Name: Monkey Bread Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 Muffins
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons flour; 3 tablespoons plus a 1/2 cup sugar (divided); 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/3 cup milk; 1/3 cup butter (melted); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp milk

The crowds always go wild forMonkey bread muffins. They are soft, delicious, gooey, and the best part is that they are individually portioned so you don’t have to share!

Glaze being poured over monkey bread muffins.

There is so much to love about theselittle bites of heaven. They are tender, buttery, and coated with cinnamon sugar. Plus, they are topped with a vanilla glaze that knocks the taste out of the park.

Monkey bread muffins arefun to make for a birthday breakfast, holiday, or a special treat. There are lots of recipes floating around that use canned biscuits but I like to make this totally from scratch. The dough only takes about 15 minutes to make and it is so much better in my opinion. Homemade is always the best option!

Top view of monkey bread muffins on a white platter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Monkey bread muffins enhance any occasion. They make a great dessert or a fun holiday breakfast.
I love that this recipe uses a muffin tin versus a bundt pan because most people have a muffin tin in their kitchen.
Individually portioned muffins mean no need to share
So soft, ooey-gooey, and flavorful with the perfect cinnamon sugar coating.

Recipe Ingredients

Flour– All-purpose
Buttermilk
Milk
Butter –Unsalted
Sugar –You will need brown, granulated white, and powdered sugar for this recipe
Cinnamon
Baking powder
Salt

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

How to Make Monkey Bread Muffins

Step #1.Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, buttermilk, and melted butter to form a sticky dough.

monkey bread muffin batter in muffin tins

Step #2.Shape dough into small balls, coat in sugar, and place in a buttered muffin tin.

monkey bread muffin batter in a muffin tin

Step #3.Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour over the dough balls in the muffin tin.

Step #4.Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle with powdered sugar glaze.

Recipe FAQs

Why is it called Monkey bread?

Monkey bread is a pull-apart type pastry eaten with the fingers. It resembles how monkeys eat- catchy name!

How long do monkey bread muffins last?

Monkey bread muffins can last 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container. However, if they aren’t devoured before that I’ll be really surprised.

How do you know when monkey bread muffins are done?

When the monkey bread muffins are puffy and golden brown they are done. Remove them from oven and wait a full 5 minutes before taking the muffins from the pan.

Can I double the monkey bread muffin recipe?

Yes! This recipe easily works for a crowd by doubling the ingredients and using 2 muffins tins.

Monkey bread muffins on a tray with a glass of milk in the background.

Expert Tips

Don’t over-mix, stir the dough just until combined to keep itlight and tender.
Ensure baking powder is freshfor thebest rise.
Make dough balls uniform in sizeforeven baking.
Best enjoyed warmfor theultimate gooey texture.

Monkey bread muffin cut in half on plate with a fork and a cup of milk in background.

How to Serve and Store Monkey Bread Muffins

These are perfect for a breakfast or brunch! I like to serve them alongsideyogurt parfaits,avocado smoothies,protein shakes, or afruit platterto balance the sweetness with a refreshing contrast.Breakfast quesadillas,breakfast sandwiches, orbreakfast tacosare also a fun, protein filled addition to a brunch.

Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.