Refrigerated cinnamon rolls, sugar, butter, and spice—this easy Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread recipe is gooey, sweet, and impossible to resist.
Okay, hear me out: some mornings just demand a little extra magic. Like the kind where your kitchen smells like a cinnamon-sugar hug and your only plan is not to wear real pants. That’s where this Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread comes in. I first made it on a lazy Sunday when I was feeling a little nostalgic (and craving sugar, let’s be honest). I had a can of cinnamon rolls in the fridge and not much else—so I started tearing them apart and tossing them in butter and sugar like a wild woman.
What came out of the oven? Ooey-gooey, pull-apart, cinnamon-coated heaven. My family devoured it before I could get a second piece. That’s when I knew—this wasn’t just a “use up the can” recipe. This was the beginning of a weekend tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe?
This recipe is the definition of low effort, big reward. It’s sweet, sticky, warm, and cozy—basically everything you want from a cinnamon roll, minus the rolling and rising. You don’t need to be a baking genius. You just need a loaf pan, a can of cinnamon rolls, and about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays… or whenever you just want to spoil yourself a little.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break down what you’ll need—and why it works.
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Cinnamon Roll Dough: The star of the show. Go for a 12.4 oz refrigerated can with icing (because obviously we’re not skipping the icing).
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White Sugar: Just good ol’ granulated sugar. You’re going to mix it with cinnamon for that sweet coating.
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Ground Cinnamon: Warm, cozy flavor magic.
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Unsalted Butter: Melted. It helps that sugar-cinnamon mix stick and gives everything that rich, golden finish.
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Icing Packet: Don’t toss this! We’re gonna drizzle that sugary gold on top at the end.
How To Make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread?
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Set your oven to 400°F (yep, we’re going in hot). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan—I like to use a little butter or non-stick spray for good coverage.
Step 2: Sugar & Spice
In a bowl, mix your cinnamon and sugar together. This is going to coat the dough pieces like a sweet little cinnamon sweater.
Step 3: Chop & Dunk
Open up the cinnamon rolls (cue the pop!), then cut each one into quarters. Dip each dough piece into melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mix. Line them up in the loaf pan however you’d like—they’ll puff up and fill the space beautifully.
Step 4: Bake That Beauty
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The top should turn golden and your kitchen will smell like you lit a candle called “Cinnamon Heaven.”
Step 5: Ice & Serve
Let the bread cool for about 5 minutes. Then drizzle the icing right over the top. If you want to go wild, add a little extra cinnamon or chopped pecans. Flip it out onto a plate (or just eat it straight from the pan—I won’t judge).
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
If by some miracle you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temp for a day or two. You can also refrigerate them for up to 4 days—just zap a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring it back to life. It won’t be quite as ooey-gooey, but still delicious.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling creative? Here are a few swaps and twists:
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Add chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for a little crunch.
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Use caramel sauce instead of icing for a sticky bun vibe.
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Try orange cinnamon rolls for a zesty twist.
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Want it richer? Add a little cream cheese in the center of a few dough balls for a surprise.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread?
Honestly, this baby is the star of the show, but if you want to make it a full brunch moment:
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A hot cup of coffee or a vanilla latte (trust me).
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Crispy bacon or sausage links for a salty balance.
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A simple fruit salad for freshness (if we must…).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep it the night before and cover it tightly in the fridge. Pop it in the oven the next morning.
Do I have to use a loaf pan?
Nope! A bundt pan or round cake pan works too. Just adjust the bake time a bit—start checking around 18 minutes.
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
Absolutely, if you’ve got the time. But the beauty of this recipe is that you don’t have to. Store-bought dough keeps it simple.
And there you have it—my favorite lazy-girl genius breakfast. Try it once and you’ll be hooked. And hey, if you add extra icing or sneak bites before it cools… we’re officially kindred spirits.
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 12.4-ounce package refrigerated cinnamon roll dough with icing
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
Cut and Coat the Dough:
- Open the package of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and set the icing aside for later use. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters. Dip each dough piece into the melted butter, then roll in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
Assemble the Monkey Bread:
- Place the coated dough pieces into the prepared loaf pan, layering them loosely to allow room for rising as they bake.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dough is fully cooked and the top is golden brown.
Cool and Drizzle:
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Then drizzle the reserved icing over the top of the monkey bread.
Serve:
- Turn the monkey bread out onto a serving plate and serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
