Base Dough:
- Flour: 2 cups
- Yeast: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
Sweet Coating:
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Melted butter: 1/4 cup
Optional Add-ins:
- Nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts)
- Dried fruits (e.g., raisins or cranberries)
- Chocolate chips
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar. Mix well.
- Gradually add water or milk (as required) to form a soft, pliable dough.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Dough Balls:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently.
- Divide the dough into small pieces, about 1-inch in size.
- Roll each piece between your hands to form smooth balls.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Prepare the Sweet Coating:
- In a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Roll each dough ball in the coating mixture until evenly covered.
4. Assemble the Monkey Bread:
- Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Layer the coated dough balls evenly in the dish.
- If using add-ins (nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips), sprinkle them between layers.
- Cover the dish and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes.
5. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the monkey bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes on a cooling rack.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm for the best flavor.
- Drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours