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Delicious Hot Buttered Cheerios snack with butter and cinnamon sugar

Hot Buttered Cheerios

A quick and comforting snack, Hot Buttered Cheerios are crispy, buttery, and coated with cinnamon sugar, reminiscent of mini doughnuts.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cereal Base
  • 4 cups Cheerios or plain O-shaped cereal Any variety will work, but plain stays crisp best.
Buttery Coating
  • 3-4 tablespoons butter Salted for extra flavor, but unsalted is fine with a pinch of salt.
  • 2-3 tablespoons sugar White sugar gives that classic doughnut sparkle.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Fresh cinnamon makes a difference.
  • 1 pinch salt Boosts all flavors.
Optional Add-Ons
  • 1 splash vanilla Optional for extra flavor.
  • 1 drizzle maple syrup Optional for sweetness.
  • 1 pinch nutmeg Optional for flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl and set aside.
  2. Keep a soft spatula or wooden spoon handy, and pour the cereal into a wide mixing bowl.
Stovetop Cooking
  1. Warm a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add the butter and melt until fully liquid and just starting to foam, watching closely to prevent burning.
  3. Pour in the cereal and stir immediately to coat every piece with butter.
  4. Stir every 20 to 30 seconds for about 4 to 6 minutes until golden and aromatic.
  5. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the warm cereal and toss immediately.
  6. Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if needed, then finish with a pinch of salt and optional vanilla.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately or cool on a sheet pan to maintain crispness.

Notes

This snack keeps well if cooled completely and stored in a dry, airtight container. Can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the freezer for up to a month, and re-crisped in the oven or skillet.