
Warm, buttery Cheerios tossed in a cinnamon-sugar glaze — an irresistible mini-donut-inspired snack that's ready in minutes and perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or cozy evenings.

This simple snack began as a tiny experiment in my kitchen on a rainy afternoon when I wanted the flavor of a mini donut without the fuss of frying or baking. The idea was to capture that warm, buttery, cinnamon-sugar coating and give it to something crunchy and familiar: Cheerios. The result is a nostalgic, handheld bite that's equal parts cereal and candy — crisp loops of cereal coated in a glossy, aromatic butter glaze. It’s one of those things that disappears faster than you think when friends stop by.
I first made this for a casual movie night and everyone kept asking what the secret was. It’s so quick — five minutes on the stove and a few minutes to cool — but the flavor sings longer. The texture balances perfectly: the Cheerios toast gently in the butter for a deeper nuttiness, then the cinnamon-sugar clings to each loop. Beyond being an addictive snack, this treat is endlessly adaptable. You can scale it up for a party bowl, make small individual snack bags for kids, or tweak the spices for a holiday twist.
My family treats this like a seasonal secret. I first served it alongside hot chocolate during a holiday movie night, and it became the edible star — crunchy, fragrant, and begging for seconds. It’s a small recipe that makes a big impression, especially when you want something homemade but low-effort.
My favorite part of this snack is how the flavor evokes a bakery without any baking: the butter-toasted cereal carries a toasted, almost caramelized note that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar. Kids call it "mini donut cereal," and it always disappears during after-school hour. I love making a double batch and portioning it into small treat bags for parties or for my kids' lunchboxes — they light up when they see it.
After cooling completely, transfer the cereal to an airtight container or resealable bag. At room temperature the coated cereal stays crisp for 4 to 6 days; if you live in a humid climate, refrigeration will keep it fresh longer but may slightly soften the crunch. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months — thaw at room temperature and crisp for a minute in a 300°F (150°C) oven if needed. Avoid storing under heavy lids that might compress the coating.
If you prefer less sugar, reduce the granulated sugar to 3 tablespoons and increase the cinnamon for a spicier profile. Swap salted butter for unsalted if you control salt elsewhere — add a pinch more table salt to taste. Use honey or maple-flavored syrup instead of vanilla for a different sweetness note, but reduce the heat slightly and mix off the flame to avoid burning. For a gluten-free-certified version, confirm your cereal brand is labeled gluten-free.
Serve in a large bowl for parties or portion into small paper cones for casual snacking. Pair with hot chocolate, warm apple cider, or coffee for an indulgent snack setup. Garnish with a light dusting of extra cinnamon or a few chocolate chips stirred in while the cereal is still warm — they’ll soften slightly and create little pockets of richness. For a kid-friendly twist, toss in mini marshmallows after cooling for a sweet contrast.
This treat is less about cultural origins and more about reinterpretation: it borrows the flavor profile of classic American mini donuts — butter, sugar, and cinnamon — and applies it to a familiar breakfast cereal. It sits within a modern tradition of creative snack mashups that repurpose pantry items into nostalgic confections. Think of it as an American comfort hybrid: part carnival pastry, part breakfast bowl, reimagined for quick home prep.
In autumn, add ground nutmeg and a tiny pinch of ground cloves to the cinnamon-sugar to lean into pumpkin-spice territory. For winter holidays, stir in crushed peppermint after cooling or toss with finely chopped toasted pecans for an earthy contrast. In spring and summer, lighten the flavor by replacing half the sugar with powdered sugar and tossing with freeze-dried strawberry bits for a bright fruit note.
Make batches in the morning and portion into 1-cup snack bags for the week — perfect for kids’ lunches or quick office munchies. Use parchment-lined baking sheets to cool and prevent sticking. If you’re prepping for an event, make the cereal the day before and store in sealed containers; if it softens slightly, spread on a sheet tray and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes to refresh the crispness.
Take this tiny recipe as an invitation to play: tweak the spices, scale the quantities, and share the results. It’s a pleasing, low-effort treat that brings a bit of bakery magic home in minutes — make it your own and enjoy the smiles that follow.
Spread the coated cereal in a single layer to cool; this prevents clumping and ensures even crispness.
Toast the cereal over medium heat while stirring constantly so it browns evenly without burning.
If the cereal loses crunch in storage, refresh it for 3–5 minutes at 300°F (150°C) on a sheet tray.
This nourishing mini donut hot buttered cheerios recipe is sure to be a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every moist, high protein slice — it is perfect for breakfast or as a wholesome snack any time.
This Mini Donut Hot Buttered Cheerios recipe makes perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful steak every time! Serve with potatoes and a side salad for an unforgettable dinner in under 30 minutes.

Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon table salt in a small bowl and stir until evenly mixed.
In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup sliced salted butter until foamy. Remove briefly from heat and stir in 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla to preserve aroma.
Return the skillet to medium heat, add 4 cups Cheerios and stir constantly for 3–5 minutes until the cereal turns light golden and emits a toasty aroma. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar over the warm Cheerios and toss until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on parchment to cool completely so the coating sets.
Last Step: Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.
Leave a comment & rating below or tag
@culinya on social media!


A creamy, nostalgic five-ingredient mac and cheese made with pantry staples—ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for weeknights or a simple family gathering.

Tiny, festive donut holes cooked in the air fryer and coated in cinnamon sugar, finished with melted butter and holiday sprinkles for a quick seasonal treat.

Golden, crunchy wings coated in a savory parmesan crust — all made quickly in the air fryer for a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing snack or main.

Leave a comment & rating below or tag @culinya on social media!
Enjoyed this recipe? Share it with friends and family, and don't forget to leave a review!
This recipe looks amazing! Can't wait to try it.
Comments are stored locally in your browser. Server comments are displayed alongside your local comments.

Join to receive our email series which contains a round-up of some of our quick and easy family favorite recipes.