Name: Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups plain Cheerios cereal; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a snack that’s every bit as nostalgic and comforting as it is quick and crave-worthy, these Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the irresistible flavors of classic cinnamon sugar doughnuts, but with the light, crispy crunch of toasted Cheerios. This recipe takes just minutes and transforms simple pantry staples into a treat that’s buttery, sweet, and completely addictive. Whether you’re sharing a cozy movie night or need something special for an afternoon pick-me-up, Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios are guaranteed to steal the show.

Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients come together in this recipe, each playing its own delicious role. From the classic warmth of cinnamon to the luscious silkiness of butter, every component works hard to give Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios their signature taste and texture.

Cheerios: Plain Cheerios bring the perfect crunch and act as a satisfying canvas for all the flavors to cling to.
Butter: Go for real butter here; it melts into the cereal, adding a rich base and helping the cinnamon sugar stick.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash deepens the aroma and creates that classic “bakery fresh” feeling.
Granulated Sugar: The sweet backbone that gives these Cheerios that doughnut shop magic.
Ground Cinnamon: Essential for creating that cozy warmth and giving every bite the comforting flavor of a cinnamon doughnut.

How to Make Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios

Step 1: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Give it a quick stir until everything’s beautifully blended, then set it aside. This is the magical dust that will give your Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios their signature finish.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Add Vanilla

Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the butter and let it gently melt, filling your kitchen with that familiar, cozy smell. Stir in the vanilla extract—it only takes a moment, but it’ll elevate the aroma and ensure every Cheerio is touched by a hint of sweet vanilla.

Step 3: Toast the Cheerios

Pour the Cheerios into the melted butter and vanilla, stirring well to coat every piece. Keep stirring gently for 3 to 5 minutes, letting the cereal absorb the butter and turn golden. You’re looking for a lovely light toast—don’t walk away!

Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Take the skillet off the heat and, while the Cheerios are still warm and glistening, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Toss everything together until each Cheerio is wearing a sparkling coat of cinnamon sugar. The warmth helps the mixture stick perfectly, just like on a real doughnut.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let your Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios cool completely, so they’re crispy and easy to munch. Once cooled, gather your snack crew and dig in—these are best enjoyed fresh, but good luck resisting them for long!

How to Serve Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios

Garnishes

While these are delightful on their own, you can make your Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios extra special by adding a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a handful of rainbow sprinkles for a playful touch. They’re also wonderful with a pinch of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Side Dishes

If you want to turn snack time into a real occasion, pair these with a creamy vanilla yogurt dip, fresh fruit slices, or a hot mug of cocoa. The sweet-spicy crunch of the Cheerios pairs beautifully with smooth, cool side dishes and cozy beverages.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios in cute paper cones for a party, pile them high in a rustic bowl for a family movie night, or portion them into mini jars for fun snack-sized favors. They also make a fantastic lunchbox treat—just remember to let them cool completely first.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, keep your Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay fresh and crispy as long as they’re protected from moisture, so store them in a cool, dry spot.

Freezing

While they’re best fresh, you can freeze them in a tightly sealed bag for up to one month. Just know that the texture might soften a bit after thawing, but a quick re-toast in the oven can revive the crunch if you’d like.

Reheating

If you want to crisp up leftover Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Let them cool again before snacking for the ultimate crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use flavored Cheerios?

Absolutely! While plain Cheerios let the cinnamon-sugar coating shine the brightest, honey or multigrain Cheerios add their own fun twist to your Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios.

Is it possible to use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine if that’s your preference or what you have on hand. The flavor will be slightly different, but it still works just fine for getting that classic hot buttered snack vibe.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite plant-based butter and check that your cereal is vegan. The results are still delicious, so everyone can enjoy a tasty batch of Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios.

How can I make them less sweet?

If you prefer a lighter touch of sweetness, simply reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon-sugar topping. You can also sprinkle on just half and save the rest for another batch.

Are Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios gluten-free?

Original Cheerios are gluten-free, but always double-check the label for the most up-to-date information. This snack is a great gluten-free option when you choose the right cereal!

Final Thoughts

This fun and easy recipe brings big smiles and instant gratification—it’s truly hard to beat the simple joy of Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios. Make a batch, share them with friends, or sneak a secret handful just for yourself; no matter how you enjoy them, they’ll quickly become your go-to treat for any occasion. Give them a try, and get ready for serious snack happiness!

Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios are a delightful twist on classic cereal, creating a sweet and crunchy snack that’s perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheerios:

4 cups plain Cheerios cereal

Butter Mixture:

1/4 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, add vanilla, and stir well.
Cook Cheerios: Add Cheerios to the skillet, coating them evenly in butter. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly toasted.
Add Coating: Remove from heat and pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture over Cheerios. Toss well to coat evenly.
Serve: Allow to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American