If you’re ready for the most joy-sparking, nostalgic snack adventure, let me introduce you to Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios—a perfectly sweet, buttery, and cinnamon-sugared cereal treat that tastes just like your favorite carnival mini doughnuts, but with a wonderfully crisp twist. It’s a speedy stovetop recipe that brings together crunchy Cheerios, golden toasted butter, and a cinnamon-sugar hug in every bite. One bite of these and you’ll be hooked, whether you enjoy them as a fun after-school snack, movie night munchie, or anytime you’re craving a quick sweet fix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a few basic pantry staples can deliver so much happiness in one bowl. Each ingredient in Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios plays its delicious part, from buttery richness to that perfect hint of spice. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:
- Cheerios (4 cups): These classic little rounds are the ideal canvas—light, toasty, and just sturdy enough for all that buttery, cinnamon-sugar magic.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): The secret to that rich, golden, irresistible “hot buttered” vibe that bonds all the flavors together.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): For that essential doughnut sweetness—think sparkling, crunchy delight in every bite.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Because mini doughnuts aren’t mini doughnuts without that warm, cozy, aromatic spice coating.
How to Make Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Grab your biggest skillet and set it over medium heat. Drop in the unsalted butter and let it melt completely, swirling the pan so the base is fully coated. The sizzle and that first buttery aroma set the irresistible stage for these sweet little bites.
Step 2: Toast the Cheerios
Pour the Cheerios right into the skillet on top of the melted butter. Stir constantly, making sure every O gets a buttery shine. Let them cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring non-stop, until they start toasting up with golden edges and smell warm and nutty—just like fresh doughnuts popping out of the fryer.
Step 3: Mix Cinnamon Sugar
While your Cheerios are toasting, quickly whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This is the sugary blanket that’s about to transform everything into mini doughnut territory!
Step 4: Toss & Coat
Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar right over the top of the warm, buttered cereal. Now, toss and stir to coat every Cheerio evenly—the warm butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick just right so you get a perfect sugary crust with every bite.
Step 5: Cool Slightly & Enjoy
Give your Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios a minute or two to cool. This not only lets them crisp up, but makes sure you don’t burn your fingers in your excitement! Dig in while they’re still just a little bit warm—they’re absolute magic at this stage.
How to Serve Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, dust your bowl of Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios with a tiny bit more cinnamon sugar or even a quick grating of fresh nutmeg. A sprinkle of powdered sugar gives them a truly classic doughnut-shop finish!
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet nuggets with a handful of juicy strawberries, a mug of hot cocoa, or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for a well-rounded snack plate. The creamy and fresh sides balance that sweet, toasty crunch perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them in cute paper cones at a party, tuck a scoop into a mini mason jar as a lunchbox surprise, or fill up little mugs for movie night. For a seriously nostalgic vibe, use parchment-lined baskets just like fairground food!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have any Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios left, just let them cool completely and store in an airtight container. They’ll stay crunchy and delicious for up to two days, making them perfect for quick snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
While this snack is at its best fresh, you can freeze it if you need to. Spread the Cheerios in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature—though note they might not be quite as crisp as freshly made.
Reheating
To bring back a bit of warmth and crunch, pop a serving of Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios in a 300°F oven for just 3-4 minutes, or heat briefly in a dry skillet. This perks them up and revives that hot doughnut-shop flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Snack
You sure can! While plain Cheerios create that authentic Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios experience, you could absolutely experiment with multigrain or even honey nut varieties for extra flavor. Just keep the butter and cinnamon-sugar combo the same!
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely—just swap the unsalted butter for your favorite plant-based butter or coconut oil. The result is just as crisp and delicious, with all the fun of the original.
Can I double the batch for a party?
Yes! Simply use a wider skillet or work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Doubling the Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios is a smart idea, especially because they tend to disappear quickly at any gathering.
Are there any flavor twists I could try?
Definitely! Try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar, swap in brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor, or drizzle with a little melted chocolate. These small tweaks give your Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios their own signature vibe.
How do I keep the Cheerios from getting soggy?
The key is to toast the Cheerios until golden and to let them cool slightly before storing. Make sure you store them in an airtight container to preserve that essential crunch.
Final Thoughts
If there’s ever a time to treat yourself, it’s with a fresh batch of Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios! Fast, fun, and guaranteed to win over every snacker in your house, this recipe delivers all the joy of cinnamon-sugar doughnuts with the irresistible crunch of your favorite childhood cereal. Give it a try—you might just discover your newest snack obsession!
Print
Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios are a delightful twist on a classic snack. Coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, they make for a perfect quick treat that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Cheerios:
- 4 cups plain Cheerios cereal
Butter Mixture:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Toasting Cheerios: Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the cereal is toasted and golden.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Add the Cheerios and stir to coat evenly.
Remove from heat.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the warm, buttered Cheerios and toss until fully coated.
Notes
- For a fun twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or using brown sugar in place of granulated sugar.
- These are best eaten warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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