The first hint of autumn in the air always makes me crave something warm and comforting, and there’s nothing quite like a freshly baked Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet to satisfy that urge. Picture this: a steaming, gooey mass of cinnamon-sugar goodness, nestled closely in a cast-iron skillet, begging to be pulled apart with eager hands.
This delightful dish has transformed my weekend brunches into something special, filling my kitchen with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. You may think it requires hours of labor, but I assure you, this beauty comes together beautifully in just over an hour, including simple resting times. It’s the kind of recipe that has the power to elevate any gathering, turning casual mornings into a celebration of flavor and warmth.
Whether you are looking to impress at a potluck or simply treat yourself on a quiet Sunday, this Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet will leave everyone in delight. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this deliciously easy recipe!
Why is Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet a winner?
Irresistible aroma: The comforting scent of cinnamon and vanilla fills your kitchen, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Effortlessly delicious: This recipe is surprisingly easy, requiring minimal baking skills to achieve a show-stopping dessert.
Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a brunch with friends or a cozy family breakfast, everyone will enjoy pulling apart the warm, gooey bites.
Versatile delight: Customize your monkey bread with add-ins like nuts or fruit for a unique twist!
Time-saving treat: With a cooking time of just 25-30 minutes, it’s the ideal choice for busy mornings without sacrificing flavor.
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet Ingredients
For the Biscuit Dough
- All-purpose flour – a key player for structure and chewiness in your dough.
- Sugar – enhances sweetness and aids in browning for that golden crust.
- Baking powder – this leavening agent helps your dough rise to fluffy perfection.
- Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Milk – brings moisture to the dough; use whole milk for richness.
- Egg – adds richness and creates a tender texture in your cinnamon rolls.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Brown sugar – offers a deep, caramel flavor that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon – the star of this recipe, giving that signature warm, comforting taste.
- Melted butter – helps the dough stick to the cinnamon sugar and adds richness.
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- Cream cheese – provides a rich, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the bread.
- Powdered sugar – sweetens the icing without graininess, ensuring a smooth finish.
- Vanilla extract – adds a lovely aroma and depth of flavor to the frosting.
- Milk – thins the icing to the perfect drizzle consistency.
Embrace the joy of cooking as you gather these ingredients for your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet—a delightful treat that will surely warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet
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Prepare the tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together 1 tablespoon of flour and 1/4 cup of water over medium heat. Stir until it transforms into a thick paste, then set aside to cool slightly.
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Knead the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the tangzhong, milk, and egg, then knead the mixture until the dough becomes soft and tacky—about 5-7 minutes.
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Let it rest: Now, cover the dough and allow it to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This helps the gluten relax for easier handling.
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Portion the dough: After resting, divide the dough into 30 equal pieces, rolling each into a ball. Aim for uniform sizes, so they bake evenly.
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Coat with goodness: Next, roll each dough ball in melted butter before dipping it into a mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Arrange them snugly in a greased 9″ or 10″ cast-iron skillet.
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Let it rise: Cover the skillet with a clean towel and allow the rolls to puff up for about 30 minutes, expanding into a cozy cluster.
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Bake to perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the monkey bread for 25-30 minutes, until it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Drizzle and serve: Once baked, remove it from the oven and drizzle the warm bread with cream cheese icing. Serve while still warm, allowing everyone to pull apart those delightful bites!
Optional: Top with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Helpful Tricks for Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet
• Perfect Dough Texture: Ensure your dough is soft and tacky, but not too sticky. If you over-knead, it won’t hold its shape, affecting the final product.
• Uniform Sizes: Take your time when portioning the dough into 30 equal pieces. This ensures even baking and a consistent pull-apart experience.
• Optimal Rising: Don’t rush the resting time! Allowing the dough to puff up before baking helps create that light, airy texture in your cinnamon roll monkey bread.
• Baking Tip: Keep an eye on the bread while baking. Every oven heats differently, so check for a golden-brown top around the 25-minute mark.
• Gooey Icing: For a beautifully drizzled cream cheese icing, make sure it’s warm when applied, so it cascades over the bread effortlessly—like the icing on your perfect cinnamon roll!
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet?
