Holiday Monkey Bread: Festive Recipes for a Delicious Christmas Morning

Monkey bread – that gooey, pull-apart, cinnamon-sugary delight – is a holiday staple for many families. It’s perfect for Christmas morning, Thanksgiving brunch, or any special occasion where you want something warm, comforting, and incredibly delicious. This article will guide you through several holiday-themed monkey bread recipes, offering detailed instructions and variations to make your holiday baking a resounding success. Get ready to create a festive masterpiece that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

## What is Monkey Bread?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s quickly define what monkey bread is. Essentially, it’s a sweet, sticky bread made from small pieces of dough that are coated in butter and cinnamon sugar, then baked together in a bundt pan. As it bakes, the dough pieces meld together, creating a pull-apart texture that’s irresistible. The name “monkey bread” comes from the way you eat it – by picking off pieces with your fingers, like a monkey! It’s fun, interactive, and incredibly tasty.

## Essential Ingredients for Holiday Monkey Bread

While the specific ingredients will vary depending on the recipe, there are some staples you’ll need for most holiday monkey bread variations:

* **Dough:** You can use refrigerated biscuit dough (the easiest option), frozen bread dough (slightly more effort but yields a better texture), or make your dough from scratch (the most time-consuming but also the most rewarding).
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is preferred, as it allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. It’s essential for coating the dough pieces and creating that rich, buttery flavor.
* **Sugar:** Granulated sugar is the most common choice, but brown sugar can also be used for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor.
* **Cinnamon:** Ground cinnamon is the classic spice for monkey bread, adding warmth and a cozy aroma.
* **Nuts (Optional):** Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add texture and a nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon and sugar.
* **Holiday Add-Ins (Optional):** This is where you can get creative! Consider adding dried cranberries, raisins, chopped dates, candied ginger, chocolate chips, or even crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist.

## Recipe 1: Classic Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread

This is the foundation for all other monkey bread recipes. Once you master this, you can easily adapt it with different holiday flavors.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands!)
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Bundt Pan:** Grease a 12-cup bundt pan generously with cooking spray. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to prevent sticking.
2. **Cut the Dough:** Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. You can use a knife or kitchen shears for this.
3. **Combine Sugar and Cinnamon:** In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Mix well.
4. **Coat the Dough:** Dip each piece of dough into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure the dough is evenly coated.
5. **Arrange in the Pan:** Place the coated dough pieces randomly in the prepared bundt pan. Don’t worry about being too neat – the dough will meld together as it bakes.
6. **Pour Remaining Butter:** Pour any remaining melted butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough in the pan. This will create a delicious, gooey glaze.
7. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. **Cool and Invert:** Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. If any pieces stick, gently loosen them with a knife.
9. **Serve:** Serve warm and enjoy!

**Tips for Success:**

* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaked monkey bread can be dry and tough. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s golden brown.
* **Use Fresh Biscuits:** Older biscuits may not rise as well, resulting in a denser monkey bread.
* **Grease the Pan Well:** This is crucial for preventing the monkey bread from sticking to the pan.
* **Let it Cool Slightly:** Letting the monkey bread cool for a few minutes before inverting it helps it hold its shape.

## Recipe 2: Cranberry Pecan Holiday Monkey Bread

This recipe adds a festive touch with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
* ½ cup dried cranberries
* ½ cup chopped pecans

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Bundt Pan:** Grease a 12-cup bundt pan generously with cooking spray.
2. **Cut the Dough:** Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
3. **Combine Sugar and Cinnamon:** In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Mix well.
4. **Coat the Dough:** Dip each piece of dough into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Before placing in the pan, press some cranberries and pecans onto the dough.
5. **Arrange in the Pan:** Place the coated dough pieces randomly in the prepared bundt pan.
6. **Pour Remaining Butter:** Pour any remaining melted butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough in the pan. Sprinkle any remaining cranberries and pecans on top.
7. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. **Cool and Invert:** Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
9. **Serve:** Serve warm and enjoy!

**Variations:**

* **Orange Zest:** Add the zest of one orange to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** Drizzle warm maple syrup over the finished monkey bread for extra sweetness.
* **White Chocolate Chips:** Substitute white chocolate chips for the pecans for a different textural and flavor element.

## Recipe 3: Chocolate Peppermint Monkey Bread

This recipe is perfect for Christmas, with the combination of chocolate and peppermint creating a festive and delicious treat.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
* ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Bundt Pan:** Grease a 12-cup bundt pan generously with cooking spray.
2. **Cut the Dough:** Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
3. **Combine Sugar and Cocoa Powder:** In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cocoa powder. Mix well.
4. **Coat the Dough:** Dip each piece of dough into the melted butter, then roll it in the cocoa-sugar mixture. Before placing in the pan, press some chocolate chips onto the dough.
5. **Arrange in the Pan:** Place the coated dough pieces randomly in the prepared bundt pan.
6. **Pour Remaining Butter:** Pour any remaining melted butter and cocoa-sugar mixture over the dough in the pan. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top.
7. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. **Cool and Invert:** Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
9. **Serve:** Serve warm and enjoy!

