Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes like mini doughnuts with no frying needed
- Made with basic ingredients you probably have at home
- Quick and easy—ready in less than 10 minutes
- Great snack for kids and adults alike
- Perfect for after-school treats, movie nights, or breakfast
- No baking or oven time required
- Fun twist on a classic cereal
- Naturally gluten-free (if using gluten-free Cheerios)
- Can be customized with different spices or flavors
- Totally addicting and crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cheerios (plain, not flavored)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Directions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the Cheerios and stir to coat evenly with the melted butter.
- Cook the Cheerios in the skillet for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are hot and slightly toasted.
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
- Remove the skillet from heat and immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the warm Cheerios.
- Stir well to evenly coat the cereal.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Variations
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for extra flavor
- Use honey instead of sugar for a glazed version
- Make a chocolate version by mixing cocoa powder with sugar
- Swap in other cereals like Rice Chex or Crispix for a different texture
- Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate once cooled
- Mix in mini marshmallows or crushed graham crackers for a s’mores twist
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled Cheerios in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat and crisp them slightly, warm in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes or pop in a microwave for 10–15 seconds.
FAQs
What kind of Cheerios should I use?
Plain Cheerios are best for this recipe. Flavored varieties like Honey Nut may be too sweet when combined with the cinnamon sugar.
Do I have to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is preferred, but if you only have salted, just reduce or skip any added salt.
Can I make these in the microwave?
It’s best to make them on the stovetop for even toasting and flavor, but you could melt butter and toss everything together if you’re in a hurry.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white?
Yes, brown sugar adds a caramel-like flavor and works well as a substitute.
Are these like homemade cereal bars?
No, they’re more like a warm snack mix—crispy, sweet, and loose rather than held together like a bar.
Can I make a big batch?
Absolutely. Just double or triple the ingredients and use a large skillet or cook in batches.
Are these gluten-free?
Regular Cheerios are made from oats and labeled gluten-free in some regions, but always check the packaging to be sure.
Will they stay crispy?
They are best eaten fresh but can stay crisp for a day or two if stored properly.
Can kids help make this?
Yes, it’s a great recipe for supervised kids since it’s quick and doesn’t require an oven.
How do I serve these?
Serve in bowls as a snack, put in small bags for lunchboxes, or enjoy by the handful during movie night.
Conclusion
Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios are a simple yet satisfying treat that transforms everyday cereal into something special. With buttery crispness and sweet cinnamon sugar coating, they’re a quick snack that hits all the right nostalgic notes. Whether you’re sharing with family or enjoying solo, this recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite.
PrintMini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios
Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios are a quick and easy snack that transforms plain Cheerios into warm, buttery bites coated in cinnamon sugar. This nostalgic treat tastes like mini cinnamon doughnuts and is ready in under 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups plain Cheerios
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add Cheerios and stir to evenly coat with melted butter.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until Cheerios are hot and lightly toasted.
- In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together.
- Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the Cheerios.
- Stir well to coat evenly.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Best when served fresh, but can be stored for a few days.
- Use plain Cheerios for best flavor balance.
- Customize with nutmeg, cocoa, or flavored sugars for variation.
- Supervise kids during cooking—it’s a fun and simple recipe for families.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
