Best Monkey Bread

• servings: 8 servings
• total time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

Cooking spray

1 (1/4-oz.) package active dry yeast

1 1/4 c. whole milk, heated to 110°

4 3/4 c. (570 g.) all-purpose flour, plus more for surface

1/2 c. (105 g.) packed light brown sugar

1 tsp. kosher salt

2 large eggs

4 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened

1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, divided

All-purpose flour, for dusting

1 c. (200 g.) granulated sugar

2 tbsp. ground cinnamon

1 c. (115 g.) confectioners' sugar

1/4 c. heavy cream

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Directions

Dough

Grease a medium bowl with cooking spray. In a large measuring glass, sprinkle yeast over warm milk. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.

In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, beat flour, granulated sugar, and salt on medium speed until combined. Add yeast mixture and eggs. Beat until dough starts to come together. Add butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, letting each piece incorporate into the dough before adding the next. Continue to beat on medium-high speed until dough is soft, smooth, and a little sticky, about 5 minutes.

Transfer dough to prepared bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.

Assembly

Grease a large Bundt pan with softened butter, making sure to coat all sides well, including the inner tube. On a lightly floured surface, turn out dough. Pat into a square about 1/2" thick. Cut into 60 pieces. Roll each ball to about 1" in diameter.

In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Place butter in a small heatproof bowl and microwave in 15-second increment until melted.

Working one at a time, dip balls into butter, letting excess drip off, then roll in cinnamon sugar. Place into prepared pan, layering as you go. Cover with a towel and let rise until dough has expanded, 30 to 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°. Bake monkey bread until top is deeply golden, about 40 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes, then invert onto a platter. Let cool 10 minutes more before icing.

Glaze