-apart effect!
2. Mix the Sugar and Cinnamon:
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will give all the pieces of bread that sweet and spicy flavor that makes Christmas Monkey Bread so special!
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. This is key for getting those easy-to-pull-apart pieces. It’s fun, so get a child or friend to help!
4. Coat the Biscuit Pieces:
Toss the quartered biscuit pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring that each piece is nicely coated. The more covered they are, the tastier your monkey bread will be!
5. Assemble the Monkey Bread:
Layer the coated biscuit pieces in your prepared bundt pan, stacking them as you go along. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just make sure to fill the pan to create that iconic monkey bread shape.
6. Make the Brown Sugar Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar, mixing it until the mixture is smooth and bubbling gently—no need to let it boil! That gooeyness will help bind everything together!
7. Add in Flavor:
Once the mixture is well combined, remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This will amp up the flavors in your monkey bread!
8. Pour the Sauce:
Carefully pour the warm brown sugar sauce evenly over the biscuit pieces in the bundt pan. This will soak into the biscuits while baking for that delicious, sticky result!
9. Bake it Up:
Pop the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough has cooked through. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
10. Cool and Invert:
Once the baking is done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This step is important to help it hold its shape when you flip it!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate. It should come out beautifully! Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce if you like, and sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive touch. For extra flair, add some edible green garnish to mimic a Christmas wreath.
Now, gather around the table, pull apart those warm, gooey biscuit pieces, and enjoy this delightful festive treat with family and friends! 🎉
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough Instead of Refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cutting it into quarters. You can do this overnight in the fridge or by leaving it out at room temperature for a few hours.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover monkey bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for about a week. Reheat pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm again!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let the pan sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before preheating the oven.
What Can I Use Instead of Peppermint?
If peppermint isn’t your thing, consider using chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit as a topping instead. These alternatives can add different flavors and textures while still being festive!