Irresistibly Gooey Skillet Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread with Decadent Cream Cheese Glaze
Imagine the delightful scent of warm cinnamon wafting through your home, setting the perfect cozy atmosphere. Picture diving into a soft, buttery piece of dough, perfectly coated in a luscious, melty cinnamon sugar mixture, all crowned with a rich, tangy cream cheese glaze. This isn’t just any ordinary breakfast pastry; this is **Skillet Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread** – a pure, unadulterated taste of pull-apart happiness that is guaranteed to be the undisputed star of your next breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Each individual, bite-sized piece offers a delightful journey of sweet, sticky goodness, making it impossible to resist. You’ll find yourself reaching for the first, and undoubtedly, the very last piece with equal enthusiasm.
Our journey to this incredible, shareable treat begins with my signature favorite cinnamon roll dough. This isn’t just any ordinary dough; it’s meticulously crafted using a special technique that ensures unparalleled moisture and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The result is a dough that is exceptionally pillowy-soft and incredibly tender. Each small, perfectly portioned piece of this luxurious dough is then generously rolled and coated in a decadent mixture of rich melted butter and aromatic cinnamon sugar. As it bakes gently in a hot cast-iron skillet, these individual bites miraculously transform into a glorious, gooey, caramelized masterpiece. The result is a truly sticky, profoundly sweet, and utterly comforting confection, perfectly suited for festive holiday mornings, leisurely cozy brunches with loved ones, or as an unforgettable dessert that will leave everyone craving just one more bite.
This particular monkey bread recipe proudly utilizes the very same unbelievably soft and buttery dough that makes my gooey cinnamon roll twists so exceptionally popular. However, in this incarnation, the dough is artfully shaped and baked in a skillet, offering an entirely new, yet equally delightful, experience! The use of a cast-iron skillet for baking is not just for visual appeal; it’s a strategic choice that contributes significantly to achieving those wonderfully crisp, golden-brown edges, which add a delightful textural contrast to the already irresistible softness of the monkey bread’s interior.
Why This Homemade Skillet Monkey Bread Will Become Your New Favorite
There’s an undeniable charm and deliciousness woven into every strand of monkey bread, and when it’s infused with the comforting, iconic flavors of a classic cinnamon roll, you’ve truly hit culinary gold. This skillet-baked version elevates that delight to an entirely new level of homemade perfection. Here are compelling reasons why this particular recipe for Skillet Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is destined to become a cherished, go-to favorite in your kitchen:
- Unrivaled Soft and Tender Texture: The true secret behind this monkey bread’s extraordinary softness lies in the Tangzhong method. This brilliant Japanese technique involves pre-cooking a small portion of the flour with water to create a unique roux. This process expertly gelatinizes the starches, allowing the dough to absorb and retain significantly more moisture. The result is an exceptionally soft, incredibly fluffy, and tender dough that not only melts in your mouth but also remains fresh and moist for much longer than traditional doughs. It’s a game-changer for homemade sweet breads.
- Achieve Gooey, Caramelized Perfection: As the individual, perfectly rounded dough balls gently bake within the confines of the cast-iron skillet, the rich melted butter and fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture undergo a magical transformation. They slowly melt and caramelize around each piece of dough, creating a thick, luscious, and utterly sticky sauce that thoroughly coats every single nook and cranny. This ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor and moisture – no dry spots in sight, just pure, sweet indulgence.
- Effortless Pull-Apart Eating Experience: Forget the hassle of needing to slice and serve individual portions. This monkey bread is specifically designed for communal enjoyment and effortless pulling apart. It’s an inherently interactive, fun, and engaging treat, making it absolutely ideal for any gathering. Whether it’s a bustling family breakfast, a relaxed potluck, or a casual weekend brunch, everyone can happily dig in and enjoy the shared experience.
- Decadent Cream Cheese Glaze: A generous and artful drizzle of our homemade, velvety cream cheese glaze provides the perfect, much-needed tangy counterpoint to the inherent sweetness of the cinnamon sugar. This rich frosting delicately melts into the warm bread, creating an even more luxurious and decadent experience that truly completes the flavor profile.
- Skillet Baking for Superior Results: Baking this monkey bread in a sturdy cast-iron skillet offers more than just rustic aesthetic appeal. The skillet’s consistent heat distribution helps achieve wonderfully crisp, deeply golden-brown edges that add a delightful textural contrast, all while ensuring the interior remains supremely moist and tender. Furthermore, it allows for a seamless “oven to table” presentation, making your creation look even more impressive.
