Monkey Bread Small Recipe Easy and Delicious Treat Ideas

Monkey bread is a delightful, pull-apart treat that’s perfect for sharing – or savoring all by yourself! This small recipe version is ideal when you want a sweet, gooey indulgence without the commitment of a huge batch.

Imagine soft, buttery dough balls bathed in cinnamon sugar and baked to golden perfection, then drizzled with a sticky glaze that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this monkey bread recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.

This recipe is not only easy to make but also adaptable. It’s a great way to impress guests or simply treat your family with minimal fuss.

Plus, with this small batch size, you’re less likely to have leftovers lingering around. Ready to make some irresistible monkey bread?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This small monkey bread recipe is perfect for intimate gatherings or when you want a quick sweet fix. It uses basic pantry ingredients, requiring minimal prep time and no complicated techniques.

The dough balls are coated in a luscious cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked in a way that creates a beautiful pull-apart effect—fun for kids and adults alike.

Because it’s a smaller recipe, it fits perfectly in a loaf pan or bundt pan without overwhelming your oven or your appetite. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even fruit to customize it to your taste.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser with a comforting homemade feel, ideal for cozy mornings or festive occasions. You might even want to check out some of my other sweet recipes like Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix Vegan Recipe Made Easy or Chocolate Banana Smoothie Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious for more delightful treats!

Ingredients

• 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (about 8 biscuits)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), chocolate chips, or raisins

Equipment

• Loaf pan or small bundt pan (8-inch size works well)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
• Whisk or fork (for mixing sugar and cinnamon)
• Tongs or fork (for dipping dough balls)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf or bundt pan well with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
3. Cut the biscuit dough: Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters to form small pieces.
4. Melt the butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter completely. Stir in the vanilla extract once melted.
5. Coat the dough pieces: Using tongs or a fork, dip each biscuit piece into the melted butter, then immediately toss it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. If you like, sprinkle in your optional nuts or chocolate chips as you layer the pieces into the pan.
6. Layer the coated dough: Place the coated biscuit pieces into your prepared pan, distributing them evenly. You can sprinkle a few extra cinnamon sugar crystals or nuts on top.
7. Make the brown sugar topping: Sprinkle the packed brown sugar evenly over the layered dough pieces in the pan.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Cool slightly and serve: Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate or leaving in the pan for a rustic look. Pull apart the warm, sticky pieces and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For the best monkey bread texture, make sure to coat each dough piece thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

You can experiment with different flavors by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. Chocolate chips or mini M&Ms melt into the bread for a delightful surprise in every bite.

If you prefer a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla extract, then drizzle over the monkey bread once slightly cooled.

For a vegan twist, try using a plant-based biscuit dough and substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Check out my Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for more vegan baking inspiration.

To make this recipe even easier, you can prepare the dough balls the night before and refrigerate them in the pan, then bake fresh in the morning.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

Monkey bread is perfect served warm, straight from the oven. You can pair it with a cup of coffee or hot tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch.

For a decadent dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.

It’s also a great addition to holiday brunch spreads or weekend family gatherings. For a lighter option, serve alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad like the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

Conclusion

This small monkey bread recipe brings all the joy of classic pull-apart bread without overwhelming you with leftovers. It’s easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious.

The combination of buttery dough, cinnamon sugar, and optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate makes every bite a treat. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Don’t forget to explore other easy and flavorful recipes here on the blog like the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food or the Budget Bytes Recipe Thai Noodles Vegetarian and Delicious for more culinary inspiration.

Happy baking, and enjoy your monkey bread adventure!

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