Irresistible Toffee Monkey Bread Muffins: A Quick & Easy Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Toffee Monkey Bread Muffins are an undeniably delicious and effortlessly sweet treat, perfect for anyone looking to whip up something special with minimal fuss. Crafted using readily available Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, these delightful muffins boast a core of soft, cinnamon-infused dough that’s beautifully complemented by a sticky, crunchy topping of toffee baking pieces. With just 4 simple ingredients and requiring less than 30 minutes from start to finish, these muffins are a true kitchen marvel. They deliver a delightful burst of flavor and texture that makes them incredibly hard to resist. What’s not to adore about such a quick, easy, and incredibly tasty creation?
For me, few scents evoke the warmth and joy of the holidays quite like cinnamon. It’s a spice that instantly transports me to cozy kitchens and festive gatherings. Now, if you combine that beloved aroma with the comforting smell of freshly baked bread – specifically, cinnamon bread – I am absolutely over the moon! The combination is pure bliss, promising a delectable experience with every bite.
My deep affection for cinnamon, and baking in general, can be lovingly traced back to my Grandma Martin. I cherished the days I spent with her as a girl, where we’d embark on adventures in baking, crochet lessons, and even some daytime soap opera watching. While she was a master of many culinary delights, her pies hold a special place in my memory. Whenever she baked one, there was always “just enough” leftover dough to create a small, sweet cinnamon-sugar pie crust for me. Honestly, I sometimes think I savored that simple, cinnamon-dusted crust as much as the grand pie itself. Those early experiences instilled in me a profound appreciation for the magic of simple ingredients and the joy of creating something delicious from scratch, a feeling these Toffee Monkey Bread Muffins effortlessly recapture.
What Are Monkey Bread Muffins?
Monkey Bread Muffins offer a convenient and delightful spin on the beloved classic monkey bread. Traditionally, monkey bread is made by cutting biscuit or cinnamon roll dough into small pieces, tossing them in cinnamon sugar, and baking them in a bundt pan, resulting in a pull-apart loaf. This muffin version takes that same concept but bakes individual portions in muffin tins, making them perfect for grab-and-go enjoyment or serving a crowd. They typically feature layers of sweet, gooey dough, often enhanced with extra cinnamon, sugar, and various toppings. In this particular recipe, we elevate the experience with Heath Toffee Bits, adding a delightful crunch and rich flavor. Monkey Bread Muffins are renowned for their irresistibly gooey, sticky, and wonderfully sweet layers, making them an ideal choice for a decadent breakfast, a festive brunch centerpiece, or simply a fun, indulgent treat any time of day. Imagine these Toffee Monkey Bread Muffins gracing your next brunch table – a truly impressive and delicious addition, wouldn’t you agree?
The Convenience of Monkey Bread in Muffin Tins
In my household, two things consistently bring smiles to my kids’ faces: classic cinnamon rolls and the playful nature of monkey bread. Both, of course, prominently feature that wonderful, comforting ingredient – cinnamon. I’ve made traditional monkey bread many, many times, typically baking a large portion in a bundt pan to share. But then, a thought sparked: how much more fun and convenient would it be to create individual servings of this toffee-infused monkey bread? Making them in muffin cups means everyone gets their own perfectly portioned, gooey, pull-apart treat, eliminating the need for serving utensils and making them ideal for busy mornings or on-the-go snacking.
If you find yourself falling in love with this incredibly easy recipe for monkey bread in muffin cups, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other delightful variations. For fruit lovers, give our Apple Monkey Bread a try, or explore the equally satisfying layers of this Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread. Each recipe offers its own unique charm while delivering that irresistible cinnamon-infused goodness.
Essential Ingredients for These Easy Monkey Bread Muffins
One of the best aspects of this Toffee Monkey Bread Muffin recipe is its simplicity, requiring just a handful of common ingredients. For the precise measurements and comprehensive step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the bottom of this post where you’ll find the full printable recipe card. Here’s a closer look at the key components that make these muffins so special:
- Pillsbury Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls: These are the true heroes of our recipe, providing the perfect shortcut to homemade taste. You can easily find them in the refrigerated dairy aisle of your local grocery store. Pillsbury offers varieties with different frosting options, such as classic vanilla or rich cream cheese. Feel free to choose the one that appeals most to your taste buds, as either will work beautifully. Their pre-made dough ensures a consistently soft and fluffy muffin every time, cutting down significantly on preparation time.
- Brown Sugar: This isn’t just for sweetness; brown sugar plays a crucial role in creating the iconic sticky, caramelized topping that defines monkey bread. When combined with butter, it melts into a delightful, syrupy mixture that coats each piece of dough, ensuring a rich and irresistible texture.
