These sweet monkey bread dinner rolls are a delightful twist on traditional rolls, featuring soft, pull-apart pieces coated in cinnamon sugar. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, they offer a fun and interactive way to enjoy dinner rolls.
The recipe is simple to follow and requires basic baking techniques. You can serve them warm with butter or as a sweet treat alongside your meal.
What Makes Monkey Bread Dinner Rolls Special?
Monkey bread dinner rolls bring a delightful twist to the traditional bread experience.
These rolls are not just about taste; they offer a fun, interactive way to enjoy dinner.
Each piece pulls apart easily, inviting everyone to dig in and share.
The combination of soft dough and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating creates a comforting treat that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Their warm, inviting aroma fills the kitchen, setting the stage for a cozy meal.
The Perfect Dough for Pull-Apart Rolls
Creating the ideal dough is essential for achieving that soft, pull-apart texture.
A simple mixture of all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and yeast forms the base, while warm milk and melted butter add richness.
Incorporating an egg enhances the dough’s structure, ensuring each roll is fluffy and tender.
After mixing, the dough needs time to rise, allowing the yeast to work its magic.
This step is crucial for developing flavor and achieving the desired lightness in the rolls.
Coating the Rolls: A Sweet Transformation
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape the rolls.
Dividing the dough into small pieces and rolling them into balls is a satisfying process.
Each ball is then dipped in melted butter and rolled in a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon, creating a sweet, sticky exterior.
This coating not only adds flavor but also contributes to the beautiful golden-brown color once baked.
The cinnamon sugar creates a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft interior of the rolls.
Baking to Perfection
Arranging the coated dough balls in a bundt pan or round baking dish is the next step before they head into the oven.
Baking at 350°F (175°C) allows the rolls to rise and develop a golden crust.
The sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen signals that something special is happening.
After 25-30 minutes, the rolls emerge from the oven, beautifully browned and glistening with melted butter.
Allowing them to cool slightly before serving ensures they hold their shape and flavor.
Serving Suggestions for a Cozy Meal
These monkey bread dinner rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.
Serving them with a small bowl of cinnamon sugar and a butter knife invites guests to customize their rolls.
A light dusting of powdered sugar can add an extra touch of sweetness.
Pairing these rolls with a hearty meal makes for a comforting dining experience.
They can act as a delightful side or even a sweet treat to complement savory dishes.
Nutrition and Enjoyment
Each roll contains approximately 180 calories, making them a satisfying addition to any meal without being overly indulgent.
With 7g of fat and 3g of protein, they strike a balance between flavor and nutrition.
These rolls not only bring joy to the table but also create lasting memories with loved ones.
Their inviting appearance and delightful taste make them a favorite for any occasion.
Easy Monkey Bread Dinner Rolls Recipe
These monkey bread dinner rolls are made from soft dough rolled into balls, coated in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, then baked until golden. The recipe takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish and yields about 12 rolls.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. In another bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Combine wet and dry ingredients and knead until smooth.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Coat the Dough Balls: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Dip each dough ball in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls in a greased bundt pan or round baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g