These Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Muffins are truly addictive! They are the perfect breakfast treat for any occasion and are super easy to make. You won’t be able to stop at just one!

For more delicious breakfast recipes, be sure to check out my French Toast Casserole, Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Cups, and Chorizo Breakfast Pizza.

cinnamon roll monkey bread muffins with glaze

The first time I ever had monkey bread was at my childhood best friend’s house the morning after a sleepover.

It only took one bite of that gooey, addictive, cinnamon roll goodness and then I was HOOKED! 

cinnamon roll monkey bread muffins with glaze next to a glass of milk

If you’ve never had monkey bread before, then you are in for an absolute treat. However, fair warning, these cinnamon roll monkey bread muffins are highly addictive and you aren’t going to want to stop with just one!

a cinnamon roll monkey bread muffin

What is Monkey Bread?

Monkey bread is a pastry type of bread, usually made from pieces of cinnamon rolls that have been baked together with a cinnamon brown sugar glaze.

There are other common names for monkey bread that you might have heard, including pull apart bread, bubble bread and pinch-me-cake.

cinnamon roll monkey bread muffins with glaze

Why is it called Monkey Bread?

Since you tend to pick the little bites of cinnamon rolls apart as you eat them, similar to the way monkeys pick at their food, the term “monkey bread” was coined!

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Muffins

  • canned cinnamon rolls
  • light brown sugar
  • cinnamon
  • unsalted butter
  • cream cheese
  • powdered sugar
  • vanilla extract
  • milk

ingredients laid out for cinnamon roll muffins

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Muffins – Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with baking spray. Set the muffin tin on top of a large rimmed baking sheet, or add a large piece of aluminum foil to the bottom rack of the oven to catch any drippings from the muffins.

Step 2: Cut the cinnamon rolls

Separate the cinnamon rolls and cut each one into 6 equal pieces. Set aside. 

cut up cinnamon rolls

Step 3: Coat the cinnamon rolls

In a gallon-sized zipper plastic bag, add 2/3 cup brown sugar and the cinnamon. Close the bag securely then toss to combine. Add the cinnamon roll pieces, then close the bag and toss until the cinnamon roll pieces are evenly coated. Next place 8 pieces of the rolls into each muffin tin, pressing down slightly.

dough balls in a ziplock bag

Step 4: Make the glaze

In a small saucepan combine the butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Next bring to a boil over medium low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat, then drizzle the glaze evenly over each cinnamon roll monkey bread muffin in the tin.

a pan full of melted brown sugar glaze

Step 5: Bake

Bake the muffins for 14-16 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and the tops of the muffins are browned and crisp. *The glaze may overflow the pan. This is why you need to add a large rimmed baking sheet underneath the muffin tin or place a large piece of foil on the rack below in the oven. 

cinnamon rolls in a muffin pan

Step 6: Cool

Let the cinnamon roll monkey bread muffins cool in the tin for 5-8 minutes. Next, take the muffins out by running a butter knife around the perimeter and then scooping them out underneath. Place on a wire rack to cool.

muffins in a pan

Step 7: Make the icing

While the muffins cool, make the icing by beating the softened cream cheese in a small bowl. Add the powdered sugar and mix it in until smooth. Add the vanilla and the milk, starting with 1 tablespoon of the milk, and mix until smooth. The mixture should be thick but pourable. Add more milk a little bit at a time if needed. 

icing in a bowl

Step 8: Drizzle the icing/Serve

Drizzle the icing over the muffins and serve warm or at room temperature. 

cinnamon roll monkey bread dripped with icing

Tips and Notes 

  • Make sure to give your cinnamon roll monkey bread muffins a bit of time to cool before removing them from the pan. Waiting for 5 minutes or so before handling them will help them to stay together better and not fall apart.
  • If you don’t want to make the icing from scratch, then simply use the icing provided with the cinnamon rolls! Warm the icing up in the microwave for a few seconds first to help make it easier to drizzle over the muffins. 

cinnamon roll muffins with glaze

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Muffins

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container and then keep them on the counter for up to 3 days. Then when ready to serve again, warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

a monkey bread muffin with glaze on it

More Muffin Recipes You Might Enjoy!

cinnamon roll monkey bread muffins with glaze
5 from 34 ratings

Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Muffins

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
These Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Muffins are truly addictive! They are the perfect breakfast treat for any occasion and are super easy to make. You won't be able to stop at just one!

Ingredients

Muffins

  • 2 cans original cinnamon rolls, (8 rolls per can)
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

Icing

  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 Tablespoons milk

Instructions
 

  •  Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with baking spray. Set the muffin tin on top of a large rimmed baking sheet, or add a large piece of aluminum foil to the bottom rack of the oven to catch any drippings from the muffins.
  • Separate the cinnamon rolls and cut each one into 6 equal pieces. Set aside.
  • In a gallon-sized zipper plastic bag, add 2/3 cup brown sugar and the cinnamon. Close the bag securely then toss to combine. Add the cinnamon roll pieces, then close the bag and toss until the cinnamon roll pieces are evenly coated. Place 8 pieces of the rolls into each muffin tin, pressing down slightly.
  • In a small saucepan combine the butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Bring to a boil over medium low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat, then drizzle the glaze evenly over each muffin in the tin.
  • Bake the muffins for 14-16 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and the tops of the muffins are browned and crisp. *The glaze may overflow the pan. This is why you need to add a large rimmed baking sheet underneath the muffin tin or place a large piece of foil on the rack below in the oven.
  • Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5-8 minutes. Take the muffins out by running a butter knife around the perimeter and scooping them out underneath. Place on a wire rack to cool.
  • While the muffins cool, make the icing by beating the softened cream cheese in a small bowl. Add the powdered sugar and mix it in until smooth. Add the vanilla and the milk, starting with 1 tablespoon of the milk, and mix until smooth. The mixture should be thick but pourable. Add more milk a little bit at a time if needed.
  • Drizzle the icing over the muffins and serve warm or at room temperature. 

Notes

  • Make sure to give your cinnamon roll monkey bread muffins a bit of time to cool before removing them from the pan. Waiting for 5 or so minutes before handling them will help them to stay together better and not fall apart.
  • If you don’t want to make the icing from scratch, then simply use the icing provided with the cinnamon rolls! Warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds first to help make it easier to drizzle over the muffins. 
  • How to Store: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container and then keep on the counter for up to 3 days. Then when ready to serve again, warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast
Calories: 419kcal, Carbohydrates: 62g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 463mg, Potassium: 40mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 44g, Vitamin A: 302IU, Vitamin C: 0.01mg, Calcium: 28mg, Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @TheBelleoftheKitchen on Instagram or tag #BelleoftheKitchen.