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This Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios recipe turns simple Cheerios into a crunchy, buttery, cinnamon-sugar coated snack that your whole family will love. It’s perfect for when you want a sweet treat without much fuss and ready in just minutes.
I started making this when I needed a quick after-school snack and it quickly became a favorite for movie nights around here.
Ingredients
- Cheerios: choose fresh, vibrant-tasting cereal for the best crunch and flavor
- Salted butter: adds richness and helps the sugar mixture stick to the cereal evenly
- Pure vanilla extract: enhances the sweet buttery notes with a warm aroma
- Granulated sugar: gives a crisp, sweet coating that balances perfectly with cinnamon
- Ground cinnamon: adds comforting spice and warmth for that classic doughnut vibe
- Salt: just a pinch can help balance the sweetness if your butter isn’t salted
Instructions
- Build The Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- In a small bowl combine the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar thoroughly. Setting it aside gives you time to prepare the buttered cereal without losing any flavor. Mix until evenly blended so every bite has that perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
- Melt Butter And Blend Vanilla:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salted butter and swirl the pan until melted completely. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix well to infuse the butter with that rich flavor. This step is essential because it coats the Cheerios, ensuring every piece gets a buttery sparkle.
- Toast Cheerios With Butter:
- Pour the Cheerios into the skillet, stirring gently to coat them evenly in the butter and vanilla mixture. Keep cooking for about three minutes, stirring occasionally until the Cheerios are just lightly toasted. This builds a depth of flavor and makes the cereal extra crisp without burning it.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar And Cool:
- Remove the pan from heat and immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix over the Cheerios. Toss or stir gently to coat all the pieces evenly with the sugary spice. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet or plate to cool for a few minutes so it crisps up. Then enjoy your delicious mini doughnut bites.
I love how the cinnamon and butter come together here. It reminds me of making cinnamon toast with my grandmother on chilly mornings. That warm spice and buttery scent fills the kitchen and makes every bite feel cozy and special.
Storage Tips
Store your Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crispy. Avoid refrigeration because moisture can make them soggy. They stay fresh for up to five days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack for the week.
Ingredient Swaps
Try using coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version though the flavor will be milder. Maple syrup can be added along with sugar for a sticky, sweeter glaze. Experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice in place of cinnamon for a seasonal spin.
Serving Ideas
Serve these as a fun party snack or pack in lunchboxes for a little sweet crunch during the day. Sprinkle over plain yogurt or vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert topping. Enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting combination.
This easy, crunchy snack is sure to become a favorite anytime you want a little sweet buttery comfort quickly.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How do I get the Cheerios evenly coated?
Make sure to stir continuously while adding Cheerios to the melted butter and vanilla, ensuring each piece is fully covered before adding the cinnamon-sugar mix.
- → Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes, cereals with a sturdy texture work best to hold the butter and cinnamon-sugar coating without becoming soggy.
- → What can I substitute for salted butter?
Unsalted butter works well; just add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors if desired.
- → How do I store the snack to keep it crisp?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness and prevent moisture from softening the coated Cheerios.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness or spice level?
Absolutely, you can increase or decrease the sugar and cinnamon amounts to suit your taste preferences.