Monkey Bread, Overnight Version

We love the Cook's Country recipe for monkey bread, but wanted an overnight version especially since we usually on make this for Christmas morning.  I found this version that gives instructions for an overnight rise in the fridge--and it was perfect!


Dough

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup milk, warm (about 110 degrees, a bit warmer than body temperature)

• ⅓ cup water, warm (about 110 degrees, a bit warmer than body temperature)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons table salt

• 2½ teaspoons (1 package) active dry yeast

• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour , plus extra for work surface* (begin with 2½ c flour, and add up to 3¼c)

Brown Sugar Coating

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), melted

Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Prepare a bundt pan by generously coating with softened butter.

Warm milk and water to about 110 degrees - a bit warmer than body temperature.  Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter, sugar, and salt to milk/water mixture. Stir to dissolve.  

In a stand mixer with a flat beater blade, add flour and yeast.  On the mixer's lowest setting, slowly add liquid mixture to flour until combined.  Turn off mixer and switch to dough hook. Slowly increase the speed and gradually add the remaining flour. (May take more or less) The dough should cling to the hook, and clean the sides of the mixing bowl.  Knead dough in mixer for 6-7 minutes until shiny and smooth, but slightly sticky.  Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead in a smooth ball.  Coat a large bowl with nonstick cooking spray, and place ball of dough in bowl, turn to coat with cook spray. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm, draft free place until dough roughly doubles in size (about 50-60 minutes).

Just before dough finishes its first rise, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in one small bowl. Put the 8 tablespoons of melted butter into a second bowl.  Remove dough from bowl and pat into a 8 inch by 8 inch square. Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the square into 4 large pieces, then cut each of those quarters into about 16 pieces.  Gently roll each piece of dough into a ball.  Use one hand to dip the dough pieces into the butter, and allow excess butter to drip off, then place in the sugar mixture. Pick up the sugared pieces with other hand and layer in pan while staggering the seams.  

Cover pan tightly with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator overnight.

Next morning, remove pan from refrigerator about one hour before baking. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Remove plastic wrap and bake about 30-35 minutes. The top should be brown, and edges will begin to bubble. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, and turn out on a large platter. Cool about 10 minutes, before glazing.

As bread cools, whisk together confectioner's sugar and milk in a small bowl until lumps disappear. Drizzle glaze over top of warm bread, and let it run down sides.  Serve warm, enjoy!  Excellent hardy breakfast with eggs and sausage/bacon and orange juice.