Orange Cinnamon Christmas Monkey Bread is a delicious holiday treat made with soft dough pieces coated in cinnamon sugar and a buttery orange glaze. Fresh orange zest adds a bright citrus flavor, while cinnamon and brown sugar create a warm, festive taste. It’s perfect for Christmas breakfast, holiday brunch, or a cozy winter dessert.
Why This Recipe Works
- Festive flavor: Orange and cinnamon create a warm, refreshing holiday combination.
- Easy preparation: Refrigerated biscuit dough makes this recipe simple.
- Soft and gooey: Brown sugar and butter create a delicious caramel coating.
- Perfect for sharing: Pull-apart pieces make it ideal for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Monkey Bread
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 large orange
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- ½ tsp orange zest
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Orange Cinnamon Christmas Monkey Bread
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 10–12 cup Bundt pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cut the Biscuit Dough
Separate the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into four pieces.
3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar
Combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest in a large bowl or resealable bag. Add the dough pieces and toss until evenly coated.
4. Arrange the Dough
Place the coated dough pieces evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.
5. Prepare the Brown Sugar Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and combined.
6. Pour Over the Dough
Pour the warm brown sugar butter mixture evenly over the dough pieces, allowing it to flow between the layers.
7. Bake
Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is fully cooked. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
8. Make the Orange Glaze
Whisk the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Add the juice gradually until the glaze reaches your preferred consistency.
9. Cool and Serve
Let the monkey bread rest in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Drizzle with the orange glaze and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Orange Cinnamon Christmas Monkey Bread
- Use fresh orange zest and juice for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Coat the dough pieces evenly so every bite has cinnamon-sugar flavor.
- Grease the Bundt pan thoroughly to make releasing the bread easier.
- Avoid leaving the bread in the pan too long after baking, as the caramel sauce can stick.
- Add a little extra orange zest to the glaze for a stronger citrus taste.
Final Thoughts
Orange Cinnamon Christmas Monkey Bread combines sweet cinnamon, buttery brown sugar, and fresh orange flavor in one festive pull-apart treat. Serve it warm for Christmas morning breakfast, holiday brunch, or a delicious winter gathering.
