Oh, I can’t wait to share this Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe with you! It’s one of those delightful little morning treats that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Imagine your classic Cheerios cereal getting a cozy upgrade with cinnamon, butter, and a hint of vanilla — it’s like mini donut magic sprinkled in every bite.

This recipe is perfect when you want a quick and comforting breakfast or even a special snack that feels a little indulgent but still familiar. Trust me, it’s super simple to whip up, and I bet you’ll find yourself craving Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios just as much as I do!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in how a few simple ingredients come together to transform everyday cereal into something extraordinary. You probably have most of these in your pantry already, which makes it even easier to make!

Granulated sugar: Adds that perfect touch of sweetness—just enough to bring out the flavors without overwhelming.
Ground cinnamon: This is key for getting that classic mini donut spice vibe. Freshly ground cinnamon always kicks it up a notch.
Table salt: Just a pinch helps balance the flavors and brings everything together.
Salted butter: Using salted butter amplifies the buttery richness that makes this cereal feel so luxurious.
Pure vanilla extract: The vanilla adds a warm, sweet aroma and depth that really makes the cereal taste special.
Cheerios cereal: The star of the show! I like to use original Cheerios because their subtle oat flavor pairs beautifully with all these additions.

Variations

While the classic Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe is fantastic as is, I love tweaking it depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to make it your own and surprise yourself with different twists!

Maple syrup swap: Replace the sugar with a drizzle of maple syrup for a natural sweetness that adds a lovely fall vibe. I tried this last autumn, and it was a hit!
Spiced up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ground cloves along with the cinnamon for a spicier version that reminds me of holiday treats.
Butter swap: For a dairy-free version, try coconut oil instead of butter. It changes the flavor a bit but still gives that rich, buttery texture.
Sweet and salty: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top after mixing enhances the flavors even more. It’s my go-to trick if you want a little extra dimension.

How to Make Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe

Step 1: Melt the butter deliciously

Start by slicing your salted butter and melting it on medium-low heat in a pan. I like to keep the heat gentle because you want the butter to melt smoothly without browning. Once melted, remove it from the heat—this is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt in

Next, gently whisk in the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into the warm butter. I often do this right in the pan if it’s off the heat, so everything combines evenly. Keep stirring until the sugar looks fully dissolved and the mixture smells like warm spice heaven.

Step 3: Add vanilla for that extra layer

Now pour in that pure vanilla extract and stir it through. The vanilla really lifts the flavor profile and gives your Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios that unmistakable cozy scent you’ll fall in love with. Don’t skip this step—it’s a small addition but makes a big difference.

Step 4: Toss in the Cheerios and coat evenly

Transfer your Cheerios to a large mixing bowl and pour the butter-sugar-cinnamon mixture over them. I like to use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the cereal, making sure each little oat ring gets that buttery, cinnamon coating. This is where your Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios really start to shine — I usually taste a few at this stage to check the flavor balance.

How to Serve Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe

A white bowl is full of round cereal pieces that are light brown to darker brown in color, all covered with a sprinkling of white sugar crystals. In the bowl, there is a wooden spoon filled with the same cereal, showing the texture of the pieces close up. Around the bowl, there are small portions of the cereal scattered on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there are white bowls and a jar with a brown powder inside. The whole scene is bright with soft natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a tiny dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. It gives it that playful mini donut look and an extra pop of flavor. Sometimes, I toss in a few chocolate chips or mini marshmallows on top when serving to the kids—they think it’s a treat!

Side Dishes

Pair this with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for an easy, comforting breakfast vibe. On busier mornings, I often add a side of fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries to keep the meal balanced and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to serve this for a brunch party is to portion into mini bowls or clear jars and top with edible flowers or sprinkles for a fun, festive look. The buttery, cinnamon aroma fills the room, and guests always want to know how to make it themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare at my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. My experience is that they stay crispy for a couple of days, but after that, they begin to lose their crunch, so enjoy them sooner rather than later.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t really the best option for this recipe because the butter coating can get a bit soft and soggy when thawed. I’d recommend making smaller batches instead, so you can enjoy them fresh every time.

Reheating

If your Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios lose some crispness, you can freshen them up by spreading them on a baking sheet and warming in a low oven (around 250°F) for 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn, and let them cool completely before eating to regain that perfect crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Cheerios?

Absolutely! While original Cheerios are my favorite because of their texture and subtle flavor, you can try other oat-based cereals or even cornflakes. Just note that the size and shape can change how well they soak up the buttery cinnamon mixture, so results may vary.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! It’s a fun way to make breakfast a little more exciting and kid-friendly. Just make sure the cereal has cooled before serving to avoid any butter burns, and you can always adjust the sweetness to your little one’s taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Cheerios are naturally gluten-free, but double-check that yours are certified gluten-free if gluten sensitivity is a concern. The other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option.
How long does this recipe keep its best flavor?

For the crispiest experience, enjoy your Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios within 1-2 days after making. Stored properly, they’ll still taste good beyond that but might lose some crunch and freshness.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe has become one of my little kitchen happy places. It’s so quick, comforting, and nostalgic, with just enough twist to keep things interesting. If you want to surprise yourself or family with a breakfast that feels warm and inviting, give this a try. You really can’t go wrong, and I have a feeling it’ll become a go-to in your household too!

Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 197 reviews

Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining warm butter, cinnamon, and sugar to create a cozy, sweet breakfast or snack. This easy recipe transforms simple Cheerios into a comforting treat with a buttery cinnamon glaze, perfect for any time of day.

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon table salt

Wet Ingredients

½ cup salted butter, sliced
1¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Main Ingredient

4 cups Cheerios cereal

Instructions

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and table salt. Mix well and set aside.
Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the salted butter slowly until fully liquified but not browned. Remove from heat.
Add Vanilla and Cinnamon Sugar: Stir the pure vanilla extract into the melted butter. Gradually whisk in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it is fully combined and smooth.
Coat the Cheerios: Place the 4 cups of Cheerios into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm butter mixture over the Cheerios and toss gently to coat each piece evenly without breaking the cereal.
Cool and Set: Spread the coated Cheerios on a parchment-lined baking sheet or large tray to cool and firm up slightly. This will allow the buttery cinnamon glaze to set, giving the cereal a delicious mini donut flavor.
Serve: Once cooled to room temperature, transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container. Enjoy as a snack or breakfast cereal with or without milk.

Notes

Ensure the butter is melted on low heat to prevent burning and maintain flavor.
For a crunchier texture, you can briefly toast the coated Cheerios on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Adjust cinnamon and sugar to your taste preference for a sweeter or spicier flavor.

Keywords: Mini Donut, Hot Buttered Cheerios, Cinnamon Sugar Cereal, Easy Snack, Breakfast Treat