Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a fun and simple way to turn your everyday Cheerios into a delicious, comforting treat. The cinnamon-sugar coating perfectly balances the buttery crunch of the cereal, making each bite irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile—add chocolate drizzle, peanut butter, or a spicy kick to make it your own! Whether you’re making it for a quick snack or for an afternoon treat with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to bring joy with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups Cheerios™ or Cinnamon Cheerios™ cereal
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra sweet flavor. Keep the heat low to prevent burning. This step only takes about 2 minutes.
- Cook the Cereal: Add the Cheerios to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes. Stir often to ensure the cereal is coated evenly with the butter. The cereal will turn golden and fragrant.
- Toss with Cinnamon Sugar: Transfer the cooked cereal to a large bowl. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together, then toss it with the cereal, making sure every piece is coated in the sweet mixture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cereal cool slightly before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Fun Twists to Try
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cereal. Add a sprinkle of sea salt for a fancy touch.
- Peanut Butter Boost: Swap butter for peanut butter and mix in mini marshmallows for a playful twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat.
Which twist would you try first? Share in the comments below!
Serving & Sipping Ideas
- Serve the snack in small bowls during a movie night or as a quick breakfast treat.
- Pair it with fresh apple slices for a bit of crunch.
- Top it with whipped cream and serve it as dessert.
- Drink it with cold milk for a classic combo, or try hot chai tea for a cozy twist.
Storage Tips for Your Sweet Cereal Snack
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the sweet cereal snack in a zip-top bag for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Fun fact: My grandkids love sneaking handfuls straight from the freezer—they love the crunch!
FAQs
Can I use other cereals?
Yes! This recipe works with any round cereal, so feel free to use your favorite.
Can I make a bigger batch for a party?
Absolutely! Just double the recipe and spread the extra cereal on a tray to cool before storing. This makes a great party snack!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can make these a day ahead and store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Conclusion
Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios are a fun, quick, and delicious snack that can be enjoyed any time of day. With a buttery, crispy exterior and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, they are the perfect treat to satisfy your cravings. Whether you prefer a classic version or one of the fun twists, this easy recipe is sure to become a go-to snack in your kitchen. Enjoy the comforting flavors and share the love with family and friends!

Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios: A Quick and Delicious Treat
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios are a quick and delightful snack that combines crispy cereal with a cinnamon-sugar coating, creating a sweet and satisfying treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups Cheerios™ or Cinnamon Cheerios™ cereal
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. Keep the heat low to prevent burning, about 2 minutes.
- Cook the Cereal: Add the Cheerios to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant.
- Toss with Cinnamon Sugar: Transfer the cereal to a bowl. Mix sugar and cinnamon, then toss with the cereal to coat evenly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cereal cool slightly before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cereal and sprinkle with sea salt.
Peanut Butter Boost: Swap butter for peanut butter and mix in mini marshmallows for a fun twist.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon for some heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg