Monkey bread is a sweet pastry made from yeast dough and coated in cinnamon and sugar. It can also be made with refrigerated cookie dough. The origin of its name is uncertain, but it is a popular and easy-to-make treat.
Monkey bread is a popular dessert or breakfast, covered in cinnamon and sugar. From a basic yeast dough, this bread offers a hearty and filling treat, despite its simple ingredients. The name “monkey bread” is of uncertain origin, although theories run rampant as to how this tasty sticky pastry got its name.
Simple yeasted bread is called for in most monkey bread recipes, although even more simplified versions call for the use of refrigerated cookie dough. While some experts frown on using prepackaged doughs, using them may allow you to throw this dish together quickly to serve to unexpected company or in a pinch if you have less food than planned for a breakfast or brunch.
Once the dough has risen or you’ve opened the cookie tube, roll into individual balls and coat with melted butter. After they’re fully coated, roll the dough in toppings of your choice. Typically, cinnamon and white or brown sugar are used, but feel free to add nuts, raisins, or any other toppings you like. Once covered, squash the balls next to each other in cake pans or bakes. Some recipes call for a second rise or overnight rise in the refrigerator, while others suggest cooking immediately over medium-high for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Once cooked, the monkey bread will be moist, sugary, and easy to separate into simple sections. Served with coffee, tea or a glass of milk, this treat is sure to be a hit with even the most discerning palate. If you’re looking for monkey bread on a menu, note that it also hides under the names “Hungarian coffee cake” and “bubble loaf.”
The origin of the name “monkey bread” is a great mystery with many theories. Some believe the 1850s chef who invented the dish named it because it looked to him like the lumpy hands of a monkey. Others suggest that the name refers to the way the dough clumps together intimately during baking, much like a pack of monkeys. First Lady Nancy Reagan, who famously served the dish as part of a White House Christmas menu, figured it was because the dough was slippery, making you “ape” with it to get it into the pan. Whatever the original idea, monkey bread is an invariably simple and popular recipe and a fantastic staple to add to any cook’s repertoire.
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