Description
Hot Buttered Cheerios is a quick and comforting snack featuring Cheerios toasted in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture. This recipe coats the cereal in melted butter, vanilla, and a blend of cinnamon, sugar, and salt, resulting in a warm, sweet, and slightly crispy treat perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Butter Mixture
- ½ cup unsalted butter (one stick or 8 Tablespoons)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Seasoning Blend
- 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
Cereal
- 6 cups Cheerios
Instructions
- Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well until evenly mixed, then set aside. This mixture will add a sweet and warm flavor to the Cheerios.
- Melt the Butter: Place the unsalted butter in a large skillet and heat it over medium heat until fully melted, ensuring it does not brown or burn to maintain a clean buttery flavor.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to the melted butter, incorporating it thoroughly to infuse the buttery base with a subtle aromatic note.
- Coat the Cheerios: Add the 6 cups of Cheerios to the skillet and toss them in the melted butter and vanilla until every piece is fully coated. This step ensures the cereal picks up the rich buttery flavor.
- Toast the Cheerios: Increase the heat to medium-high and continue stirring the coated Cheerios for 4-5 minutes. This toasting step enhances the crunch and brings out a deeper toasted flavor while caramelizing the coating slightly.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture over the toasted Cheerios, then stir again to evenly coat all the pieces with the sweet and spiced mixture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Hot Buttered Cheerios to cool slightly so the coating sets and crunch is maximized. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious snack or treat.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in the recipe and balance flavors perfectly.
- Stir continuously during toasting to prevent burning and ensure even browning.
- For added crunch, spread the Cheerios on a baking sheet after mixing and let them cool completely.
- This snack is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
- Adjust the cinnamon quantity to your taste preference for more or less spice.
