A Childhood Favorite with a Sweet, Buttery Twist
Some snacks bring back instant memories, and for me, Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Toasted Cheerios is one of them. Growing up, my grandmother always had a way of turning simple pantry ingredients into something magical. Whether it was cinnamon sugar toast on a chilly morning or a quick stovetop treat in the afternoon, she knew how to make ordinary food feel special.
One day, while searching for a quick snack, I stumbled upon this recipe and was instantly hooked. It had everything I loved—the warmth of butter, the sweet crunch of cinnamon sugar, and the toasty goodness of Cheerios. It reminded me of old-fashioned doughnuts but in a lighter, easier-to-make form.
Now, this snack has become a staple in my home. Whether it’s a quick treat for the kids, a nostalgic late-night snack, or something fun to serve at a gathering, these buttery, cinnamon-coated Cheerios never disappoint. It’s proof that the simplest recipes are often the best.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Doughnut Cheerios
1. A Fun, Doughnut-Inspired Snack Without the Mess
Love doughnuts but don’t feel like frying? These chewy yet crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated Cheerios mimic the flavor of classic doughnuts with much less effort.
2. Quick and Easy to Make
With only five ingredients and less than 10 minutes of cooking time, this is one of the easiest homemade snacks you can make.
3. Perfect for Any Time of Day
- Morning: A sweet breakfast alternative to plain cereal.
- Afternoon: A quick pick-me-up snack.
- Late-night: A cozy treat for movie nights.
4. Budget-Friendly and Uses Pantry Staples
No need for fancy ingredients—just Cheerios, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
5. Great for Kids and Adults Alike
This is a kid-friendly snack that adults love just as much. It’s perfect for packing in school lunches or serving at parties.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
For the Buttery Cinnamon Coating:
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Toasted Cheerios:
- 4 cups Cheerios™ OR Cinnamon Cheerios™ cereal
For the Doughnut-Inspired Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make This Irresistible Snack (Directions)
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over low heat, melt the butter and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Toast the Cheerios: Add the cereal to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until they are lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Transfer the toasted Cheerios to a large bowl, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, and toss until evenly coated.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the mixture cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a snack or pour into a bowl with milk for a fun cereal twist!
A Crunchy Sweet Bite: Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g (Saturated: 5g)
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Sugar Toasted Cheerios
Use the Right Cheerios Flavor
While original Cheerios work perfectly, you can also try Cinnamon Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, or even Multi-Grain Cheerios for added flavor.
Toast the Cheerios Evenly
Stir frequently while toasting to ensure every piece is evenly coated in buttery goodness and doesn’t burn.
Cool Before Storing
If making a large batch, let the Cheerios cool completely before storing them to maintain their crisp texture.
Adjust the Cinnamon-Sugar Ratio to Your Taste
Love extra cinnamon? Add another ½ teaspoon. Prefer less sweetness? Reduce the sugar slightly.
Turn It Into a Snack Mix
For a fun twist, mix with:
- Nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) for crunch
- Mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise
- Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a chewy contrast
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they start to soften, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up.
2. Can I Make This in the Oven Instead of a Skillet?
Yes! Spread the Cheerios on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3. Can I Use a Sugar Substitute?
Yes! You can swap white sugar for:
- Coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor
- Maple sugar for a natural sweetness
- A sugar-free sweetener for a lower-calorie option
4. Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for about 1.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
5. Are There Other Flavor Variations?
Try these fun alternatives:
- Pumpkin Spice Version: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice.
- Chocolate-Coated: Toss in melted chocolate after toasting.
- Churro-Style: Use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of salt.
6. Can I Eat This Like Regular Cereal with Milk?
Absolutely! Pour into a bowl with milk for a sweet, crunchy breakfast cereal.
7. Can This Be Made Dairy-Free?
Yes! Replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
8. Can I Make a Large Batch for Gifting?
Yes! Package in cellophane bags or mason jars and tie with a ribbon for a delicious homemade gift.
How to Serve Mini Doughnut Cheerios
1. As a Standalone Snack
Eat them straight from the bowl—no extras needed!
2. As a Fun Yogurt Topping
Sprinkle over vanilla or cinnamon yogurt for added crunch.
3. Mixed with Ice Cream
Use as a topping for vanilla or caramel ice cream for an extra indulgence.
4. Paired with Coffee or Tea
The warm cinnamon sugar flavor goes perfectly with a hot drink.
5. In a Trail Mix
Mix with nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips for an on-the-go snack.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Snack Rotation
Sometimes, the best snacks are the ones that take simple, everyday ingredients and turn them into something extraordinary. Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Toasted Cheerios is exactly that kind of recipe—easy, nostalgic, and packed with flavor.
It’s the kind of snack you can make in minutes but enjoy all day long. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood treats or looking for a new family favorite, these cinnamon sugar Cheerios are guaranteed to hit the spot.
So, next time you’re craving something sweet and crunchy, skip the store-bought snacks and whip up a batch of these instead. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Happy snacking!
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Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Toasted Cheerios: A Nostalgic and Irresistible Snack
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Toasted Cheerios recipe is a nostalgic, sweet, and buttery snack that tastes just like old-fashioned cinnamon sugar doughnuts! Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this quick and easy treat is perfect for an afternoon snack, a fun party mix, or a cozy late-night indulgence. Crunchy, warm, and coated in cinnamon sugar goodness, these toasted Cheerios are completely irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Buttery Cinnamon Coating:
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Toasted Cheerios:
- 4 cups Cheerios™ OR Cinnamon Cheerios™ cereal
For the Doughnut-Inspired Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over low heat, melt the butter and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Toast the Cheerios: Add the cereal to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until they are lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Transfer the toasted Cheerios to a large bowl, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, and toss until evenly coated.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the mixture cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a snack or pour into a bowl with milk for a fun cereal twist!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio to taste for a stronger or milder flavor.
- Experiment with variations by using pumpkin spice, nutmeg, or a touch of cocoa powder.
- For a crunchy texture, bake the coated Cheerios at 300°F for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American