This Christmas Monkey Bread is a fun and festive treat! It’s made with soft dough balls, coated in cinnamon sugar, and topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for sharing during the holiday season!
Honestly, it’s so easy to pull apart, you might find it’s gone before you know it! I love making this for breakfast when family visits. It brings everyone together with its tasty charm! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is the star here for its ease. If you want to make it from scratch, use a simple biscuit recipe. Gluten-free biscuits can also work well, ensuring everyone can enjoy this treat!
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: These add sweetness and moisture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar can be a great substitution. You can also use a sugar substitute like erythritol for a low-carb version.
Cinnamon: The warmth of cinnamon is essential for that cozy flavor. You could substitute with pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a fun twist during the holiday season!
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate is traditional, but you can switch it up with milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer. For a dairy-free option, try vegan chocolate chips!
Peppermint Candies: Crushed peppermint gives a festive crunch. If you don’t have any, you could use crushed nuts or even sprinkles for decoration!
How Do I Ensure My Monkey Bread is Perfectly Baked?
Baking this monkey bread just right is crucial for that gooey texture everyone loves. Start by keeping an eye on the color. It should be golden brown on top. Here’s a breakdown:
- Set your oven timer and check for doneness starting at 35 minutes, but it might need up to 40 minutes.
- Insert a toothpick in the thickest part; if it comes out clean, your bread is done!
- If you notice the top browning too fast, cover it lightly with foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.
Let it cool slightly before inverting to get that perfect pull-apart effect! Happy baking!
Christmas Monkey Bread with Chocolate Drizzle and Crushed Peppermint
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 oz each)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep. You’ll need 35-40 minutes to bake, making the total time around 1 hour. Letting it cool for a short while will make it easier to invert onto a plate. Perfect for making this scrumptious treat for your holiday gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, lightly grease a bundt pan or tube pan with butter or nonstick spray to ensure the monkey bread comes out easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Take each biscuit and cut it into quarters, making small bite-sized pieces. This will allow for the perfect pull-apart texture when baked.
3. Coat the Dough with Cinnamon Sugar:
In a large plastic bag or bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Add the biscuit pieces to this mixture and shake or toss well until all the pieces are nicely coated. Every piece should be covered in the sweet, cinnamon goodness!
4. Arrange in Bundt Pan:
Place the coated biscuit pieces evenly into the prepared bundt pan. This helps ensure they bake uniformly and creates that lovely pull-apart effect.
5. Make the Butter and Brown Sugar Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and allow it to come to a simmer. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it turns smooth and bubbly. Don’t forget to remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract!
6. Combine Mixtures:
Pour the hot butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the bundt pan. This will give the monkey bread that delicious gooey quality.
7. Bake the Monkey Bread:
Place the bundt pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for a golden brown top. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean from the center!
8. Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle:
While the monkey bread bakes, it’s time to make the chocolate drizzle! In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream nearly to a simmer. Remove it from the heat and stir in your semisweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then stir until smooth and creamy.
9. Cool and Invert:
Once the monkey bread is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. After it has cooled slightly, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Wow, look at that beautiful bread!
10. Drizzle with Chocolate:
Generously drizzle the warm chocolate sauce over the top of the monkey bread. Just let the chocolate flow over it—it looks and tastes divine!
11. Add the Festive Topping:
Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies or candy canes over the warm chocolate drizzle so they stick nicely. This adds a delightful crunch and festive color!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Gather your loved ones around and serve the monkey bread warm. Enjoy pulling apart those gooey pieces and savoring the sweet flavors that celebrate the Christmas spirit!
This recipe combines the classic pull-apart sweet bread with rich chocolate and festive peppermint topping—it’s truly perfect for any Christmas celebration!
Can I Use Different Types of Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuit dough is the easiest option, you can use homemade biscuit dough or even puff pastry for a flakier texture. Just ensure it can be cut into small pieces!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough and coating mixture the night before! Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature before assembling and baking.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
If you have any leftover monkey bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to switch up the toppings. Instead of peppermint, you can use chopped walnuts, pecans, or even colorful sprinkles for a festive look. Get creative with your favorite flavors!
