I recently made this Orange Cinnamon Sweet Roll Monkey Bread Recipe, and wow—it’s pure magic! The sweet, sticky dough infused with orange zest and cinnamon filled my kitchen with the most comforting aroma.
Pulling apart each gooey piece felt so fun, and it tasted even better than I imagined. I knew I had to share this recipe so others could experience this delightful treat.
If you love sweet rolls with a citrusy twist, you might also enjoy recipes like Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner for a savory twist alongside this sweet treat.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this sticky, delicious monkey bread:
- 4 cups (540 grams) all-purpose flour – I used King Arthur flour for the best texture.
- 1 packet (7 grams) instant yeast – ensures the dough rises perfectly.
- 1/4 cup sugar – balances the citrus and cinnamon flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 cup butter, room temperature – makes the dough soft and rich.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature – adds structure and moisture.
- 1 cup milk, room temperature – ensures the dough is tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla – adds a subtle, warm flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest – gives a fresh citrus punch.
- Oil – for greasing the bowl for the first rise.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Non-stick baking spray – prevents sticking.
- 1/2 cup melted butter – helps the sugar stick to the dough balls.
- 1 cup sugar – adds sweetness to the coating.
- 4 teaspoons cinnamon – provides the signature warm flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest – enhances the citrusy aroma.
Syrup:
- 2/3 cup brown sugar – creates the gooey, sticky texture.
- 1/4 cup butter – enriches the syrup.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice – brightens the flavor.
Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – sweet finishing touch.
- 2-3 tablespoons orange juice – for a smooth drizzle.
Note: Serves 12
Variations
- Use dairy-free butter and milk for a vegan-friendly option.
- Swap sugar with a sugar substitute to reduce calories.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. You can even pair these with Baked Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings for a party snack mix.
- Use lemon zest instead of orange for a tangy twist.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (including dough rising)
Equipment You Need
- Stand mixer with dough hook – for easy kneading.
- Large Bundt pan – needed for the classic monkey bread shape.
- Small saucepan – for making the syrup.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.
How to Make Orange Cinnamon Sweet Roll Monkey Bread Recipe?
Mix and Knead the Dough
Start by combining flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Then add butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, and orange zest. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for a few minutes until smooth but slightly sticky.
First Rise
Grease a bowl with oil and place your dough inside. Cover and leave in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size. The dough should be soft and spring back slightly when pressed.
Form the Monkey Bread
Divide dough into four sections. Roll each into a “snake” and cut into smaller pieces, then shape into balls. Dip each ball in melted butter, roll in cinnamon sugar, and place in a prepared Bundt pan.
Second Rise
Cover the Bundt pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 30 minutes. You’ll see cracks form in the sugar coating as the dough expands.
Make the Syrup
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and orange juice. Bring to a simmer until smooth, then pour evenly over the dough balls in the pan.
Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until golden and sticky.
Add the Orange Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over warm monkey bread and serve immediately for a sticky, delicious treat.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
- I always let the dough rest a bit before kneading; it makes shaping easier.
- I like using fresh orange zest for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Don’t skip the second rise—it ensures soft, fluffy dough balls.
- I brush extra syrup on the edges for maximum gooeyness.
How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Sweet Roll Monkey Bread Recipe?
Serve warm straight from the Bundt pan for a classic pull-apart experience. For a fancier presentation, drizzle extra glaze and sprinkle some orange zest on top. Pair it with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a breakfast or dessert treat.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview per serving:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 15g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing: Let monkey bread cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave individual pieces for 20-30 seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Making this Orange Cinnamon Sweet Roll Monkey Bread is truly satisfying. Here’s why:
- The flavors are irresistible—cinnamon and orange complement each other perfectly.
- It’s fun and interactive—perfect for family baking.
- Versatile—serve as breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Customizable—you can add nuts, chocolate, or different citrus zest.
- Impressive presentation—Bundt pan gives it a stunning look.
Orange Cinnamon Sweet Roll Monkey Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by combining flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Then add butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, and orange zest. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for a few minutes until smooth but slightly sticky.
- Grease a bowl with oil and place your dough inside. Cover and leave in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size. The dough should be soft and spring back slightly when pressed.
- Divide dough into four sections. Roll each into a “snake” and cut into smaller pieces, then shape into balls. Dip each ball in melted butter, roll in cinnamon sugar, and place in a prepared Bundt pan.
- Cover the Bundt pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 30 minutes. You’ll see cracks form in the sugar coating as the dough expands.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and orange juice. Bring to a simmer until smooth, then pour evenly over the dough balls in the pan.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until golden and sticky.
- Whisk powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over warm monkey bread and serve immediately for a sticky, delicious treat.
Notes
- I always let the dough rest a bit before kneading; it makes shaping easier.
- I like using fresh orange zest for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Don’t skip the second rise—it ensures soft, fluffy dough balls.
- I brush extra syrup on the edges for maximum gooeyness.
