If you’re craving a cozy snack with a delightful twist, the Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe transforms everyone’s favorite breakfast cereal into a warm, buttery, cinnamon-sugared treat that feels like biting into tiny doughnuts. It’s quick, simple, and absolutely addictive, perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking a sweet bite whenever the mood strikes. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed Cheerios any other way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe is a breeze because you only need a handful of ingredients, each playing a key role to bring out flavor, aroma, and that perfect comforting crunch.
- 4 cups Cheerios: The base of this snack, providing that familiar shape and satisfying crunch to soak up the butter and cinnamon-sugar coating.
- ¼ cup salted butter: Adds luscious richness and a warm mouthfeel that’s essential for the “hot buttered” experience.
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Offers a fragrant sweetness that elevates the entire flavor profile.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Brings just the right amount of sweetness to balance the butter and spice.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives the snack its irresistible mini doughnut vibe.
- Salt to taste (optional): Enhances all the other flavors and cuts through the sweetness when used sparingly.
How to Make Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Cinnamon and Sugar
Start by combining the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. This simple yet powerful combo is what creates that signature mini doughnut flavor, and setting it aside now means you’re ready to coat the Cheerios the moment they come off the heat.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Add Vanilla
Over medium heat, melt the salted butter in a large skillet. Once it’s fully melted and bubbling gently, stir in the pure vanilla extract. The vanilla adds such a lovely depth of warmth that perfectly complements the cinnamon and butter.
Step 3: Toast the Cheerios in Butter
Pour the Cheerios into the skillet and stir quickly to coat them evenly in the melted butter and vanilla mixture. Cooking the Cheerios for about three minutes gives them a light golden toast that crisps them up just right and helps lock in the flavor.
Step 4: Toss with Cinnamon-Sugar
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the Cheerios. Toss them gently but thoroughly to make sure every little O gets its sweet and spicy hug. This step is the magic touch that turns ordinary Cheerios into a treat you won’t be able to put down.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios cool just a bit; this helps the sugar coating firm up and makes sure each bite has the perfect crunchy texture. Then dive in and enjoy this cozy snack straight from the skillet or store them for later nibbling!
How to Serve Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe
Garnishes
To take presentation and flavor up a notch, sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving. A little twist of orange zest can also add a fresh surprise that pairs wonderfully with the warm cinnamon notes.
Side Dishes
This snack works beautifully alongside a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy hot chocolate. The buttery-sweet Cheerios also complement a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios in cute mason jars or small dessert bowls to impress guests with a fun, casual snack. They also make a charming party favor when packed in cellophane bags tied with ribbon, perfect for sharing your love of this unique recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and crunchy for a couple of days, making for an easy grab-and-go snack when you need a quick pick-me-up.
Freezing
Although this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooled Cheerios in a sealed bag or container. When you want to enjoy them later, just thaw at room temperature and gently re-toast in a dry skillet for a minute or two to bring back that perfect crisp.
Reheating
If your Cheerios have lost some crunch, gently reheat them over low heat in a skillet for a few minutes, stirring often. This revives the buttery coating and crunch without burning or drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal instead of Cheerios?
Absolutely! The Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe works best with cereals that can hold their shape and crispness when toasted, like Chex or similar oat-based cereals. Just make sure the cereal isn’t too delicate to handle the butter and cinnamon-sugar coating.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply swap the salted butter for a good-quality vegan butter or coconut oil and ensure the vanilla extract is pure and free from additives. The coconut oil will add a subtle tropical note that’s absolutely delicious.
How long does this snack stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these buttery cinnamon Cheerios will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 days. After that, they may start to lose their crispness, but a quick re-toast in a skillet can revive them nicely.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Definitely! The recipe is flexible, so if you prefer it less sweet, reduce the sugar slightly or add a pinch more salt to balance. If you want it sweeter, feel free to add a little more sugar or even a dusting of powdered sugar after cooling.
What’s the best way to toss the Cheerios with cinnamon sugar?
The key is to work quickly while the Cheerios are still warm from the skillet. This helps the cinnamon sugar stick evenly and form that perfect coating. Using a large bowl to toss or gently shaking the skillet works best for even coverage.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend the Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe enough if you want a quick, satisfying treat that feels homemade and special. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, uses ingredients you probably already have, and delivers that cozy, warm-spiced joy that snacks dream of. Trust me, once you try it, this will become your go-to for snacking or sharing — and everyone will want the recipe!
Print
Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios is a quick and delicious snack featuring toasted Cheerios coated in a warm mixture of melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings in just minutes, this treat combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar with a buttery twist, making it an irresistible and easy-to-make snack for any time of day.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cheerios
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Cinnamon and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar thoroughly. Set this mixture aside to use later for coating the Cheerios.
- Melt Butter and Add Vanilla: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the salted butter. Once fully melted, stir in the pure vanilla extract to infuse the butter with aroma and flavor.
- Toast Cheerios: Add the 4 cups of Cheerios directly into the skillet with the melted butter and vanilla. Stir to coat all the Cheerios evenly and cook for approximately 3 minutes, or until they become lightly toasted, enhancing their crunchiness and flavor.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the toasted Cheerios. Toss or stir well to ensure the Cheerios are fully coated with the cinnamon sugar blend.
- Cool and Serve: Let the coated Cheerios cool for a few minutes to allow the sugar to set and for safe handling. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios snack!
Notes
- Use salted butter to add a slight savory balance to the sweetness, or unsalted butter if you prefer full control over the saltiness.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar based on your desired sweetness level.
- For a crunchier texture, let the Cheerios cool completely before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness for up to 2 days.
- Optionally, add a pinch of salt to enhance flavors if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
