Monkey Bread Muffins

There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of warm, gooey goodness and the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your kitchen. Enter Monkey Bread Muffins, a perfect bite-sized treat that brings the classic flavors of monkey bread into a convenient muffin form. These muffins are not just easy to make, but they also provide a fun and interactive way to enjoy a beloved favorite. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, these muffins are sure to be a hit with family and friends!

Why It’s My Go-To

Monkey Bread Muffins have become my go-to recipe for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they are incredibly simple to whip up, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. Secondly, the individual muffin size means that everyone can enjoy their own personal portion without the mess of pulling apart sticky dough. Lastly, the combination of soft biscuit dough, rich brown sugar, and a drizzle of cream cheese icing creates an irresistible treat that is hard to resist. It’s the kind of recipe that you will want to make again and again!

What Goes Into Monkey Bread Muffins

The beauty of Monkey Bread Muffins lies in their straightforward ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious morsels:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – This provides the sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – The star spice that brings warmth and flavor to the muffins.
• 1 can Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers refrigerated biscuits – The foundation of our muffins, providing a flaky and soft texture.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter – Adds richness and aids in creating that gooey texture.
• 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar – This deep, molasses-like flavor elevates the overall taste.
• 2 teaspoons water – Helps to dissolve the sugar and create a syrupy mixture.
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor profile with a hint of sweetness.

For the Cream Cheese Icing, you will need:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature – Provides a creamy texture for the icing.
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted – Sweetens the icing and gives it a smooth consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Adds a lovely flavor to the icing.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk – Adjusts the consistency of the icing to your preference.

Essential Tools for Success

To make your Monkey Bread Muffins, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Muffin tin – A standard 12-cup muffin tin works perfectly for this recipe.
• Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients easily.
• Whisk – To blend the cream cheese icing smoothly.
• Spatula – Ideal for folding and mixing your ingredients without damaging the dough.
• Oven mitts – Safety first! Protect your hands when pulling out the hot muffin tin.

The Method for Monkey Bread Muffins

Making Monkey Bread Muffins is a fun and straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins will bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grease the muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter to prevent the muffins from sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set it aside for later use.

Step 4: Cut the Biscuits

Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and separate them. Cut each biscuit into quarters to create bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Coat the Biscuit Pieces

Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip each biscuit piece into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well-coated.

Step 6: Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the dark brown sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.

Step 7: Assemble the Muffins

Place the coated biscuit pieces into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway. Drizzle the brown sugar mixture over the top of the biscuit pieces.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the muffins are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach your desired consistency. Mix until creamy and well-combined.

Step 10: Cool and Drizzle

Once the muffins are done baking, allow them to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm muffins and enjoy the deliciousness!

Holiday-Friendly Variations

Monkey Bread Muffins are versatile, and you can easily customize them for different occasions. Here are a few holiday-friendly variations to try:

• Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Muffins – Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and a bit of nutmeg to the biscuit mixture for a seasonal twist.
• Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread Muffins – Incorporate diced apples into the biscuit pieces for a fruity addition.
• Chocolate Chip Monkey Bread Muffins – Fold in mini chocolate chips for a decadent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Nutty Monkey Bread Muffins – Sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the muffin batter for added crunch and flavor.

Learn from These Mistakes

Creating perfect Monkey Bread Muffins can sometimes be tricky. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Overbaking – Keep an eye on your muffins to prevent them from becoming dry. They should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
• Not greasing the tin – Make sure to grease your muffin tin well to avoid sticking and tearing when removing the muffins.
• Skipping the cream cheese icing – Don’t skip the icing! It’s the finishing touch that takes these muffins from good to absolutely divine.
• Using cold cream cheese – Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth icing.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

To keep your Monkey Bread Muffins fresh and delicious, here are some tips:

• Storing – Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing – If you want to make them ahead of time, freeze the muffins without the icing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating – To reheat, simply microwave a muffin for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.

Monkey Bread Muffins Q&A

Can I use a different type of biscuit for this recipe?

Yes! While Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers refrigerated biscuits work wonderfully, you can substitute them with any similar refrigerated biscuit dough or even homemade biscuit dough for a fresher taste.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the muffins and refrigerate them unbaked, then pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy. Alternatively, bake them ahead of time and just warm them up before serving.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for the icing?

If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, you can use a vegan cream cheese alternative or even a simple powdered sugar glaze made with confectioners’ sugar and plant-based milk.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

The muffins are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Bring It Home

Monkey Bread Muffins are the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With their fluffy texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and creamy icing, these muffins will surely become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to delight your taste buds with these fantastic Monkey Bread Muffins!

Monkey Bread Muffins

These Monkey Bread Muffins are irresistibly gooey and sweet! Enjoy bite-sized treats packed with cinnamon goodness and topped with creamy icing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Muffins:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 can Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers refrigerated biscuits
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk to adjust consistency

Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Oven mitts

Method

 

Instructions:

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin - Grease the muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter.
3. Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar - In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
4. Step 4: Cut the Biscuits - Open the can of biscuits and cut each into quarters.
5. Step 5: Coat the Biscuit Pieces - Dip each piece into melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
6. Step 6: Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture - Combine dark brown sugar, water, and vanilla in a saucepan and stir until smooth.
7. Step 7: Assemble the Muffins - Place coated biscuit pieces in the muffin tin and drizzle with the brown sugar mixture.
8. Step 8: Bake - Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
9. Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Icing - Beat cream cheese, add sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
10. Step 10: Cool and Drizzle - Allow muffins to cool slightly, then drizzle with icing.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freeze muffins without icing for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.