These Monkey Bread Muffins are like little bites of joy! Fluffy, sweet, and coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack. Who can resist that sticky goodness?
Making these muffins is super fun! Just roll the dough balls, coat them in sugar, and bake. I love serving them warm, so everyone can pull apart their own delicious piece. Enjoy the messiness! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Store-bought refrigerated biscuit dough is super easy and convenient for this recipe. If you prefer homemade, you can use your favorite biscuit recipe. Alternatively, crescent roll dough works too for a softer texture!
Sugar & Cinnamon: Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon are essential for that classic flavor. For a twist, try brown sugar in place of granulated for extra richness or add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. You can substitute it with coconut oil or vegan butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, and it will also add a unique flavor!
Brown Sugar: Using packed brown sugar creates a sticky glaze. If you need a lighter option, you can use coconut sugar instead for a bit of a caramel flavor.
Nuts: Chopped nuts are optional but add wonderful texture. If you’re nut-free or allergic, feel free to skip them or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds as a substitute for crunch.
How Do You Get Those Muffins Perfectly Fluffy and Gooey?
Getting the right texture for Monkey Bread Muffins is all about managing the dough and baking process. Here’s how to achieve the fluffiest muffins with that perfect gooey center:
- Don’t Skimp on Coating: Make sure every piece of biscuit dough is coated well in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This ensures that the outside gets crispy while the inside remains soft.
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven fully. This helps in cooking the muffins evenly and giving the tops that nice golden color.
- Watch the Bake Time: Check the muffins a couple of minutes before the minimum bake time. Overbaking can lead them to become dry, while underbaking will keep them doughy inside.
- Cool in the Pan: Let them cool for about 10 minutes in the muffin tin. This allows the glaze to set slightly, making for easier removal and better flavor.
By following these steps, you’ll have delightfully fluffy and gooey Monkey Bread Muffins that everyone will love!
Monkey Bread Muffins Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to bake. Plan for a total of around 35 minutes from start to enjoying your warm, delicious muffins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your muffins are baked evenly. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease it using cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be the delicious coating for your muffin dough pieces!
3. Cut the Biscuit Dough:
Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough. Carefully cut each biscuit into quarters. This will create smaller pieces that are perfect for pulling apart.
4. Coat the Dough Pieces:
Add the biscuit pieces to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Toss them around gently until each piece is well coated. If you are adding nuts, mix them in during this step too!
5. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Distribute the coated biscuit pieces evenly into the muffin cups. Make sure to fill each cup about 3/4 full, as the dough will rise while baking.
6. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the packed brown sugar. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes until smooth and slightly bubbly.
7. Drizzle Over Muffins:
Spoon the buttery brown sugar glaze evenly over each filled muffin cup. This will create that gooey goodness we love about monkey bread!
8. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for the tops to be golden brown and the glaze to be bubbling around the edges.
9. Cool Before Serving:
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to remove them from the cups without breaking.
10. Enjoy:
Carefully transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool slightly more, or dig right in! Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, gooey, cinnamon goodness. These Monkey Bread Muffins are best enjoyed fresh with coffee or milk!
Happy baking! You’re about to treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful and warm experience!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cutting it into quarters for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftover Monkey Bread Muffins?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but they’re best eaten fresh!
Can I Make These Muffins Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the biscuit pieces and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar the night before. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. The glaze can be prepared and stored separately as well.
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, although the flavor will be less rich. You can also make a substitute by mixing granulated sugar with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of granulated sugar) for a homemade brown sugar alternative!