A delightful recipe that you'll want to make again and again, these monkey bread muffins are perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat throughout the day. Combining the flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar, they're an easy-to-make dessert that is sure to impress your family and guests.
The ingredients for this recipe are relatively common and can be found in most supermarkets. The one ingredient you might want to be aware of is buttermilk. If you cannot find it, you can substitute it by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles.
Ingredients for Monkey Bread Muffins
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure to the muffins.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the muffins.
Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent.
Salt: Enhances the flavors.
Buttermilk: Gives the muffins a tender crumb.
Milk: Adds moisture to the muffins.
Unsalted butter: Provides fat and flavor.
Light-brown sugar: Gives the muffins a caramel-like flavor.
Cinnamon: Spices up the muffins.
Powdered sugar: Used for the glaze.
One reader, Aristotle Whitten says:
These monkey bread muffins are a game-changer! The perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar, and the glaze on top is the cherry on the cake. They're easy to make and taste absolutely divine. I can't get enough of these delightful little treats!
Key Techniques for Perfect Monkey Bread Muffins
Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature for baking the monkey bread muffins.
Butter the muffin tin: Grease the muffin tin with butter to prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan.
Whisk together dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Prepare the sugar coating: Pour granulated sugar into a container with a lid. Scoop the dough into the container and shake to coat the dough balls evenly with sugar.
Fill the muffin cups: Drop the sugar-coated dough balls into each muffin cup, ensuring an even distribution.
Prepare the brown sugar mixture: Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. This will be poured over the muffins before baking.
Bake the muffins: Place the muffin tin on a cookie sheet and bake for 18 to 19 minutes until golden.
Prepare the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until well blended to create the glaze for drizzling over the muffins.
Drizzle the glaze: Pour the glaze into a piping bag or ziplock bag, snip a small tip off the end of the bag, and drizzle the glaze over each muffin.
How To Make Monkey Bread Muffins
Go bananas over these monkey bread muffins that are delightfully soft, covered in cinnamon, and drizzled with sugar glaze.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupsall-purpose flour,plus 2 tbsp
- ½cupgranulated sugar,plus 3 tbsp
- 1tbspbaking powder
- ½tspsalt
- ½cupbuttermilk
- ⅓cupmilk
- ⅓cupunsalted butter,plus 6 tbsp, melted
- ¾cuplight-brown sugar,firmly packed
- 2tspcinnamon,ground
For Glaze:
- ½cuppowdered sugar
- 1tbspmilk
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a muffin tin, set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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Pour buttermilk, ⅓ cup milk and melted butter into the flour mixture. Stir with a fork or clean hands just until the mixture comes together. Don’t overmix.
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Pour ½ cup granulated sugar into a medium container that has a lid to cover. Scoop dough out about 1 even teaspoon at a time and drop into the container in an even layer, working in batches.
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Then cover the container with a lid and shake to coat. Drop 6 sugar-coated dough balls into each muffin cup. Repeat this process until all muffin cups are filled.
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Whisk together 6 tablespoons melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Pour about 1 scant tablespoon brown sugar mixture evenly over each muffin.
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Place muffin tin on a cookie sheet and bake 18 to 19 minutes until golden. Allow to cool for 5 minutes in muffin tin before removing muffins.
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In a mixing bowl whisk together powdered sugar and milk until well blended. Pour mixture into a piping bag or Ziploc bag, snip a small tip off the end of the bag, and drizzle glaze over each muffin.
Nutrition
- Calories: 217.82kcal
- Fat: 5.67g
- Saturated Fat: 3.48g
- Trans Fat: 0.21g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.44g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.30g
- Carbohydrates: 39.61g
- Fiber: 0.79g
- Sugar: 22.96g
- Protein: 2.83g
- Cholesterol: 14.77mg
- Sodium: 161.28mg
- Calcium: 122.26mg
- Potassium: 64.07mg
- Iron: 1.21mg
- Vitamin A: 48.32µg
- Vitamin C: 0.12mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Achieving Ideal Texture in Monkey Bread Muffins
When preparing the monkey bread muffins, ensure that you do not overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough texture in the final product. Instead, stir just until the ingredients are combined for a lighter, fluffier muffin. Additionally, when coating the dough balls in sugar, make sure they are evenly coated for a consistent sweet flavor throughout. Lastly, when drizzling the glaze, let your creativity shine. You can create patterns or simply drizzle it all over, just ensure each muffin gets an even amount for a balanced sweetness.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Monkey Bread Muffins
Prep ahead: Prepare the dough and sugar coating the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of baking.
Use a cookie scoop: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough quickly and evenly into the muffin cups, saving time and ensuring uniform size.
Bake in batches: If your muffin tin can't fit all the muffins at once, bake them in batches to ensure even baking and save time.
Multi-task: While the monkey bread muffins are baking, prepare the glaze to save time and have it ready for drizzling once the muffins are done.
