Name: Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups Cheerios (gluten-free if needed); 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios a nostalgic and crunchy snack with the warm flavors of buttery cinnamon sugar, transforming Cheerios into a quick and irresistible treat. This recipe is perfect for a quick snack, satisfying your craving for something sweet, warm, and crunchy in just 10 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Only 10 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

Minimal ingredients: You likely have everything already in your pantry.

Versatile: A great snack for both kids and adults.

Perfect for sharing: Serve it at a gathering or enjoy it as a solo treat.

Nostalgic and fun: It tastes like mini doughnuts but in cereal form.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups Cheerios (gluten-free if needed)

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Toast the Cheerios:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the Cheerios and stir to coat them evenly in the butter.
Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes, or until the Cheerios are golden and toasted.

Add the Cinnamon Sugar:
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the warm Cheerios in the skillet. Stir well to ensure all the Cheerios are evenly coated.

Cool and Serve:
Remove the Cheerios from the skillet and spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool slightly.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 120 kcal per 1/2 cup serving

Variations

Add a chocolate twist: Drizzle melted chocolate over the Cheerios once they’ve cooled.

Pumpkin spice version: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice mix for a fall-inspired treat.

Brown sugar substitution: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer, caramelized flavor.

Add nuts: Toss in toasted pecans or almonds for a crunchy variation.

Vanilla boost: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract with the butter for an added layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftover Cheerios in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crunch.

Reheating: If they lose some of their crispness, lightly toast them in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes to revive the texture.

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FAQs

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this gluten-free, use certified gluten-free Cheerios, as they are widely available and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I use flavored Cheerios for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with flavored Cheerios, like Honey Nut Cheerios, for a slightly different taste, though plain works best with the cinnamon sugar coating.

How do I store leftover Cheerios to keep them crunchy?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used as a butter substitute, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet to evenly coat the Cheerios in butter and cinnamon sugar.

Conclusion

This Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios recipe is a quick and nostalgic snack perfect for any time of day. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, I can transform a pantry staple into a warm, buttery, cinnamon-sugar delight. Whether you’re enjoying it as a family snack, at a party, or all on your own, this recipe is sure to please. Try it once, and it just might become your new go-to treat!

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