Easy Yeast Rolls or Monkey Bread

Sink your teeth into the ultimate comfort food with this versatile recipe for Easy Yeast Rolls or Monkey Bread. Perfectly soft and fluffy, these yeast rolls rise to golden perfection, making them a must-have at dinner tables or special occasions. Alternatively, transform the same dough into decadent monkey bread by coating bite-sized dough pieces in buttery cinnamon-sugar goodness, baked to pull-apart perfection. With simple ingredients like warm water, active dry yeast, and all-purpose flour, this recipe is approachable even for beginners, while offering customizable sweetness for those with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving warm, buttery rolls alongside a savory meal or indulging in sticky, caramelized monkey bread as a dessert or brunch treat, this 2-in-1 recipe is sure to become a crowd favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:120 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:145 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup Warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) Active dry yeast
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 4 tablespoons (softened) Unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons Melted butter (for brushing or coating)
• 1 cup Brown sugar (for monkey bread, optional)
• 2 teaspoons Cinnamon (for monkey bread, optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water, stir gently, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan over low heat, warm the milk until slightly warm (not hot). Remove from heat and mix in the softened butter and salt until the butter is melted.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, the milk mixture, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until well combined.

Step 4

Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Step 5

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use the dough hook on a stand mixer for 5-6 minutes.

Step 6

Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 7

To make yeast rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or a round baking pan. Cover lightly and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 8

To make monkey bread: Cut the dough into small, bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Dip each dough piece in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Arrange the pieces in a greased Bundt pan. Let the dough rise for 30 minutes.

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 10

For yeast rolls, brush the tops with melted butter before baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 11

For monkey bread, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

Step 12

Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. For monkey bread, invert onto a serving plate while still warm. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1342.5 grams (1342.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3642

Total Fat 95.90g	123%
Saturated Fat 55.50g	278%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 248mg	83%
Sodium 2544mg	111%
Total Carbohydrate 641.70g	233%
Dietary Fiber 17.30g	62%
Total Sugars 267.60g
Protein 61.50g	123%

Vitamin D 135IU	674%
Calcium 637mg	49%
Iron 25mg	137%
Potassium 1380mg	29%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.5%

Protein: 6.7%

Carbs: 69.8%