Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread

Name: Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar (optional); 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (optional)

Author: Natalie Brooks

Published: November 27, 2025

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Introduction to Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread

Ah, Christmas morning—a magical time filled with laughter, love, and the scent of fresh-baked goodies wafting through the house. As someone who cherishes holiday traditions, I can tell you: there’s nothing quite like sharing a warm, gooey piece of Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread with family. This delightful dish is a quick solution for a busy day, allowing you to savor the special moments without the stress. Picture everyone gathered around, eagerly pulling apart sweet, cinnamon-coated bites. It’s the perfect treat to create festive memories that will last a lifetime!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread

This Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread is a holiday miracle in disguise. It’s super simple to make, so even the busiest of moms can whip it up in no time. Plus, the warm, gooey goodness that pulls apart into fluffy pieces is incredibly satisfying. With flavors of cinnamon and sugary sweetness, it’s bound to impress your loved ones and leave your home filled with delightful festive cheer!

Ingredients for Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread

Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle in any recipe! For this Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread, you’ll need a few staples that can easily be found at your local grocery store.

Refrigerated biscuit dough: This is the base of our monkey bread, providing that delicious, fluffy texture. You’ll need two cans for a generous serving.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! This sugar not only adds sweetness but helps create that delightful caramelization as the bread bakes.

Ground cinnamon: The warm and comforting flavor of cinnamon is the star of the show, delivering that holiday spirit in every bite.
Unsalted butter: Use melted butter to help the sugar and cinnamon cling to those biscuit pieces, adding richness and moisture.

Light brown sugar: For a deeper, more complex sweetness, this sugar works beautifully with the granulated variety, enhancing the caramelized taste.
Vanilla extract: Just a hint of vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds a fragrant touch, making everything taste even more scrumptious.
Powdered sugar (optional): If you’re feeling a bit fancy, this glaze adds a sweet finishing touch that looks lovely on the warm bread.

Milk (optional): This helps create a smooth, pourable glaze. Just adjust the amount based on your preferred consistency.

If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought biscuit dough. It saves prep time and still delivers a delicious outcome! You can check the bottom of the article for exact quantities, along with a handy printable recipe.

How to Make Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread

Creating the delightful Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread is a fun and straightforward process. The steps are simple, making it easy even for those of us juggling busy schedules. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions that will guide you through this delightful recipe!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is important because it ensures the bread bakes evenly, creating that beautiful rise and golden crust. While your oven warms up, take a moment to grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with nonstick spray or butter. This prevents the sticky goodness from sticking to the pan, allowing for a smooth release later.

Step 2: Prepare Biscuit Dough

Open up those cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and get ready for some fun! Cut each biscuit into four equal pieces. It’s like making tiny dough balls that will bake up beautifully fluffy and golden. This size ensures that the pieces cook evenly, giving you perfect pull-apart bites in every serving.

Step 3: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon

Now comes the magic! In a large zip-top bag, combine your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture is what will infuse your monkey bread with that warm, sweet, and cozy flavor. Toss the biscuit pieces into the bag, seal it tight, and shake it like you mean it! Make sure every little piece is coated evenly for a burst of flavor in every pull.

Step 4: Assemble in Bundt Pan

It’s time for assembly! Start by arranging half of the coated biscuit pieces in your greased Bundt pan. Don’t worry about being perfect—it’s going to rise and fall beautifully! In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Drizzle half of this buttery mixture over the first layer of biscuits. Then, add the remaining biscuit pieces on top and finish with the rest of the butter mixture. This step adds moist richness throughout, ensuring every bite is a sugary delight.

Step 5: Baking Time

Pop your Bundt pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The key is to keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the bread is fully cooked through. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean if you want to check. The anticipation will be worth it when you pull it out!

Step 6: Glazing

Once your monkey bread has baked to perfection, allow it to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. This makes it easier to invert onto a serving plate. If you’re feeling adventurous and want a little extra sweetness, whisk together some powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the warm bread to make it eye-catching and irresistibly sweet!

Tips for Success

Always preheat your oven for better baking results. It ensures even cooking.
Cut the biscuit dough pieces evenly for consistent baking and fluffy bites.
When shaking the biscuit pieces with sugar and cinnamon, make sure to seal the bag tightly to avoid spills!

If using butter, let it cool slightly before adding, so it doesn’t cook the dough.
Feel free to get creative! Add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist.

Equipment Needed

10-inch Bundt pan: Essential for the monkey bread’s shape. A regular cake pan can work in a pinch.

Large zip-top bag: Perfect for mixing the sugar and cinnamon. A bowl with a lid is a good alternative.
Mixing bowls: You’ll need a small bowl for the butter mixture and a larger one for the dough.
Whisk: Great for combining the glaze ingredients. A fork will do in a pinch!

Variations on Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread

Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the dough mixture for a heartier texture and extra flavor.
Chocolate Chip Bliss: Mix in 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips with the biscuit pieces for a sweet twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Fruit Infusion: Toss in some dried cranberries or chopped apples between the layers for a fruity kick, perfect for the holiday season!

Maple Flavor: Substitute maple syrup for half of the sugar in the butter mixture to enhance the flavor with a touch of maple sweetness.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough available at most grocery stores to make this a safe treat for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread

Hot Cocoa: Pair your monkey bread with a steaming cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for a cozy morning.

Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside seasonal fruits like oranges or pomegranates to refresh your palate.
Festive Platter: Arrange slices on a colorful holiday platter, garnished with mint leaves for a pop of color.
Breakfast Faves: Complement with scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a balanced breakfast.

Holiday Music: Set the mood by playing some festive tunes while enjoying this beautiful treat!

FAQs about Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread

As you prepare to create your Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread, you might have some questions. Here are a few queries I often hear, along with helpful answers!

Can I make this monkey bread ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and assemble the monkey bread the night before. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before baking to help it rise.

What can I substitute for biscuit dough? If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also use croissant dough or even homemade dough. These alternatives can add unique flavors and textures while keeping the recipe easy!

How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. Just warm it up before serving for a delicious treat all over again!

Can I freeze this monkey bread? Yes! Once it’s baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!

What are some fun ways to customize the flavor? Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can add spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or even toss in some chopped fruits or chocolate chips. Get creative and make it your own!

Final Thoughts

Making Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread is more than just whipping up a recipe; it’s about creating joyful memories with loved ones. The aroma that fills your home as it bakes is simply magical, wrapping everyone in warmth. Each gooey, cinnamon-kissed piece brings smiles and laughter to your breakfast table, making the holiday feel special. Whether you’re savoring it solo with a cup of coffee or sharing with family, this delightful treat cultivates connection. So, embrace the holiday spirit, let the sweetness of this monkey bread unite you, and enjoy every delicious bite of this festive tradition!