Introduction

This Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios recipe transforms a simple breakfast cereal into a sweet, cinnamon-coated treat. With buttery richness and a sprinkle of sugar and spice, it’s a quick and delightful snack or breakfast upgrade.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with many small, round cereal pieces shaped like loops. The cereal has a golden brown color with a rough, crunchy texture and is covered lightly with sugar crystals that sparkle slightly. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that provides a clean background, and the cereal is piled high almost reaching the bowl's rim. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups Cheerios
1/4 cup salted butter
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt to taste (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter in the skillet, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Cheerios to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the butter mixture. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the Cheerios are lightly toasted.
Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the Cheerios. Toss gently to coat thoroughly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips over the Cheerios after coating.
Use unsalted butter if you prefer to control the salt level, adding salt sparingly to taste.
Try swapping vanilla extract for almond extract for a different flavor twist.

Storage

Store any leftover Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, avoid refrigerating. If they lose some crunch, refresh in a dry skillet over low heat for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows three white paper cups with colorful circle designs filled with cinnamon-coated cereal rings. Each cup is full, with the cereal spilling slightly over the top edge, showing warm brown and golden tones coated with a fine layer of sugar and cinnamon. The cups are placed on a white marbled surface with a few loose cereal rings scattered around. The focus is on the front cup, giving a close-up view of the textured, crunchy cereal pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Cheerios?

Yes, this recipe works well with other similar-sized cereals like Rice Chex or Cheerios alternatives. Just ensure the cereal is sturdy enough to hold up during toasting.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Absolutely! It’s a kid-friendly snack that’s sweet and flavorful without any artificial ingredients. Just be mindful of added sugar if serving to very young children.

Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 109 reviews

These Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios are a quick and delightful snack featuring toasted Cheerios coated in a buttery vanilla mixture and dusted with cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crunchy treat.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 cups Cheerios
1/4 cup salted butter
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Coating

1/4 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, stirring well to create the cinnamon sugar mixture. Set this aside for later use.
Melt Butter and Add Vanilla: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salted butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, stir in the pure vanilla extract to infuse the butter with flavor.
Toast the Cheerios: Add the 4 cups of Cheerios to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to coat them evenly with the melted butter and vanilla mixture. Continue cooking for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the Cheerios are lightly toasted and golden.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Remove the skillet from heat. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered Cheerios and stir gently to coat all pieces. Optionally, add salt to taste to enhance the sweetness.
Cool and Serve: Allow the coated Cheerios to cool for a few minutes so the coating sets slightly. Once cooled, enjoy this sweet, buttery snack immediately or store for later consumption.

Notes

Use salted butter for balanced flavor; unsalted butter can be used with a pinch of added salt.
Stir continuously when toasting Cheerios to avoid burning.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly before eating to let the coating crisp up a bit.
This recipe makes a great snack for kids and adults alike.
Can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days for best freshness.

Keywords: Mini Doughnut Cheerios, Hot Buttered Cheerios, Cinnamon Sugar Cheerios, Toasted Cheerios Snack, Sweet Cheerios Recipe