Sweet Monkey Bread

Sweet monkey bread, also known as pull-apart bread, is a delicious treat made with dough rolled into small balls, coated in butter, cinnamon, and sugar.

Ingredients

For the dough

• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the coating

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Direction

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the yeast mixture, melted butter, sugar, salt, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a smooth dough forms. You may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly depending on the humidity of your kitchen.
4. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.
8. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough into small pieces and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
9. Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated evenly.
10. Arrange the coated dough balls in the prepared bundt pan or baking dish, layering them evenly.
11. Once all the dough balls are arranged in the pan, pour any remaining melted butter over the top.
12. Bake the monkey bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.