Hot Buttered Cheerios is a warm, nostalgic snack that transforms simple oat cereal into a buttery, crunchy treat. The cereal is toasted in melted butter and then coated with a lightly sweet and spiced mixture. It’s quick to make on the stovetop and perfect for cozy mornings, movie nights, or casual snacking with a cup of coffee or tea.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Small bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plate or tray for cooling
Ingredients
- Cheerios cereal – 4 cups (about 100 g)
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup (113 g)
- Granulated sugar – ¼ cup (50 g)
- Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
- Table salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Vanilla extract – 1¼ teaspoons (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter.
- Once the butter has fully melted, stir in the vanilla extract if using.
- Add the Cheerios to the skillet and stir constantly for 3–5 minutes, until the cereal is well coated and lightly toasted.
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the hot buttered Cheerios.
- Stir or toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
- Spread the coated cereal on a plate or tray and let it cool completely before serving. The coating will crisp up as it cools.
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Snack
How to Store
- Let the Cheerios cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To re-crisp, warm briefly in a dry skillet or oven.
What Not to Do
- Do not skip stirring the cereal while toasting—this ensures even crispiness.
- Do not add the sugar mixture on too early—always toast the Cheerios first.
- Do not store while still warm, as moisture can make them soggy.
Tips & Variations
- For a sweeter version, add a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup after toasting.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice with the cinnamon for a warmer spice note.
- Try a savory version with a sprinkle of garlic powder and salt instead of cinnamon sugar.
- For extra crunch, spread coated Cheerios on a tray and bake at a low temperature for 10 minutes.
- Use flavored Cheerios (like honey nut) for a twist on the classic.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~3 g
- Carbohydrates: ~28 g
- Fat: ~13 g
- Saturated Fat: ~8 g
- Sugar: ~12 g
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter.
- Once the butter has fully melted, stir in the vanilla extract if using.
- Add the Cheerios to the skillet and stir constantly for 3–5 minutes, until the cereal is well coated and lightly toasted.
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the hot buttered Cheerios.
- Stir or toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
- Spread the coated cereal on a plate or tray and let it cool completely before serving. The coating will crisp up as it cools.
Notes
- Protein: ~3 g
- Carbohydrates: ~28 g
- Fat: ~13 g
- Saturated Fat: ~8 g
- Sugar: ~12 g
FAQs
Are Hot Buttered Cheerios served hot or cool?
They are best served cool enough to eat by hand but still warm from the pan.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—if you use certified gluten-free oat cereal.
Will they stay crunchy?
Yes, but let them cool completely before storing to maintain crispness.
Can I make these without butter?
Yes—use a plant-based alternative like coconut oil.
Can I sweeten them more?
You can add a sprinkle of extra sugar or a drizzle of honey after coating.
