Name: Snowflake Pull-Apart Monkey Bread
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Dough:; 1 cup warm whole milk; 2 1/4 tsp instant dry yeast; 2 tbsp honey; 2 large eggs; 4 tbsp salted butter, softened; 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp kosher salt; Filling:; 6 tbsp butter, softened; 3/4 cup light brown sugar; 1 tbsp cinnamon; Butterscotch Sauce:; 1/2 cup dark brown sugar; 4 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp whiskey (or maple syrup for non-alcoholic version); 1/3 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional: Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

This Snowflake Pull-Apart Monkey Bread is warm, doughy, gooey, and loaded with cinnamon and butterscotch. It looks like a festive snowflake centerpiece, but it pulls apart just like the sticky buns I grew up loving. I like making this during the holidays because it feels special, yet the process is straightforward and fun.

Snowflake Pull-Apart Monkey Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that this bread looks impressive without being overly complicated. The layers of soft dough with cinnamon sugar filling give me the comfort of cinnamon rolls, while the drizzle of butterscotch sauce makes it indulgent enough for Christmas morning. I also like that I can prep it the night before and bake it fresh the next day, which makes holiday mornings so much easier.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dough

Warm whole milk
Instant dry yeast
Honey
Eggs
Salted butter
All-purpose flour
Kosher salt

Filling

Butter
Light brown sugar
Cinnamon

Butterscotch Sauce

Dark brown sugar
Butter
Whiskey
Heavy cream
Vanilla extract

Directions

I start by making the dough. I combine the milk, yeast, honey, eggs, butter, flour, and salt in a large bowl until the dough comes together. If it’s too sticky, I add a little more flour.
Then I knead it into a smooth ball and let it rise in a greased bowl, covered, until doubled in size.
For the filling, I mix butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it’s spreadable.
Once the dough has risen, I divide it into four equal pieces, roll each into a 10-inch circle, and layer them with the filling, ending with the fourth circle on top.
I place a glass in the center, then cut the dough into 16 strips around the glass. I twist pairs of strips away from each other twice and pinch the ends to seal.
After letting it rise again, I brush with beaten egg and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, spooning any leaked filling back over halfway through.
Meanwhile, I make the butterscotch sauce by simmering butter, brown sugar, and cream, then stirring in whiskey and vanilla.
Finally, I drizzle the bread with sauce and dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10 servings. The prep time takes around 2 hours (including rising), and the bake time is about 30 minutes. In total, I spend about 2 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes swap the whiskey in the sauce with maple syrup for a kid-friendly version.
For a nutty twist, I sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts between the dough layers.
If I want it extra festive, I add a little orange zest to the filling.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I wrap pieces in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. The bread also reheats nicely in the microwave for a quick treat.

Snowflake Pull-Apart Monkey Bread

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I like to prepare the dough through the shaping stage, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, I let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats before baking.

Do I have to use whiskey in the butterscotch sauce?

No, I can leave it out or replace it with maple syrup, rum extract, or even just skip it for a simple caramel flavor.

Can I use store-bought dough?

I prefer homemade dough for the best texture, but store-bought pizza dough could work in a pinch if I want to save time.

How do I prevent the butterscotch sauce from curdling?

I let my cream come to room temperature before adding it to the hot sugar mixture. This helps it blend smoothly without separating.

Can I freeze this monkey bread?

Yes, I can freeze it baked or unbaked. If freezing unbaked, I shape the bread and freeze it before the final rise. If baked, I let it cool, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

This Snowflake Pull-Apart Monkey Bread is the kind of holiday recipe I come back to year after year. It’s soft, sweet, buttery, and festive enough to impress, but still simple enough to make without stress. Whether I drizzle it with butterscotch sauce or enjoy it plain, it’s always a cozy centerpiece for Christmas morning or any winter gathering.