- Remarkably Versatile for Any Occasion: No matter the event or time of day, this skillet cinnamon roll monkey bread fits perfectly. Whether you’re planning a special holiday breakfast, a relaxed weekend brunch, an afternoon treat, or an indulgent dessert to cap off a meal, this sweet bread is a versatile crowd-pleaser. It’s comforting, deeply satisfying, and always elicits smiles.
Mastering Your Homemade Skillet Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this magnificent cinnamon roll monkey bread at home is a truly rewarding culinary experience. With our comprehensive and easy-to-follow guide, you’ll be able to achieve perfect, bakery-quality results every single time. Let’s walk through the process, step by step, to unlock the full magic of this delightful sweet treat.
1
Make the Tangzhong. This absolutely crucial first step is the key to achieving an incredibly soft, moist, and airy dough. In a small saucepan, whisk together the specified amounts of water and bread flour until thoroughly combined. Cook this mixture over medium heat, whisking continuously and vigorously, for approximately 3-5 minutes. You’re looking for it to thicken into a translucent, paste-like slurry. Once it reaches this consistency, immediately scrape it into a clean bowl and set it aside to cool completely before you begin preparing the main dough. This pre-gelatinizes the starches in the flour, which allows the dough to absorb more liquid, retaining moisture and resulting in a superior texture and extended freshness. This step is a non-negotiable for the best results!
2
Knead the Cinnamon Roll Dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine your dry ingredients first: the bread flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and fine sea salt. Give them a quick whisk to distribute evenly. Then, add in the wet ingredients: the room temperature egg, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla bean paste, and your cooled Tangzhong. Attach the dough hook and knead on low speed for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the ingredients come together and form a rough, shaggy dough ball. It won’t be smooth yet, but it should be cohesive.
3
Incorporate Butter and Continue Kneading. With the mixer still running on low speed, begin adding the softened unsalted butter a half tablespoon at a time. Allow each addition to be fully incorporated into the dough before adding the next. This gradual process is essential. Once all the butter is in, continue kneading the dough for an additional 8-10 minutes. The goal is a dough that is visibly smooth, elastic, and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. This prolonged kneading develops the gluten network, which is absolutely vital for achieving that signature pillowy softness and delightful chew in your monkey bread.
4
Rest and Portion the Dough. Remove the beautifully kneaded dough from the mixer bowl. Gently pull the sides of the dough into the bottom to create a smooth, round ball. Place this ball, seam-side down, back into the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. This short rest allows the gluten to relax, making the dough much easier to handle and preventing it from snapping back during portioning. Meanwhile, lightly grease the bottom and sides of your 9″ or 10″ cast-iron skillet. Once rested, portion the dough into 30 equal-sized pieces (each around 19g). The best way to achieve this precision for even baking and a beautiful end product is to use a kitchen scale. After portioning, gently roll each piece between the palms of your hands to form a smooth, uniform ball. Set them aside as you prepare the coating.
5
Coat Dough Balls and Arrange in Skillet for Second Rise. In a separate, shallow bowl, prepare the irresistible cinnamon sugar mixture. Whisk together the melted salted butter, dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or extract until well combined. Take each individual dough ball and roll it thoroughly in this aromatic mixture, ensuring every surface is generously coated. This coating is what creates the gooey, caramelized exterior. Then, carefully arrange the coated dough balls snugly in your prepared cast-iron skillet. The tight fit is intentional and ideal, as it encourages the monkey bread to rise upwards and intertwine during baking, creating that classic pull-apart structure. Cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap and set it aside to rise for 40-60 minutes, allowing these little beauties to puff up significantly.
6
Bake to Golden Perfection and Glaze Immediately. While your monkey bread is undergoing its final rise, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Once the monkey bread has visibly puffed up and looks ready, transfer the uncovered skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until it achieves a beautiful golden-brown color on top and the edges are caramelized. For precise doneness, a thermometer inserted into the center should read around 170°F (77°C). While it’s baking, prepare your luscious cream cheese icing. As soon as the skillet cinnamon roll monkey bread emerges from the oven, immediately and generously drizzle that creamy, smooth glaze over the entire top. The residual warmth of the bread will slightly melt the icing, allowing it to beautifully seep into all the delicious crevices, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Remember, this monkey bread is truly best served warm, so gather your eager diners and enjoy it straight away!
