Oh, have I got a treat for you today! This Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe is just the kind of cozy, nostalgic snack that’ll bring you back to childhood mornings or warm you up on a chilly afternoon. It’s that addictive mix of buttery richness, cinnamon warmth, and just a hint of sweetness coating those crunchy Cheerios that makes every bite feel like a mini celebration.

I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe when I was looking for a new twist on my usual cereal snack, and honestly, it quickly became my go-to comfort food. Whether you want a quick breakfast perk-up or a fun snack to share with the kids, this Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe delivers flavor and happiness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to make such a crave-worthy treat. Each one plays an important role in layering those mini donut flavors onto your Cheerios.

Butter: The star of the show here – it gives that rich, velvety base that coats the cereal perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds that warm, sweet aroma that feels just like freshly baked donuts.
Cheerios or oat o’s cereal: These little rings have a lightness and crunch that hold up beautifully under the buttery sauce.
Granulated sugar: For that sweet layer that helps mimic the sugary glaze on mini donuts.
Ground cinnamon: Because what’s a donut flavor without a kiss of cinnamon spice?
Pinch of salt: This little dash balances out the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.

Variations

I love how flexible this Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe can be, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. When I’m feeling adventurous, I toss in a few extras or swap out ingredients based on what I have on hand.

Spiced up: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a cozy fall vibe that’s just irresistible.
Less sweet: If you’re watching sugar, cut back the granulated sugar a bit or swap it for a natural sweetener like maple syrup for a gentler sweetness.
Gluten-free: Stick with gluten-free Cheerios and ensure your vanilla extract is gluten-free to keep things safe for anyone with sensitivities.
Chocolate twist: Sprinkling mini chocolate chips in after coating the cereal is my secret way to add a little indulgence without going overboard.

How to Make Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe

Step 1: Melt the butter and blend in vanilla

Start by gently melting your butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Once it’s melted, remove from heat and stir in your vanilla extract. This way, the vanilla flavor infuses the butter, giving you that rich mini donut aroma right from the start. Don’t rush this step—starting with the right flavor base makes all the difference!

Step 2: Mix in sugar, cinnamon, and salt

Now, sprinkle in the sugar, cinnamon, and that pinch of salt right into the warm butter mixture. Stir until the sugar dissolves slightly and everything is combined into a glossy, fragrant sauce. This combination is where your mini donut magic truly begins, so take a moment to inhale that cinnamon-sugar scent—it’s like having a mini bakery right in your kitchen.

Step 3: Toss in the Cheerios

Pour the cereal into the pan, then quickly and gently toss everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon. You want all those Cheerios to get coated evenly in that buttery, sugary cinnamon sauce. Work fast but carefully—the cereal absorbs the sauce quickly, and a good toss ensures that every bite is flavorful.

Step 4: Cool and enjoy!

Once the cereal is coated, spread it out on a large baking sheet or parchment paper to cool. This drying step keeps it from getting soggy and helps the coating set up nicely. Once cool, dig in! I find it’s best enjoyed the same day for the crispest texture.

How to Serve Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe

A close-up image of a bowl filled with a single layer of light brown ring-shaped cereal, sprinkled lightly with a white powdery coating. The cereal rings are unevenly colored, with some parts darker and others lighter, showing slight rough texture. The bowl is white with a black intricate floral pattern inside and a bright yellow rim that encircles the top edge. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with this Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe and serve it as-is, letting the buttery cinnamon coating shine. But on special mornings, I love dusting a little powdered sugar over the top – it’s like adding a tiny snowstorm of sweetness that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair this treat with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a nostalgic, comforting snack session. If I’m making this for a quick breakfast, I might throw together some fresh fruit or yogurt on the side to balance the sweetness and add some freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or party, I like to fill clear glass jars or small cellophane bags tied with a bow—everyone loves a cute, portable snack. Lining them up for a brunch spread makes for a fun, colorful addition that invites guests to help themselves to this mini donut goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to 3-4 days—just make sure the container is sealed well to prevent moisture from sneaking in.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing isn’t the best option for the Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe because the texture can suffer. The buttery coating might get a little soggy when thawed. So, if you want to save some for later, it’s better to store it fresh and enjoy within a few days.

Reheating

Since this recipe is all about the crunchy texture, reheating it isn’t usually recommended. But if you want to warm it slightly, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can bring back some aroma without making it soggy—just watch closely!

FAQs

Can I use other cereals besides Cheerios for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Cheerios or oat o’s work best because of their shape and crunch, you can experiment with other cereals like Mini Wheats or even Rice Chex for a different texture. Just keep in mind that the coating works best on cereals that hold their crunch and have some surface area to grab the butter and sugar mix.
Is the Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! This recipe is a family favorite around here, especially as a sweet snack or breakfast treat for kids. The flavors are mild, sweet, and comforting without anything too intense. Just watch the portion size, as the sugar and butter content can add up.
How do I prevent the Cheerios from getting soggy?

The key is to cool the coated cereal on a baking sheet in a single layer right after mixing. This lets the coating firm up and the cereal stay crisp. Avoid storing in a humid spot or in a container without a tight seal, as moisture will soften the cereal quickly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can! Swap out the butter for a vegan butter or coconut oil, and double-check your vanilla extract and cereal ingredients to ensure they’re vegan-friendly. The result will still be deliciously buttery and cinnamon-sweet.
What’s the best way to scale this recipe?

This recipe scales easily—just maintain the ratio of ingredients when increasing the cereal amount. For example, if doubling the Cheerios, double the butter, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt as well. Keep an eye on the stovetop mixing to ensure everything coats evenly.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe, it feels like I’m sharing a little slice of joy with whoever’s lucky enough to snag some. It’s simple, fast, and makes an everyday snack feel special without any fuss. You’re going to love how easy it is to whip up, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more. Treat yourself or your loved ones—you deserve this little buttery cinnamon hug in a bowl!

Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe

★★★★★ 4.8 from 96 reviews

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Yield: About 4 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios is a delightful and easy-to-make snack or breakfast treat that combines buttery sweetness with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. Crisp Cheerios are coated with a warm, buttery mixture, then sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon to mimic the taste of mini donuts. This recipe delivers a sweet, crunchy snack perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or a quick, delicious breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale

Butter Mixture

1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cereal and Seasoning

4 cups Cheerios or oat o’s cereal
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Melt Butter and Combine Flavors: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the 1/4 cup butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth.
Mix Cereal with Butter Mixture: Transfer 4 cups of Cheerios into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm butter mixture over the cereal and gently toss with a spatula or wooden spoon to evenly coat the Cheerios without crushing them.
Cool and Serve: Spread the coated Cheerios on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper to cool and allow the butter mixture to set slightly, making the cereal crunchy. Once cooled, serve immediately or store in an airtight container for snacking.

Notes

You can substitute oat o’s for Cheerios for a slightly different flavor profile.
For a richer taste, consider using unsalted butter and adjust salt to taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain crispness.
To keep the cereal crisp, avoid adding any liquid or milk until ready to eat.

Keywords: Mini donut cereal, Cheerios snack, Cinnamon sugar Cheerios, Buttered Cheerios, Sweet cereal recipe