If you grew up loving anything cinnamon-sugary—and honestly, who didn’t?—then Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios are about to become your new obsession. This quick stovetop treat takes the comforting flavor of mini doughnuts and brings it right into your kitchen using everyday pantry ingredients. And the best part? It’s ready in minutes. As a busy mom and comfort-food enthusiast, I love a recipe that delivers maximum deliciousness with minimal effort. Consider this your new “I need something sweet, simple, and soul-soothing ASAP” snack.
When life gets hectic (and let’s be real—it usually does), having a recipe like Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios in your back pocket feels like a warm hug. They’re crispy, buttery, and coated in cinnamon-sugar magic that tastes just like those fairground mini doughnuts we all adore. Only here, your kitchen smells like heaven, and you didn’t have to deep-fry a single thing. Win-win!
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Why You’ll Love This Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe
Let’s talk about why this recipe belongs in your weekly snack rotation—right next to your favorite slow cooker dinners and air fryer treats.
- Ready in 5 minutes. Seriously. This snack is faster than brewing a pot of coffee.
- Made with simple pantry staples. Cheerios, butter, sugar, cinnamon—boom. Done.
- Perfect for kids and grown-ups. A crunchy treat that makes everyone happy.
- Tastes like fresh mini doughnuts—without frying. Your house will smell like a cozy hug.
- Budget-friendly and beginner-friendly. Even on the busiest days, this is doable.
This is the kind of recipe I turn to on those evenings when I’m trying to answer emails, fold laundry, and keep the peace among hungry children. It’s comfort, sweetness, and nostalgia all in one warm bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, grab the simple lineup below. You probably already have everything in your pantry, which is part of the charm.
- 4 cups Cheerios
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt to taste (optional)
Using salted butter adds a lovely balance to the sweetness, but if you prefer unsalted, just add a tiny pinch of extra salt at the end.
How to Make Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios
This recipe comes together quickly, so keep everything close by. And remember: low stress, big flavor—that’s the heart of SlowCookersRecipes cooking.
Step 1: Mix the Cinnamon and Sugar
In a small bowl, stir the granulated sugar and cinnamon together until beautifully combined. Set it aside so it’s ready to sprinkle later.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Grab a large skillet and melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once it’s almost fully melted, stir in the vanilla. The smell alone will have you smiling—trust me.
Step 3: Toast the Cheerios
Pour in the Cheerios and gently stir to coat them evenly in the warm, buttery vanilla mixture. Toast them for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should be slightly golden and wonderfully fragrant.
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Remove the skillet from the heat, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the warm Cheerios. Toss gently until every piece is coated in that sweet mini-doughnut goodness.
Step 5: Cool (Just a Little!) and Enjoy
Let them cool for a couple of minutes so they crisp up, but don’t wait too long—warm is the best way to enjoy this snack.
After the first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become one of my go-to “mom needs a moment” treats.
Tips for Making the Best Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios
These quick little tricks make an already simple recipe even easier.
Toast, but don’t burn.
Cheerios toast fast, so keep an eye on them. If they start to darken too quickly, lower your heat.
Want them extra crunchy?
Spread the coated Cheerios on a baking sheet and let them cool completely. They’ll firm up into little crunchy clusters of joy.
If your Cheerios look too shiny…
It’s just butter doing its buttery thing. Give it a minute—the cinnamon sugar will cling once they cool slightly.
Try different Cheerios.
Honey Nut, Multi-Grain, or even Pumpkin Spice (seasonally!) all work. You can even mix them for a fun flavor mash-up.
Add-ins are welcome.
Mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or a pinch of nutmeg turn this into a snack-mix superstar.
Personal Note:
The first time I made these, it was after a marathon day of errands with zero time to bake. I needed something sweet but simple—preferably something that didn’t require preheating an oven. This recipe saved the day. By the time my kids wandered into the kitchen asking, “Mom, what smells so good?”, I already had bowls ready for them. Moments like that remind me why I adore fuss-free comfort food.
FAQs About Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios
Can I use another cereal for this recipe?
Yes! While the classic Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios flavor is hard to beat, other cereals like Honey Nut Cheerios, Corn Chex, or even plain Rice Krispies will still give you a delicious cinnamon-sugar crunch.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. You can cut the cinnamon-sugar mixture in half, and it’ll still taste sweet and warm. Or use a sugar substitute if you prefer.
How long do leftovers last?
Store cooled Cheerios in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They stay crisp surprisingly well, but good luck keeping them around that long!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—this recipe doubles beautifully. Just use a bigger skillet or toast the cereal in two batches so everything gets evenly coated.
Are Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios gluten-free?
Cheerios are labeled gluten-free, but always check packaging if you’re serving someone with celiac or sensitivities.
Serving Ideas for Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios
These aren’t just a snack—they’re a vibe. Try them:
- Warm for a cozy movie-night treat
- As a sweet breakfast add-on (kids go crazy for this sprinkled over yogurt)
- In party snack mixes
- On top of ice cream for a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping
- Packed into lunchboxes for a surprise dessert moment
They’re basically edible happiness.
Bringing It All Together
Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios are the perfect little treat for days when you need sweetness, comfort, and simplicity wrapped into one warm bowl. They’re fast, nostalgic, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar flavor that feels like something special, even though they take just minutes to make.
If you’re craving a quick win in the kitchen—a moment of peace, a cozy bite, or a fun surprise for the kids—this Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios recipe is ready for you. And trust me, once you try it, this will become a repeat snack in your home.
Whenever you’re ready for another cozy, easy recipe, I’ll be right here in the kitchen with you.
More Treats You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this warm and cozy Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios recipe, here are a few more sweet, snackable favorites your family will adore. You can also find another fun twist on this recipe over at YumLoop if you love exploring different variations.
- For another crunchy, can’t-stop-eating snack mix, try my Addicting Toffee Chex Mix.
- If you love no-bake desserts that come together in minutes, you’ll have fun making this festive No-Bake Grinch Pie.
- For a bright, citrusy cookie that melts in your mouth, bake a batch of these Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies.
- And if you’re craving a nostalgic, bakery-style bar, you’ll adore these chewy, sweet Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars.
Feel free to keep exploring—there’s always something delicious waiting for you in the kitchen!
Print
Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios: Irresistibly Cozy 5-Minute Snack
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and cozy 5-minute treat made with buttery, cinnamon-sugar–coated Cheerios that taste just like warm mini doughnuts. Perfect for snacking, movie nights, or when you need something sweet fast.
Ingredients
4 cups Cheerios
1/4 cup salted butter
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions
Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then stir in the vanilla.
Add the Cheerios and stir to fully coat them in the butter mixture. Toast for about 3 minutes.
Remove from heat and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the warm Cheerios. Toss to coat.
Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For extra crunch, spread the coated Cheerios on a baking sheet to cool completely.
Honey Nut Cheerios work great if you want added sweetness.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm bakery-style twist.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg