Monkey bread has long been a favorite, but if you haven’t tried cookie butter-glazed monkey bread, you’re missing out on the ultimate holiday delight. Perfect for Christmas morning, this recipe combines warm, cinnamon-sugar biscuits with a rich cookie butter glaze to create a pull-apart dessert that will wow your family and guests. Let’s dive into this easy, show-stopping recipe that will quickly become a Christmas tradition.
Why Monkey Bread is Perfect for Christmas
Christmas morning calls for something special, and monkey bread fits the bill. It’s simple to make, fun to eat, and fills your home with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and sugar. This cookie butter version takes the classic monkey bread to a whole new level, offering a rich, buttery flavor that feels indulgent and festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delightful treat, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 cans (16.3 oz each) of refrigerated biscuits
- 1 cup of cane sugar
- 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
- 2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter
- ½ cup of cookie butter (speculoos spread)
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
Step-by-Step Recipe for Cookie Butter Monkey Bread
1. Prep the Biscuits
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan generously.
- Open the biscuit cans and cut each biscuit into quarters. This will create bite-sized pieces perfect for layering.
2. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of cane sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- Toss the biscuit pieces into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Pro Tip: For less mess, place the sugar mixture and biscuit pieces in a Ziploc bag and shake until coated evenly.
3. Layer the Biscuits in the Bundt Pan
- Place the sugar-coated biscuit pieces into the prepared bundt pan, spreading them evenly to ensure proper baking.
4. Prepare the Cookie Butter Glaze
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 sticks of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add ½ cup of cookie butter to the melted butter and stir until fully combined.
- Mix in ¼ cup of brown sugar and continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Pour and Bake
- Pour the warm cookie butter glaze evenly over the biscuit pieces in the bundt pan. Make sure to cover all the pieces for maximum flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
6. Cool and Serve
- Let the monkey bread rest for 5–10 minutes before flipping it onto a serving plate.
- Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, buttery layers of cinnamon and cookie butter goodness.
Tips for the Best Monkey Bread
- Use Refrigerated Biscuits: The pre-made dough makes this recipe quick and foolproof. Look for brands like Pillsbury for the best results.
- Don’t Skip the Cookie Butter: This is the star ingredient that sets this recipe apart. Brands like Biscoff or Trader Joe’s Speculoos work perfectly.
- Grease the Pan Well: To ensure your monkey bread comes out cleanly, coat your bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Make It Your Own: Variations to Try
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for added crunch.
- Drizzle Icing: Once the monkey bread has cooled slightly, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze on top for extra sweetness.
- Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips between the layers for a gooey chocolate surprise.
Why Cookie Butter Makes It Special
Cookie butter brings a warm, spiced flavor reminiscent of gingerbread cookies. It pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar coating, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the biscuit pieces and cookie butter glaze the night before. Assemble everything in the bundt pan, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh on Christmas morning.
Q: What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
A: You can use a large loaf pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Adjust the baking time as needed.
Q: Can I substitute cookie butter?
A: While cookie butter is ideal, you can substitute it with peanut butter, Nutella, or another spread of your choice for a different flavor.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat
Cookie Butter Monkey Bread is more than just a dessert—it’s a festive centerpiece that brings joy and flavor to your holiday celebrations. Its pull-apart nature makes it perfect for sharing, and the combination of cinnamon sugar and cookie butter is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or looking for a sweet way to start Christmas morning, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Try it this Christmas, and watch it become a family favorite for years to come!