**Tips for Success:**

* **Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder:** This will give your monkey bread a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** If the dough pieces are too tightly packed, the monkey bread may not bake evenly.
* **Add a Peppermint Glaze:** Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract for a simple and delicious glaze to drizzle over the finished monkey bread.

## Recipe 4: Caramel Apple Monkey Bread

This variation brings the flavors of fall and winter together, featuring sweet apples and rich caramel. While this can be great anytime, it is a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup chopped peeled apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
* ½ cup caramel sauce

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Bundt Pan:** Grease a 12-cup bundt pan generously with cooking spray.
2. **Cut the Dough:** Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
3. **Combine Sugar and Cinnamon:** In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Mix well.
4. **Coat the Dough:** Dip each piece of dough into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Before placing the dough in the bundt pan, press some chopped apple onto the dough.
5. **Arrange in the Pan:** Place the coated dough pieces randomly in the prepared bundt pan.
6. **Pour Remaining Butter:** Pour any remaining melted butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough in the pan. Drizzle caramel sauce over the dough.
7. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Check with a toothpick, as some apples may release more moisture during baking.
8. **Cool and Invert:** Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
9. **Serve:** Serve warm with extra caramel sauce drizzled on top.

**Variations:**

* **Add Walnuts or Pecans:** Chopped nuts add a nice crunch to complement the soft apples.
* **Use Apple Pie Spice:** Substitute apple pie spice for the cinnamon for a more complex flavor.
* **Drizzle with Cream Cheese Glaze:** Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, and milk for a tangy and sweet glaze.

## Recipe 5: Gingerbread Monkey Bread

Embrace the quintessential holiday flavor with this gingerbread-spiced monkey bread. It’s guaranteed to fill your home with festive aromas and delightful tastes.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon ground cloves
* ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
* ¼ cup molasses
* Optional: crystallized ginger, chopped, for topping

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Bundt Pan:** Grease a 12-cup bundt pan generously with cooking spray.
2. **Cut the Dough:** Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
3. **Combine Spices and Sugar:** In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
4. **Combine Melted Butter and Molasses:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter and molasses until well combined.
5. **Coat the Dough:** Dip each piece of dough into the melted butter-molasses mixture, then roll it in the spice-sugar mixture.
6. **Arrange in the Pan:** Place the coated dough pieces randomly in the prepared bundt pan. If using, sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger throughout.
7. **Pour Remaining Sauce:** Pour any remaining melted butter-molasses mixture and spice-sugar mixture over the dough in the pan.
8. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Because of the molasses, it may appear darker than other monkey breads.
9. **Cool and Invert:** Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
10. **Serve:** Serve warm. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a final festive touch.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Dark vs. Light Molasses:** Dark molasses will create a richer, more intense flavor. Light molasses is milder.
* **Add Raisins or Dried Cranberries:** For a bit of chewy texture, add ½ cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the spice-sugar mixture.
* **Gingerbread Glaze:** Create a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of ground ginger.

## Making Monkey Bread from Scratch

While using refrigerated biscuit dough is convenient, making your monkey bread dough from scratch allows for even more control over the flavor and texture. Here’s a basic recipe:

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
* 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

**Instructions:**

1. **Proof the Yeast:** In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. **Add Butter, Salt, and Flour:** Add the melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
4. **Rise:** Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. **Assemble Monkey Bread:** Once the dough has risen, punch it down and follow the instructions in any of the recipes above, starting with cutting the dough into small pieces. Let the assembled monkey bread rise for another 30 minutes before baking.

**Tips for Scratch Dough:**

* **Use a Thermometer:** Ensure the milk is the correct temperature to activate the yeast properly. Too hot, and it will kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate.
* **Don’t Over-Knead:** Over-kneading can result in a tough dough.
* **Be Patient:** Allow the dough to rise properly for the best results.

## Holiday Monkey Bread Topping Ideas

Beyond the recipes above, here are a few more ideas to elevate your holiday monkey bread:

* **Eggnog Glaze:** Combine powdered sugar, eggnog, and a pinch of nutmeg for a festive glaze.
* **Salted Caramel Drizzle:** Drizzle warm salted caramel over the finished monkey bread.
* **Candied Fruit:** Decorate with candied cherries, orange slices, or other candied fruits.
* **Sprinkles:** Add festive sprinkles for a pop of color.
* **Edible Glitter:** For an extra touch of holiday sparkle, dust with edible glitter.

## Storing and Reheating Monkey Bread

* **Storing:** Monkey bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, wrap the monkey bread in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual pieces for a quick reheat, but be careful not to overheat, or it will become tough.

## Conclusion

Holiday monkey bread is a fun and delicious way to celebrate the season. Whether you choose the classic cinnamon-sugar version or get creative with cranberries, chocolate, or gingerbread, you’re sure to create a memorable treat that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some holiday magic! Happy baking!