Essential Tips for Baking the Best Homemade Skillet Monkey Bread
Achieving bakery-quality, irresistibly gooey, and perfectly tender monkey bread at home is entirely within your reach, especially with a few key considerations and pro tips. Paying attention to these details will ensure your Skillet Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a resounding success every single time:
- Measure Flour Accurately: This is arguably the most crucial baking tip for any recipe, especially those involving yeast doughs! Never scoop your measuring cup directly into the flour bag or container. This common mistake compacts the flour, leading you to use significantly more than required, which inevitably results in a dry, dense, and heavy dough. Instead, always use the “spoon-level method”: first, fluff your flour with a spoon or whisk, then gently spoon it into your measuring cup, and finally, level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife). For the absolute BEST and most consistent results, a kitchen scale is your best friend; weighing your ingredients, particularly flour, guarantees precision.
- Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: For the dough, it’s vital that your egg, heavy cream, milk, and butter are all at room temperature. Ingredients at a consistent temperature emulsify much better, meaning they combine smoothly and evenly into the dough. This leads to a more homogenous mixture, a better rise, and a superior final texture. If ingredients are too cold, the butter won’t incorporate properly, and the yeast activity will be hindered.
- Don’t Rush the Kneading Process: The kneading phase, particularly the gradual incorporation of butter, is absolutely critical for developing the gluten structure in the dough. A well-developed gluten network is what gives the dough its elasticity, strength, and that wonderful airy, pillowy structure. You should continue kneading until the dough feels smooth and elastic, and it can pass the “windowpane test” (where you can stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through it without it tearing). This indicates proper gluten development.
- Allow Adequate Rising Time: Yeast is a living organism, and it needs both warmth and sufficient time to work its magic effectively. Never try to rush the dough’s resting or rising stages. The dough should visibly increase in size – typically doubling – and appear beautifully puffy before it goes into the oven. If your kitchen is on the cooler side, you can create a warm environment by placing the covered bowl in a slightly warm (but *turned off*!) oven, or in a sunny spot away from drafts. Patience here yields the best results.
- Ensure Evenly Sized Dough Balls: For consistent baking and a truly appealing presentation, it’s important that all your individual dough balls are roughly the same size. As mentioned in the steps, using a kitchen scale to portion your dough into uniform pieces is the most reliable method. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked or overly dense while others become overdone or too dry.
- Avoid Overbaking: Overbaking is a common pitfall that can quickly transform a tender, gooey monkey bread into a dry, tough one. Keep a close eye on your monkey bread, especially towards the end of the baking time. The top should be a rich golden brown, and the edges will be beautifully caramelized. For absolute certainty, a quick-read thermometer inserted into the center of the monkey bread should register around 170°F (77°C) for perfect doneness.
- Glaze While Warm for Maximum Gooeyness: The timing of the glaze application is key! Drizzling the rich cream cheese icing over the monkey bread while it’s still warm, immediately after it comes out of the oven, allows the glaze to slightly melt and gracefully seep into all the wonderful crevices and layers of the bread. This enhances both the flavor and the overall moist, gooey texture, making each bite even more luscious.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations for Your Monkey Bread
This Skillet Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a showstopper on its own, a complete culinary experience in every pull-apart piece. However, here are some delightful ideas to elevate your serving experience or to customize the flavors to your heart’s content:
Serving Ideas:
- The Ultimate Breakfast or Brunch Centerpiece: Serve this warm, fragrant monkey bread directly from the skillet as the star of your breakfast or brunch spread. It pairs beautifully with freshly brewed coffee, a robust tea, or a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Add a side of fresh fruit salad for a balanced and vibrant meal.
- An Indulgent Dessert Delight: Don’t limit this treat to just morning hours! For an unforgettable dessert, serve warm monkey bread with a generous scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrasting temperatures and textures create a truly luxurious experience that’s perfect for entertaining guests or simply indulging yourself.
- A Fruitful Companion: To add a refreshing touch and a bit of tartness that beautifully cuts through the sweetness, offer a side bowl of fresh berries (like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries) or thinly sliced bananas. They complement the cinnamon and cream cheese flavors wonderfully.
Flavorful Variations:
- Add a Nutty Crunch: For an additional layer of texture and a warm, earthy flavor, consider adding about ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to your cinnamon sugar mixture before coating the dough balls. The nuts will toast slightly in the oven, enhancing their flavor.
- Embrace an Apple Cinnamon Twist: Introduce a fruity element by folding about ½ cup of finely diced, firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) into the dough during the last few minutes of kneading. Alternatively, you can mix the diced apples directly into the cinnamon sugar coating mixture for a burst of fresh apple flavor.
