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This hearty Mini Doughnut Cheerios snack transforms ordinary breakfast cereal into a delectable treat that reminds me of fresh mini doughnuts from the county fair. The butter-toasted Cheerios with their warm cinnamon sugar coating create a simple yet irresistible snack that satisfies sweet cravings in minutes.
I discovered this recipe when looking for a quick treat for my niece's sleepover party. The girls devoured the entire batch while watching movies, and now it's requested at every family gathering.
Ingredients
- Butter: Provides the rich foundation that helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the cereal. Use unsalted butter for better control over the final flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the butter coating. Pure vanilla extract offers the best flavor profile.
- Cheerios or Cinnamon Cheerios: Work beautifully. The original variety provides a neutral canvas for the cinnamon sugar, while Cinnamon Cheerios intensify the flavor.
- White sugar: Creates the classic doughnut sweetness. Fine granulated sugar adheres best to the cereal.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings the signature doughnut shop flavor. Fresh cinnamon provides the most aromatic experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the butter mixture:
- Melt butter slowly over low heat in a large skillet until completely liquefied but not browned. Stir in vanilla extract to incorporate completely into the butter. Maintaining low heat prevents burning and allows the vanilla to infuse properly.
- Toast the cereal:
- Add all Cheerios to the skillet with the butter mixture. Cook and stir constantly for 5 minutes until the cereal is evenly coated and lightly toasted. The gentle toasting process enhances the natural nuttiness of the oats while allowing them to absorb the butter flavor.
- Apply the cinnamon sugar coating:
- Transfer the warm, butter-coated cereal to a large bowl immediately after toasting. While still warm, sprinkle with the combined sugar and cinnamon mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece gets evenly coated with the sweet, spiced mixture.
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The vanilla extract is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I once forgot to add it and the difference was noticeable. It creates a bakery-like aroma that makes the kitchen smell amazing and enhances the doughnut shop experience.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This cinnamon sugar Cheerios snack stays fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves slightly after the first day as the cinnamon sugar continues to meld with the buttery coating. For longer storage, portion into small zipper bags for convenient grab-and-go snacks.
Serving Suggestions
These Mini Doughnut Cheerios make a delightful addition to any snack board. Serve them alongside fresh fruit, cheese cubes, and nuts for a balanced treat platter. They also make an excellent topping for ice cream or yogurt parfaits, adding a satisfying crunch and cinnamon flavor. For special occasions, package them in small paper bags or cellophane bags tied with ribbons for an adorable homemade gift.
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Variations to Try
The basic recipe is wonderful, but you can create exciting variations with minimal effort. Try using Honey Nut Cheerios for a honeyed undertone, or Chocolate Cheerios for a chocolate-cinnamon combination reminiscent of Mexican hot chocolate. You can also experiment with different spice blends like pumpkin pie spice in fall or cardamom and nutmeg for a chai-inspired flavor profile.
Kid-Friendly Activity
This recipe offers a wonderful opportunity to get children involved in the kitchen. Kids as young as three can help measure ingredients, while older children can assist with stirring the cereal as it toasts. Creating individual flavor variations allows each child to customize their own small batch with different spices or add-ins like mini chocolate chips mixed into the cooled cereal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use regular Cheerios instead of cinnamon-flavored?
Yes, regular Cheerios work perfectly fine. The cinnamon sugar coating provides all the flavor you'll need!
- → How do I avoid Cheerios getting too soggy during cooking?
Be sure to cook the Cheerios over low heat and stir frequently to evenly coat them in the butter mixture without making them overly soft.
- → Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can store the coated Cheerios in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just make sure to cool them completely before storing.
- → What variations can I try for this snack?
Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or using brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer flavor. You could also drizzle some melted chocolate for an extra treat!
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
To make this vegan, replace butter with a plant-based alternative and check the Cheerios for any non-vegan additives.