Holiday Monkey Bread

What is Holiday Monkey Bread?

Holiday Monkey Bread is a delightful and festive treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. This easy-to-make, homemade dessert features soft, buttery dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar, layered together, and baked until golden brown. The result is a warm, gooey, and aromatic bread that is perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings. With its sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, this dish is sure to become a favorite at holiday celebrations.

Ingredients & Measurements for Holiday Monkey Bread

– 1 1/3 cups warm milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup white sugar
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (or fine salt)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
– 1 cup white sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 2 sticks unsalted butter
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon orange zest

How Long Does It Take to Make Holiday Monkey Bread?

Preparing Holiday Monkey Bread takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, including rising times. The hands-on time for this recipe is about 30 to 40 minutes, making it a manageable task even for those who may not be seasoned bakers. The extra time for the dough to rise allows for a light and fluffy texture, which is essential for creating the perfect pull-apart bread. So, whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or looking for a cozy dessert to enjoy by the fire, this festive dish is well worth the wait.

How to Make Holiday Monkey Bread (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a bowl, combine 1 1/3 cups of warm milk, 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, and 1/4 cup of white sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add 1 beaten large egg and 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Gradually pour in the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it is smooth. Grease a bowl with extra butter and place the dough inside. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of white sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Tear it into small pieces, rolling each piece into a ball. Coat each ball with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 7: Arrange in Bundt Pan

Layer the coated dough balls in a greased bundt pan. If desired, sprinkle extra walnuts and cranberries in between layers for added flavor and texture.

Step 8: Prepare the Butter Mixture

In a small saucepan, melt 2 sticks of unsalted butter with 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Stir until the two are well combined. Pour this mixture over the dough in the bundt pan.

Step 9: Let the Dough Rise Again

Cover the bundt pan and allow it to rise again for about 30 minutes. This will help create a fluffy texture in your monkey bread.

Step 10: Bake the Monkey Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes or until it is golden brown and smells delicious.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the monkey bread to cool for a few minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Enjoy your easy-to-make holiday treat with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Perfect Holiday Monkey Bread

– Use warm milk, not hot, to help the yeast activate without killing it.
– Kneading helps develop the gluten, giving the bread a wonderful structure.
– You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits.
– Make sure to coat all the dough pieces generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for the best flavor.
– For an extra festive touch, serve with a side of cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze.

Best Cooking Techniques for Holiday Monkey Bread

Yeast Activation

Properly activating the yeast is crucial for achieving the right texture in your monkey bread. Make sure your milk is warm but not hot (around 110°F/43°C) to encourage yeast growth without killing it. Allow it to sit until frothy to ensure the yeast is active.

Kneading for Texture

Kneading the dough helps develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Aim for about 5 minutes on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic. This helps give the monkey bread its delightful pull-apart quality.

Layering Flavors

When rolling the dough balls, generously coat them with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Alternate layers of dough balls with nuts and dried fruits to create pockets of flavor throughout the bread.

Proper Rising Time

Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This typically takes about an hour. The second rise after assembling the dough in the bundt pan is equally important for achieving a light and fluffy texture.

Even Baking

To promote even baking, preheat the oven and rotate the bundt pan halfway through the baking time. This helps ensure that all areas get adequate heat for a golden-brown crust.

FAQs About Holiday Monkey Bread

How long should I cook Holiday Monkey Bread?

Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until it turns golden brown and is cooked through.

Can I make Holiday Monkey Bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape it and place it in the bundt pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight, allowing it to come to room temperature and rise again before baking.

What types of variations can I make with Holiday Monkey Bread?

Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, dried fruits, or spices. You can also substitute other flavors like chocolate chips or swap the cinnamon for pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.

How do I store leftovers of Holiday Monkey Bread?

Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

What is the best way to serve Holiday Monkey Bread?

Serve the monkey bread warm with a side of cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce, or a simple glaze drizzled on top for added sweetness. It’s perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings!

Final Thoughts on Holiday Monkey Bread

This Holiday Monkey Bread is the perfect centerpiece for your festive gatherings. With its cozy blend of cinnamon, walnuts, and cranberries, it will surely become a beloved tradition at your holiday table. The soft, pillowy dough coupled with the sweet, buttery glaze creates a delightful combination that invites everyone to dig in. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet snack, this monkey bread is a crowd-pleaser that brings joy and warmth to any occasion. So gather your friends and family, and savor each sticky, flavorful piece!

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