Pre-measure ingredients: Pre-measure all the ingredients before starting the recipe to streamline the process and save time during preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Monkey Bread Muffins Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative with a nuttier flavor and higher fiber content.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener with added flavor and nutrients.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a leavening agent, but it requires an acidic ingredient to activate it.
buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for buttermilk to add moisture and tanginess to the recipe.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative with a hint of coconut flavor.
light-brown sugar - Substitute with dark brown sugar: Dark brown sugar can be used for a richer, more intense flavor in the recipe.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can be used as a warm and aromatic alternative to cinnamon.
powdered sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener with a distinct flavor for the glaze.
Impressive Presentation Ideas for Monkey Bread Muffins
Elevate the plating: When presenting the monkey bread muffins, ensure that the muffins are arranged in a visually appealing manner on the plate. Consider using a circular arrangement to create a visually appealing display.
Incorporate garnishes: Add a touch of elegance by incorporating a garnish such as a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon on the plate. This will enhance the visual appeal and add a pop of flavor.
Utilize complementary sauces: Drizzle a small amount of caramel or vanilla sauce on the plate to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation. The sauce not only enhances the flavor but also adds a decorative element to the dish.
Consider the use of edible flowers: Introduce a touch of whimsy and elegance by incorporating edible flowers as a garnish. This adds a delicate and visually stunning element to the presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a contrasting element such as a delicate tuile or a crisp wafer to add texture to the presentation, elevating the overall dining experience.
Storing and Freezing Monkey Bread Muffins: A Guide
- Allow the monkey bread muffins to cool completely before storing them to prevent moisture from building up and making them soggy.
- Store the muffins in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you want to keep the muffins fresh for longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, microwave individual muffins for 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
- To freeze the monkey bread muffins, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen muffins at room temperature for about an hour, or microwave them for 30-45 seconds until heated through. If desired, refresh the glaze by drizzling a little extra over the top before serving.
- For optimal freshness and flavor, consider freezing the muffins without the glaze and adding it after thawing or reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover Monkey Bread Muffins
To reheat leftover monkey bread muffins, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the tops are slightly crispy. This method will help restore the texture and flavor of the muffins, making them taste almost as good as when they were freshly baked.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place a single muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. If the muffin isn't heated through, continue microwaving in 5-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the muffin, as it may become tough or rubbery.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use a toaster oven. Cut the muffin in half horizontally and place the halves cut-side up on the toaster oven rack. Toast for 2-3 minutes, or until the muffin is heated through and the cut sides are lightly toasted. This method will give you a crispy exterior and a soft, warm interior.
If you want to reheat multiple muffins at once, you can use a steamer basket. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the muffins in a steamer basket and set it over the simmering water. Cover the pot and steam the muffins for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method will help keep the muffins moist and soft.
For a unique twist, try reheating your leftover monkey bread muffins in a waffle iron. Preheat the waffle iron and place a muffin in the center. Close the lid and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the muffin is heated through and has a crispy, waffle-like exterior. This method works best with slightly stale muffins, as the heat and pressure will help revive their texture.
Surprising Facts About the Origins of Monkey Bread Muffins
The Monkey Bread Muffins recipe is a delightful twist on the classic monkey bread. These individual muffins are perfect for portion control and make for a fun and delicious treat. They are great for sharing at brunches or as a sweet snack. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and butter creates a delightful aroma while baking, making them a delightful addition to any gathering. Plus, the process of coating the dough in sugar before baking adds a fun and interactive element to the recipe, making it a great option for getting kids involved in the kitchen.
Is Making Monkey Bread Muffins at Home Cost-Effective?
This monkey bread muffins recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields delicious results. The use of basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter keeps the cost low. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it an affordable treat. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8 out of 10, considering its simplicity, affordability, and delightful taste.
Are Monkey Bread Muffins Healthy or Unhealthy?
This monkey bread muffins recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The recipe is high in sugar, with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and powdered sugar all making an appearance. It also contains a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat. The use of all-purpose flour means the muffins are lacking in fiber and other nutrients that could be provided by whole grain flour. Additionally, the recipe doesn't include any fruits, vegetables, or other nutrient-dense ingredients.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by cutting back on the granulated sugar and brown sugar
- Use low-fat buttermilk and milk to decrease the overall fat content
- Incorporate some finely grated apple or carrot into the batter for added moisture and nutrients
- Experiment with using a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia to further reduce the sugar content
- Top the muffins with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a boost of healthy fats and protein
Editor's Opinion: Why Monkey Bread Muffins Are a Must-Try
The monkey bread muffins recipe is a delightful twist on the classic monkey bread. The individual portions make it perfect for serving at brunch or as a sweet treat. The combination of buttermilk and cinnamon creates a rich and comforting flavor, while the glaze adds a touch of sweetness. The recipe's simplicity makes it accessible for home bakers, and the end result is a beautiful and delicious treat that is sure to impress.
Enhance Your Monkey Bread Muffins Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Monkey Bread Muffins
Ideal Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Monkey Bread Muffins
Why trust this Monkey Bread Muffins Recipe:
This recipe for monkey bread muffins is a delightful twist on the classic monkey bread. The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a warm and comforting flavor, while the addition of buttermilk ensures a moist and tender texture. The step-by-step instructions provide clear guidance, and the use of baking powder guarantees a light and fluffy result. Trust in the expertise of this recipe, as it promises to deliver a delightful baking experience.
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