Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe
Introduction
Hot Buttered Cheerios is a warm, comforting twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Coated in cinnamon, sugar, and butter, this recipe transforms simple Cheerios into a deliciously toasted treat perfect for chilly mornings or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- ½ cup salted butter, sliced
- 1 ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups Cheerios cereal
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Step 2: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Add the Cheerios to the skillet and stir constantly for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are nicely toasted. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the toasted Cheerios. Stir or toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
- Step 5: Let the coated cereal cool completely before serving to allow the coating to set and the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra crunch, you can bake the coated Cheerios on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes after coating.
- Swap salted butter for unsalted butter and add a pinch more salt if preferred for better control over seasoning.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit after coating for added texture and flavor variation.
Storage
Store the cooled Hot Buttered Cheerios in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To re-crisp, warm them briefly in a dry skillet or oven before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes, this recipe works well with other toasted oat cereals or even puffed wheat, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cereal’s size and texture.
How do I prevent the Cheerios from getting soggy?
Be sure to cool the coated cereal completely in a single layer before storing. Avoid storing them in humid environments or sealed containers while still warm to keep them crisp.
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Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Hot Buttered Cheerios is a warm, comforting snack featuring toasted Cheerios coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture. This easy stovetop recipe creates a deliciously crispy and flavorful treat perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter, sliced
- 1 ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Main Ingredient
- 4 cups Cheerios cereal
Instructions
- Mix cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and table salt. Stir until evenly mixed to create the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Melt butter with vanilla: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced salted butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, stir in the pure vanilla extract to infuse the butter with flavor.
- Toast Cheerios: Add the Cheerios cereal to the skillet with the melted butter and vanilla. Stir constantly for 3 to 5 minutes until the Cheerios become nicely toasted and lightly browned. Then remove the skillet from heat to prevent burning.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture over the toasted Cheerios. Stir or toss thoroughly to evenly coat all the cereal pieces with the buttery cinnamon sugar.
- Cool and serve: Let the coated Hot Buttered Cheerios cool completely in the skillet or on a baking sheet before serving. This helps the coating set and become crisp for the perfect warm snack.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute salted butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Use gluten-free Cheerios if a gluten-free snack is desired.
- Stir constantly while toasting to avoid burning the cereal or butter.
- Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain crispness.
- Adjust cinnamon sugar amounts to preference for a sweeter or more spiced flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Hot Buttered Cheerios, toasted Cheerios snack, buttery cinnamon Cheerios, warm cereal snack, easy stovetop recipe, sweet cereal treat

