Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread

Featured in: Rustic Bakes & Breads

This festive, gooey pull-apart bread combines bite-sized dough pieces coated in cinnamon sugar, layered in a Bundt pan, and drizzled with a buttery brown sugar mixture. Baked until golden brown, it’s perfect to share warm on holiday mornings. Optional glaze of powdered sugar and milk adds a sweet finishing touch. For added texture, nuts can be layered inside. Simple prep and quick bake time make it ideal for festive occasions.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:20:00 GMT
Warm Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread, glistening with sugary glaze, ready to pull apart and enjoy. Save
Warm Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread, glistening with sugary glaze, ready to pull apart and enjoy. | basilhearth.com

A festive, gooey pull-apart bread coated in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a sweet glaze—perfect for sharing on Christmas morning.

This monkey bread quickly became a family favorite during our holiday breakfasts because it's both simple and irresistibly tasty.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
  • Cinnamon Sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • Butter Mixture: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter melted, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Glaze (optional): 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with nonstick spray or butter.
Step 2:
Cut each biscuit into quarters.
Step 3:
In a large zip-top bag combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Add biscuit pieces seal and shake until evenly coated.
Step 4:
Arrange half of the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared Bundt pan.
Step 5:
In a small bowl mix melted butter brown sugar and vanilla. Drizzle half over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
Step 6:
Add remaining biscuit pieces then drizzle with the rest of the butter mixture.
Step 7:
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
Step 8:
Let cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes then invert onto a serving plate.
Step 9:
For the glaze whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm monkey bread before serving if desired.
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| basilhearth.com

Sharing this monkey bread with loved ones makes for a warm and joyful Christmas morning tradition.

Notes

Can be prepped the night before and baked in the morning for ease on busy holiday mornings.

Required Tools

Bundt pan mixing bowls measuring cups and spoons whisk zip-top bag

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (gluten) milk and possibly eggs (in biscuit dough). Always check labels on biscuit dough for allergens.

This homemade Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread has a golden crust and a sweet, cinnamony aroma. Save
This homemade Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread has a golden crust and a sweet, cinnamony aroma. | basilhearth.com

This monkey bread is the perfect sweet start to your holiday morning and a delightful treat for the whole family.

Recipe FAQs

What type of dough is used?

Refrigerated biscuit dough is used for quick and easy preparation, creating soft, pillowy pull-apart pieces.

Can I add nuts to this bread?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be layered between the dough pieces for added crunch and flavor.

How is the cinnamon sugar incorporated?

The biscuit pieces are coated evenly by shaking them in a bag with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

What is the purpose of the butter mixture?

The melted butter mixed with brown sugar and vanilla adds moisture, sweetness, and promotes caramelization during baking.

Is the glaze necessary?

The glaze, made from powdered sugar and milk, is optional but adds a smooth sweetness when drizzled over the baked bread.

Easy Christmas Morning Monkey Bread

Gooey pull-apart bread coated in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with sweet glaze for holiday breakfasts.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Total Duration
45 minutes
Recipe by Laura Bennett

Recipe Type Rustic Bakes & Breads

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Dough

01 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough

Cinnamon Sugar

01 1 cup granulated sugar
02 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Butter Mixture

01 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
02 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze (optional)

01 1 cup powdered sugar
02 2 to 3 tablespoons milk

How To Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 02

Cut dough: Cut each biscuit into quarters.

Step 03

Coat biscuit pieces: Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a large zip-top bag. Add biscuit quarters, seal, and shake until evenly coated.

Step 04

Layer biscuit pieces: Place half of the coated biscuit pieces evenly in the prepared Bundt pan.

Step 05

Add butter mixture: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Drizzle half over biscuit pieces in the pan.

Step 06

Complete layering: Add remaining coated biscuit pieces on top, then drizzle with the remaining butter mixture.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 08

Cool and invert: Allow to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

Step 09

Prepare glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm bread if desired.

Tools Needed

  • 10-inch Bundt pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Large zip-top bag

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a medical expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and possibly eggs. Check biscuit dough label for allergens.

Nutrition information (serving size)

These nutritional details are for reference. They're not meant as medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 370
  • Fat content: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 56 grams
  • Protein Amount: 4 grams