- Toffee Baking Pieces: For an exceptional crunch and a buttery, sweet depth of flavor, we turn to toffee baking pieces. Heath offers two popular types: “Bits ‘O Brickle,” which are plain toffee bits, and English Toffee Bits, which include a coating of chocolate. For this recipe, I used the “Bits ‘O Brickle” to let the pure toffee flavor shine through and create that delightful, unadulterated crunch without the chocolate competing with the cinnamon. If you can’t find these, plain crushed hard toffee candy can be a suitable substitute.
- Butter: Whether you opt for unsalted or salted butter, this essential ingredient helps create the luscious, sticky sauce that binds all the flavors together. It aids in caramelizing the brown sugar and ensures the toffee bits adhere perfectly, contributing to the overall moistness and rich taste of the muffins.
How to Make Toffee Monkey Bread Muffins with Cinnamon Rolls
Creating a batch of these glorious toffee-covered monkey bread muffins is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to just a few simple ingredients and clear steps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up such an impressive treat.
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While the oven heats, prepare your muffin tin by lining 6 muffin cups with cupcake liners. This crucial step prevents the sticky caramel from adhering to the pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Next, unroll your Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, carefully cut each cinnamon roll into quarters. These smaller pieces will be easier to manage and will create more of those delightful pull-apart layers in your muffins.
Evenly divide the small pieces of dough among the 6 prepared muffin cups. Try to distribute them so each cup has a similar amount, ensuring consistent baking and portion sizes.
Now comes the magic! Generously sprinkle the tops of the dough pieces in each muffin cup with the toffee baking pieces. Follow this by sprinkling brown sugar over the toffee bits. This layering ensures both the crunch of the toffee and the rich sweetness of the brown sugar permeate every part of the muffin.
Finally, drizzle the melted butter over the brown sugar and toffee in each muffin cup. The butter will help dissolve the brown sugar, creating that irresistible sticky, sweet caramelization as it bakes.
Carefully place the muffin pan into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and puffed up. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning. Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the tin. This brief cooling period helps the sticky topping set a bit and makes them easier to remove.
While the muffins are still warm, you have the option to glaze them with the frosting that typically comes in the cinnamon roll package. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and a smooth, creamy texture. Alternatively, you can enjoy them simply as they are, letting the rich toffee and cinnamon flavors take center stage – the choice is entirely yours!
Any leftover muffins will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’re looking to extend their shelf life, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. For frozen muffins, it’s best to wait until you’re ready to serve them before applying any frosting, as freezing can alter the texture of the glaze.
Love this Easy Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’re as smitten with these easy Toffee Monkey Bread Muffins as we are, make sure you don’t lose this fantastic recipe! It’s a keeper you’ll want to revisit again and again. Take a moment to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you navigate away. This way, it will always be handy for your next craving or spontaneous baking adventure!
More Indulgent Toffee Recipes for Lovers of This Flavor
If the rich, buttery, and slightly chewy taste of toffee holds a special place in your heart, then you’re in for a treat! We’ve gathered a selection of other fantastic recipes that celebrate this irresistible flavor. You are sure to love these recipes too:
- Coffee Toffee Cheesecake: A decadent dessert combining the bold flavors of coffee with sweet, crunchy toffee.
- Giant Toffee Cookies (pictured above): These enormous cookies are packed with toffee bits, offering a truly satisfying chew and flavor in every bite.
- Easy Graham Cracker Toffee: A wonderfully simple yet addictive treat, perfect for quick cravings or homemade gifts.
- Butter Brickle Cookies: Classic cookies infused with the distinct flavor and crunch of Butter Brickle toffee pieces.
FAQs About Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Muffins
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your cinnamon roll monkey bread muffins:
- Why is it called monkey bread? The most common theory is that monkey bread earned its name due to the way it’s traditionally eaten. Just like a monkey might pluck apart its food, eaters pull apart the individual sections of the baked dough rather than slicing it. This makes it a fun, interactive treat, especially when baked in a bundt pan.
- What is another name for monkey bread? Monkey bread goes by a few other endearing names, reflecting its unique characteristics. It’s also commonly known as pull-apart bread, bubble bread, or even plucking cake, all of which highlight its distinctive, separable segments.
- What is monkey bread sauce made of? The luscious, sticky sauce that coats classic monkey bread is typically made from a simple yet decadent combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract. This mixture caramelizes during baking, creating the signature sweet and gooey exterior.
- Is monkey bread made from biscuits? Yes, many traditional monkey bread recipes indeed start with canned, refrigerated biscuit dough. However, this recipe cleverly uses cinnamon roll dough, which offers an even richer, more spiced flavor base and comes with its own convenient frosting, making the process even simpler.
- Can I add nuts to these muffins? Absolutely! For an added layer of texture and flavor, you can sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts along with the toffee bits and brown sugar before baking.