- For the Chocolate Lovers: If you’re a fan of chocolate, there are several ways to incorporate it! You could melt about ¼ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle them over the monkey bread alongside the cream cheese glaze for a delightful mocha-cinnamon combination. Another option is to mix a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder into your cinnamon sugar mixture for a subtle chocolatey depth.
- Brighten with Orange Zest: To add a bright, zesty, and refreshing note that beautifully complements the warmth of the cinnamon, finely grate the zest of one orange and add it to either the dough during kneading or directly into your cream cheese glaze. The citrus undertones will awaken the flavors.
If you absolutely adore the warm, comforting, and familiar flavors of cinnamon that define this incredible monkey bread, but you’re searching for a treat that’s a little easier to slice and elegantly serve to a larger crowd, my cinnamon roll cake is undoubtedly calling your name! It’s a truly delightful creation that expertly takes the iconic swirl of a classic cinnamon bun and transforms it into a sophisticated, bakery-style cake, making it absolutely perfect for any celebration or gathering where a knife and plate are preferred. Alternatively, for those who crave an ultra-tender crumb bursting with that familiar, soul-warming buttery spice, my moist cinnamon coffee cake is an absolute must-try. Its rich, deeply satisfying flavor and incredibly tender texture mean you’ll definitely find yourself reaching for not just a second, but quite possibly a third, generous bite!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Monkey Bread
If, by some delightful miracle, you happen to have any leftovers of this irresistible Skillet Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread – a rare occurrence, indeed! – storing them properly will help maintain their deliciousness. Simply place any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container and store it at room temperature. It will remain wonderfully fresh and moist for approximately 3-4 days. To enjoy them as if they were freshly baked, you can easily reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds, or until warmed through and gooey again. Alternatively, for larger portions or the entire skillet, you can warm it gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Don’t worry if the cream cheese glaze melts a little during reheating; it only adds to the delicious, comforting experience!
If you tried this Skillet Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread recipe or any other delightful creation on my website, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Please let me know how it went by leaving a comment below; your feedback brightens my day and helps our baking community grow! While you’re there, don’t forget to leave a star rating – it truly helps others discover and trust these recipes. You can also connect with me and share your culinary creations by tagging me on Instagram or Facebook so I can see what you’ve baked up!
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
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Equipment
-
9″ or 10″ cast-iron skillet
Ingredients
For the Tangzhong
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons bread flour
For the Cinnamon Roll Dough
- 2 cups bread flour, *See notes below for measuring*
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons heavy cream, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons whole milk, room temperature
- Tangzhong, from the recipe above
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
For the Cinnamon Sugar
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, make the tangzhong by whisking together the water and all-purpose flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is a paste-like slurry. Scrape it into a bowl and set it aside until ready to use.1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon (84 g) water, 2 tablespoons (18 g) bread flour
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In a stand mixer bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the egg, cream, milk, vanilla, and tangzhong to the bowl. Knead on low speed with the dough hook for 2-3 minutes until it forms a rough dough ball.2 cups (274 g) bread flour, 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon (32 g) granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon instant yeast, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1 (50 g) large egg, 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons (38 g) heavy cream, 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons (45 g) whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, Tangzhong, from the recipe above
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With the mixer running on low, add the softened butter a half tablespoon at a time, letting it fully incorporate before adding more. Then, continue kneading for another 8-10 minutes until the dough looks smooth and elastic.3 1/2 tablespoons (49 g) unsalted butter
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Remove the dough from the bowl and pull the sides into the bottom to create a smooth round ball. Place it seam-side down back into the mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
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Meanwhile, grease the bottom and sides of a 9” or 10” cast-iron skillet.
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Portion the dough into 30 (19 g) equal-sized pieces. Use the palms of your hand to roll each one into a ball. Set them aside.
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Then make the cinnamon sugar mixture. Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla paste. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar, then place them into the prepared skillet. If the sugar starts to solidify, you can reheat it in the microwave!4 tablespoons (56 g) salted butter, 1/4 cup (50 g) dark brown sugar, 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
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Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let it rise for 40-60 minutes.
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Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 325°F.
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When the monkey bread looks puffy, bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the center reads 170°F.
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While they are baking, combine the powdered sugar and cream cheese. You can do this by hand with a spoon until smooth. Then whisk in the milk and vanilla a little bit at a time until the icing is smooth.2 ounces cream cheese, 2/3 cup (80 g) powdered sugar, 3-4 tablespoons (29 g) whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
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Once baked, immediately pour the glaze over the top. Serve warm!
Notes
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven until warm before serving!
The calorie information provided for the recipe is an estimate. The accuracy of the calories listed is not guaranteed.