Simple Brioche Monkey Bread

Serves 5-6

Ingredients-

For the dough:

• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp + 2 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 3 cups (375g) all purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter, room temp, cubed

For the sugar coating:

• 5 tbsp (70g) unsalted butter plus additional, to grease the pan
• 1 cup (220g) light or dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

Directions-

1. In a bowl, stir together the yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the water. Let sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until foam forms on top. If this doesn’t happens, your yeast needs to be refreshed!
2. Add this to a mixer bowl with the flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar and salt. Mix on low with the dough hook until the dough comes together. Add the butter and mix until it comes together. Increase the speed to medium and mix for about 7 to 8 minutes until smooth.
3. Remove the dough hook and bring the dough together into the center of the bowl.
4. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour.
5. To assemble, melt the 5 tablespoons of butter in a bowl and set aside to cool. Grease the pan with butter, and mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in an additional bowl.
6. Punch down the dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface to where the dough is about 1” (2.5cm) thick.
7. Tear or use a knife or dough cutter to cut the dough into 1” squares. Add to a bowl with the melted butter, then toss with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
8. Pile the balls in the greased pan.
9. Let proof for about 1 hour.
10. Bake at 350F/175C for 35-45 minutes, or until golden.  Let cool about 5 minutes (no longer or it might stick), then flip out onto a plate.
11. Enjoy! Best eaten warm!

Recipe by Molly J. Wilkinson (@mollyjwilk)