- What if I don’t have muffin liners? While liners make cleanup easier, you can bake these directly in a well-greased muffin tin. Be sure to generously coat the tin with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking, as the caramel topping can be quite adhesive.
Creative Substitutions & Delicious Variations
When it comes to baking, don’t be afraid to experiment and personalize your creations! Remember that substitutions in recipes are a fantastic way to get creative and use ingredients that perfectly suit your personal taste preferences or dietary needs. Make it truly your own!
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Instead of toffee bits, consider sprinkling the top of the muffins with an equal amount of chocolate chips. Mini chocolate chips work especially well for even distribution and melting.
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If you can’t find toffee bits, or simply prefer a different flavor, you can still achieve a wonderful sticky top. Replace the toffee with extra brown sugar and butter, or drizzle the baked monkey bread muffins with a simple homemade vanilla glaze. To make a quick vanilla glaze, whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk or water and a drop of vanilla extract until smooth.
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For a fruity twist, add a teaspoon of finely diced apple or pear pieces into each muffin cup along with the dough.
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Introduce a touch of extra spice! A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom added to the brown sugar mixture can enhance the overall warmth and flavor profile.
Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Toffee Monkey Bread Muffins
Even though this recipe is incredibly easy, a few simple tips can elevate your Toffee Monkey Bread Muffins from great to absolutely exceptional:
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Got extra toffee bits on hand after making these muffins? Don’t let them go to waste! They are fantastic in our Butter Brickle Cookies, adding a delightful crunch and rich flavor.
- For easily cutting your cinnamon rolls into uniform pieces, a sharp knife or even a pizza cutter works wonders. A pizza cutter allows for quick and clean cuts through the soft dough.
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To ensure your muffins are consistently moist and flavorful, make sure the melted butter, brown sugar, and toffee bits are evenly distributed in each muffin cup. This prevents dry spots and ensures every bite has that sticky, sweet goodness.
- Leftover muffins are a delightful treat for days to come! Store them in an airtight container or wrapped snugly in plastic wrap on your kitchen counter for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, it’s best to hold off on applying the frosting until you’re ready to thaw and serve them. You can also use a resealable freezer bag if that’s more convenient.
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For an even more decadent indulgence, consider drizzling a touch of warm caramel sauce over the monkey bread muffins just before serving. It adds another layer of rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the toffee and cinnamon.
More Delicious Muffin Recipes to Love
If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of these Toffee Monkey Bread Muffins, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our fantastic muffin recipes. From classic fruit-filled options to decadent dessert-inspired creations, there’s a muffin for every taste and occasion:
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Pumpkin Spice Banana Muffins: A seasonal favorite combining the warmth of pumpkin spice with the sweetness of banana bread.
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Lemon Crumb Muffins With Lemon Glaze: Bright, zesty, and topped with a delightful crumb and sweet-tart glaze.
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Spiced Glazed Muffins: Warmly spiced muffins finished with a perfect glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins: Indulgent muffins that taste just like your favorite cheesecake in a convenient grab-and-go form.
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Chocolate Chip Raspberry Muffins: A delightful combination of rich chocolate and tart raspberries in a fluffy muffin.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying breakfast on a busy morning, a delightful addition to a special occasion brunch, or simply a sweet pick-me-up, these Homemade Toffee Monkey Bread Muffins are an absolute dream. They come together in mere minutes, making them a stress-free option for any home baker, yet they will likely be devoured in just seconds due to their irresistible flavor and texture. In my mind, that combination of ease and deliciousness makes them the quintessential perfect treat. So, are you ready to dive into this incredibly easy and utterly delicious monkey bread muffin recipe? Let’s get baking!
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Print Recipe
Toffee Monkey Bread Muffins
Equipment
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HEATH BITS ‘O BRICKLE Toffee Bits (Pack of 6)
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Eoonfirst Standard Size Baking Cups Food-Grade Greaseproof Paper Cupcake Liners 200 Pcs (Natural)
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KitchenAid Classic Pizza Wheel
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Bakeware Muffin Pan & Cupcake Pan, 12-Cup, Steel
Ingredients
- 1 12.4 ounce Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls
- 6 teaspoons brown sugar
- 6 Tablespoons toffee baking pieces
- 1 1/2 teaspoons butter melted
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line 6 muffin cups with cupcake liners.
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Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and divide the small pieces of dough evenly among the 6 prepared muffin cups.
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Sprinkle each muffin cup with 1 Tablespoon of toffee baking pieces. Top with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and then drizzle with 1/4 teaspoon of melted butter.
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Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let stand in the muffin tin until no longer hot, then serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on November 18, 2015. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on October 30, 2023.
This was a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Pillsbury. The opinions and text are all mine.