Name: Hot Chocolate Monkey Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 packet hot chocolate mix; Optional: powdered sugar, for dusting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hot chocolate monkey bread is a fun twist on a traditional favorite. It’s easy to prepare using store-bought biscuit dough and pantry staples, but it tastes like something you’d get from a gourmet bakery. The combination of melted chocolate, fluffy dough, and gooey marshmallows makes it irresistible. Best of all, it’s designed for sharing, making it a fantastic option for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Refrigerated biscuit dough (like buttermilk or homestyle)
Granulated sugar
Cocoa powder
Ground cinnamon
Butter (melted)
Mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Mini marshmallows
Hot chocolate mix (for extra flavor)
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
Cut each biscuit into quarters and roll the pieces in the cocoa-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Layer the coated biscuit pieces into the bundt pan, sprinkling mini chocolate chips and marshmallows between layers.
Mix melted butter with a packet of hot chocolate mix and pour it evenly over the top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden and the dough is cooked through.
Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Serve warm and pull apart with your hands or a fork.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8–10 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, bake time is 35–40 minutes, and cooling time is around 10 minutes.

Variations

S’mores Style: Add crushed graham crackers with the marshmallows and chocolate for a s’mores version.
Peppermint Twist: Add crushed peppermint candies or a drop of peppermint extract to the butter mix.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for extra richness.
Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Mini Monkey Breads: Use a muffin tin to make individual servings.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm the whole bread in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes. Avoid reheating too long or the marshmallows may harden.

FAQs

Can I make hot chocolate monkey bread ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh the next day.

What kind of biscuit dough works best?

Refrigerated buttermilk or homestyle biscuit dough is ideal. Avoid flaky layers for best texture.

Can I use homemade dough?

Absolutely. Any soft yeast dough will work well if you prefer homemade over store-bought.

Will the marshmallows melt during baking?

Yes, they melt into gooey pockets of sweetness, especially when layered between dough pieces.

Do I need a bundt pan?

It’s recommended for the traditional monkey bread shape, but a loaf or round pan can be used in a pinch.

Can I add more chocolate?

Definitely. Layer in extra chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top after baking.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden brown and the center should no longer feel doughy. A toothpick should come out mostly clean.

Can I freeze monkey bread?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze leftovers tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for best results.

What can I serve with hot chocolate monkey bread?

It’s perfect on its own but also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in the coating mixture or skip the final dusting of powdered sugar to tone down the sweetness.

Conclusion

Hot chocolate monkey bread is a cozy, decadent dessert that delivers all the comforting flavors of your favorite winter drink in a pull-apart form. With gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and soft biscuit dough, it’s impossible to resist. Whether you serve it for brunch, dessert, or a holiday treat, it’s sure to become a crowd-pleasing favorite in your recipe collection.