Transform your cozy mornings into delightfully delicious experiences with thoughtful pairings alongside your gooey treat.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet bread, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Savory Breakfast Sausage: Juicy, seasoned sausage offers a hearty companion, providing a satisfying savory note to your indulgent spread.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with crunchy granola and berries creates a wholesome dish, enhancing texture and variety on your table.
- Maple Glazed Bacon: The sweet, smoky richness of bacon perfectly complements the cinnamon flavors, making every bite unforgettable.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A steaming cup of your favorite morning beverage elevates the experience, warming your heart through every sip alongside sweet bites.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luxurious touch that feels indulgent but is effortlessly simple to prepare.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The cozy spices in chai blend seamlessly with the aromatic cinnamon rolls, delivering a comforting sipping companion for your breakfast table.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert twist, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast.
How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Room Temperature: Store leftover Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its soft texture.
Fridge: If you prefer longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Wrap it tightly to prevent drying out, and reheat before serving.
Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze individual pieces in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
Reheating: To enjoy the gooey goodness again, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm. This will help restore that fresh-baked aroma and taste!
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Variations
Feel free to personalize your monkey bread with these fun twists that will awaken your taste buds!
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mix for a delightful crunch. The nuts bring a lovely contrast to the soft, gooey bread.
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Fruit Fusion: Incorporate diced apples or berries into your dough for a burst of fruity flavor. Imagine the sweetness mingling with the cinnamon—pure heaven!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute almond or oat milk for regular milk and use vegan butter. Now everyone can enjoy this scrumptious dish without worry.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg into your filling. This subtle heat will surprise and delight your palate in each pull-apart piece.
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Chocolate Lovers: Toss in mini chocolate chips when forming the dough balls. Who can resist the oozy chocolate melting into the cinnamon-sugar goodness?
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Maple Glaze: Replace cream cheese icing with a simple maple syrup glaze for a different kind of sweetness. It adds a beautiful depth of flavor and pairs perfectly with cinnamon!
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Zesty Twist: Add some orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus undertone that complements the sweetness nicely.
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Caramel Drizzle: Top with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce instead of icing for a rich, indulgent finish. drizzle it generously for an extra sweet treat!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet ahead of time is an excellent way to save precious minutes on busy mornings! You can make the dough and roll it into balls up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the directions to portion the dough, then cover and refrigerate those ready-to-rise dough balls. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful treat, take the dough out and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow puffing before rolling in the cinnamon sugar and baking. This approach maintains the soft texture and rich flavor, ensuring every bite is just as delicious as if made fresh!
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for the dough?
I recommend using all-purpose flour for your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet, as it provides the ideal structure and chewiness for the dough. If you want a slight variation, you could try using bread flour, which can yield an even chewier texture due to its higher protein content.
How should I store leftover Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread?
Store your leftover Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to preserve its soft, fluffy texture. If you’d like it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out—you want to keep that gooey goodness intact!
Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread?
Absolutely! You can freeze individual pieces of your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread for up to 3 months. Just place the pieces in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warm and inviting.
How can I ensure my cinnamon rolls rise properly?
For optimal rising of your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet, allow the dough to rest in a warm area for 30 minutes after rolling the dough balls and before baking. This is crucial as it helps the gluten in the dough relax, allowing for a fluffier texture. Additionally, make sure your dough is not overly sticky or too dry; it should be soft and tacky for the best results!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can! To make a dairy-free version of the Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet, use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) in place of regular milk. Additionally, substitute dairy butter with a vegan butter alternative when coating the dough balls and making the cream cheese icing. Just ensure your cream cheese substitute is also dairy-free!
What can I add to the monkey bread for different flavors?
The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet is its versatility! You can jazz it up by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar mixture or even mix in dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for an added fruity kick. The more, the merrier when it comes to custom touches!
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Skillet for Cozy Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small saucepan, whisk together 1 tablespoon of flour and 1/4 cup of water over medium heat. Stir until it transforms into a thick paste, then set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the tangzhong, milk, and egg, then knead the mixture until the dough becomes soft and tacky—about 5-7 minutes.
- Cover the dough and allow it to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Divide the dough into 30 equal pieces, rolling each into a ball.
- Roll each dough ball in melted butter before dipping it into a mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Arrange them snugly in a greased 9" or 10" cast-iron skillet.
- Cover the skillet and allow the rolls to puff up for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the monkey bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Drizzle the warm bread with cream cheese icing and serve while still warm.