Brown Bears Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- cup ground cinnamon
- cup butter, melted
- 1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough
Directions
- Gather all ingredients together.
- In a shallow bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together.
- Pour melted butter into a separate shallow bowl.
- Separate the biscuit dough and form each piece into a rope about 4 to 5 inches long.
- Wrap the dough pieces around skewers.
- Hold the skewers over a campfire, slowly turning them until the biscuit dough is browned and set, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Dip the cooked biscuits into the melted butter, then dredge them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Cook's Note
You will need 8 skewers for this recipe. Metal or wooden skewers will both work fine.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 | |
| Total Fat | 16g | 21% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 43% |
| Cholesterol | 31mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 432mg | 19% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Total Sugars | 28g | |
| Protein | 3g | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 56mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 76mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origin
The "Brown Bears" recipe has become a beloved tradition for many families, especially during camping trips. It is a simple yet delightful treat made from canned biscuit dough, cinnamon sugar, and melted butter. While its precise origin remains unclear, it is thought to have been passed down among campers and outdoor enthusiasts as a fun and easy dessert to prepare over a campfire. The recipe is widely associated with outdoor cooking, and it offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and taste for both kids and adults. The warm, golden biscuit dough, coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, evokes memories of family gatherings and adventure under the stars.
Regional Variations and Characteristics
While Brown Bears are most commonly associated with camping in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and along the Appalachian Trail, the concept of cooking sweet, dough-based treats over an open fire can be found in various cultures around the world. In some regions, variations include adding local ingredients such as chocolate chips, raisins, or even marshmallows into the dough before cooking. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; it's easy to modify based on available ingredients and personal preferences. In certain places, the recipe is even adapted for non-camping use, cooked in an oven or air fryer for a convenient, indoor version.
How Brown Bears Differ from Similar Dishes
Brown Bears are often compared to other campfire bread recipes like "Monkey Bread" or "Cinnamon Rolls," but they stand out due to their simplicity and portability. Unlike Monkey Bread, which is typically baked in a pan and requires a more elaborate preparation process, Brown Bears are made using refrigerated biscuit dough, which reduces prep time and makes it ideal for outdoor cooking. Furthermore, unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that are often served as part of a larger breakfast spread, Brown Bears are eaten as a fun and interactive snack, usually prepared on skewers and eaten right off the campfire. This method of cooking creates a crispy exterior with a soft, doughy center, making for a unique texture and flavor combination.
Where Brown Bears Are Typically Served
Brown Bears are most often served in outdoor settings, especially during camping trips or cookouts. They make for a delightful treat around a campfire, where the dough is skewered and roasted over open flames, adding a sense of adventure to the cooking process. However, these treats can also be made at home for a cozy, fun breakfast or snack. For those without a campfire, an oven or air fryer can easily replicate the delicious result. The dish has grown in popularity among families, scout groups, and youth organizations, becoming a staple of group gatherings and an opportunity for children to get involved in cooking.
Interesting Facts About Brown Bears
- Brown Bears are often considered a "campfire food," enjoyed in the great outdoors while making memories with family and friends.
- In addition to the traditional cinnamon-sugar coating, some cooks have been known to experiment with different toppings, such as chocolate chips, marshmallows, or even savory versions like garlic and herbs.
- The dish gets its name from the way the biscuits are cooked on skewers over a fire, which resembles the shape of a bear or the twisting nature of a bear's paw print.
- Many campers and scouts have shared their own variations of the recipe, adding personal touches that reflect regional flavors and preferences.
FAQ about Brown Bears Recipe
Comments
Love2CookMommy
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
Made this twice so far. First, as directed using the butter and cinnamon as coating after it's done cooking. Second time, I coated it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before cooking followed by the butter and cinnamon coating. Wow! It's like Monkey bread or a cinnamon roll to go! It's very pretty, cheap, and simple. I will be keeping this recipe to pass on as a camping breakfast tradition. It was so much fun to make! Thanks for this delicious recipe! If you want to make these at home because you are craving them but weather isn't permitting camping, follow the recipe but bake at temperature and time suggested on your biscuit can, rotating once half way through cook time.
LankyVeal5028
07/02/2024 02:39:52 AM
Got an idea after seeing this,gona try this weekend, try enorperating mini chocolate chips and mini marshmallows folded or rolled into the biscuits then add broken chunks or graham craker crumbs to the cinnamon sugar and once dipped into butter and rolled in crumbs and cinnamon sugar then re-toasting to crispen the crumbs with the butter
Wendy
07/02/2024 05:28:31 PM
I used a small amount of butter, raisins and cinnamon inside wrap before cooking . Tasted like Cinnamon Buns. They are delicious.
Tyr
03/18/2019 02:32:58 AM
it was really good frfr—what I did was I coated the sticks in the butter and cinnamon-sugar when they were raw, then stuck em in the oven at the temperature recommended on the biscuit can for about 3-5 minutes less than directed. turned out perfect.
gtabbott
07/16/2014 06:14:46 PM
A parent introduced this to our Cub Scout Pack, and it became a requirement at every campout. Apart from the butter and cinnamon sugar, we've had shaved chocolate to dip the biscuits into, and will even wrap chocolate inside the biscuit before cooking. The kids (and who are we kidding, parents too) love this recipe.
SpeedyBroth2628
07/02/2024 01:11:19 PM
Bake it, air fry it, and if you use a fire use a cast iron...any issues that YOU have are ONLY USER ERROR...
Margaret Rivera
07/09/2024 02:31:38 AM
It came out so photogenic too!
FlashyCane7951
07/03/2024 04:03:51 AM
That was one of the best recipes I've ever done my wife should cook but I cook sometimes but this was simple and easy thank you.
SteadyYam4859
07/02/2024 07:52:10 PM
Just another way to enjoy the outdoors!!!!
Donald Moore
07/02/2024 08:08:55 AM
Turned out perfectly on the first try.
CraftyPecan4602
07/02/2024 06:51:19 AM
Not tried yet ut5ty6
CheekyYam8739
07/02/2024 04:39:48 AM
No changes, really yummy just the way they are. Super simple to make, children friendly. 🤪😋🤪😋
Abbey
06/20/2024 04:01:14 PM
Tasted great and very enjoyable to make!
Wendi Hartl
07/23/2018 07:52:06 PM
Instead of making them for breakfast, we made them with dinner and instead of putting the butter/ cinnamon/sugar, we put butter and garlic!! We called them garlic bears!!!
RuthieTheDessertSource101
06/30/2018 11:31:36 PM
I made this in Junior High at lake ann camp. It was so good! The only thing that i thought is that brown sugar tastes better than cinnomen sugar. I think this tastes great!