Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Name: Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8.0
Ingredients: 2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats

Needed something sweet to satisfy my craving and this was the outcome. I had some spare biscuits in the fridge and thought, why not turn them into a fun twist on cinnamon rolls? The result was a gooey, cinnamon-sugar delight that was easy enough for a lazy afternoon. Honestly, it’s the kind of treat that makes you feel like a kid again, and I guarantee it will disappear as quickly as you make it.

Created by

The Simplecooktips Team

Last updated on 2026-06-09T23:22:19.776Z

This monkey bread has been a favorite in our household for a while now, especially on cozy weekend mornings. I remember making it for the first time when we had friends over, and everyone went crazy for it. The combination of buttery dough and cinnamon sugar is just irresistible!

What really sold me on this recipe is how forgiving it is. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought biscuit dough like Pillsbury. It turns out delicious every time, and it can even be a fun project with the kids—just be prepared for the inevitable flour fight!

Getting the Texture Right for Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

When it comes to the texture of your monkey bread, the right dough consistency is key. Using refrigerated biscuit dough gives you a fluffiness that’s hard to resist. Just be sure to drop them into the buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture without delay to keep them nice and soft. This is also the part where I sometimes get a bit messy, but that’s half the fun, right?

You’ll want to coat each piece well but not drown them. If you find the dough isn’t holding enough of that delicious mixture, try letting it sit for a minute after coating, then dip again. This extra step helps the sugar adhere better during the baking process, leading to an even stickier, sweeter treat.

Ingredient Notes

Using a mix of granulated and brown sugar adds depth to the sweetness. If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can substitute with an extra half cup of granulated sugar and a dash of molasses, though it won’t quite replicate the chewy goodness of the original.

And if you’re not a fan of pecans or walnuts, feel free to leave them out entirely or swap in some chocolate chips for a chocolaty spin. Honestly, I’d recommend trying it both ways to see what you like best.

Ingredients

For the Monkey Bread

2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Drizzle

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to get all your ingredients ready before starting; it makes the whole process much smoother.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, you don’t want to forget this step; otherwise, your dough won't rise right.

Mix Sugar and Cinnamon

In a bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the cinnamon. I usually make it a tad sweeter, so feel free to adjust to your liking.

Prepare the Biscuit Dough

Open the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can even roll them in your hands to make little balls.

Coat Dough in Butter and Sugar

Dip each biscuit piece into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. If you’re using nuts, toss some in with the sugar; they add a really nice crunch.

Layer and Bake

Layer the coated biscuit pieces in a bundt pan, sprinkling brown sugar and nuts as you go. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until it’s golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells incredible and the edges start pulling away from the pan.

Make the Drizzle

While the bread cools a bit, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle it over the warm monkey bread for a sweet finish. I like to go heavy on the drizzle, but that’s totally up to you.

Let it cool slightly before serving; this helps it hold its shape a bit better.

Pro Tips

Try adding chocolate chips to the dough for a different twist.
If you're low on time, using frozen dough works fine too—just let it thaw and proceed.
Experiment with different spices like nutmeg for a unique flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the microwave; they are still pretty good.

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

If you happen to have leftovers (which is a big if), you should store them in an airtight container at room temperature. It's best enjoyed fresh, but it will last for a couple of days. Just keep in mind that the texture will change a bit; it may lose some of that delightful gooeyness. I sometimes pop mine in the microwave for a few seconds to help bring back the warmth and softness.

Ways to Switch It Up

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a bit of apple pie spice to the sugar-cinnamon mix for a fall-inspired twist. Or you can toss in some dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, along with the nuts for a bit of chewiness. Honestly, you can’t really go wrong with the combinations here; just have fun with it and see what you like best.

Another option is to swap the vanilla in the drizzle for caramel extract or even maple syrup to completely change the vibe. You’ll have a different treat each time, and it keeps things interesting!

Questions About Recipes

→ How long does this keep?

Honestly, it’s best eaten the same day. But if you have leftovers, they should be okay for about 2 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I use gluten-free biscuit dough?

Yes, you can, but the texture may be a bit different. I’ve tried using a gluten-free option, and it still turned out tasty.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can get creative—how about adding fruit like apples or even some cream cheese in the middle? Just make sure they’re not too wet.

→ Can this be made in advance?

You can prep it the night before, cover it, and pop it in the oven in the morning. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ Is there an easy way to serve this?

Honestly, I like to pull it apart with my hands; it makes it more fun and casual. But you could serve slices if you prefer.