If you’re looking for a snack that perfectly balances sweet warmth with a cozy crunch, this Cinnamon Toasted Cheerios Recipe is an absolute must-try. It transforms everyday Cheerios into a mouthwatering treat coated with cinnamon sugar and infused with vanilla richness. The simple yet magical blend of butter, cinnamon, and sugar brings a nostalgic twist that makes every bite utterly addictive. Whether you want a quick snack or a charming topping for desserts, this recipe is both easy and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze for this Cinnamon Toasted Cheerios Recipe. Each item is specially chosen to create a blend of sweet, buttery, and cinnamon-spiced flavors that coat the Cheerios perfectly, delivering both texture and taste in every bite.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and helps the cinnamon stick to the cereal.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that defines the flavor profile.
- ¼ teaspoon table salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- ½ cup salted butter, sliced: Brings richness and helps toast the Cheerios to a golden perfection.
- 1¼ teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle, sweet fragrance that deepens the flavor.
- 4 cups Cheerios cereal: The crunchy base that soaks up all the delicious coatings beautifully.
How to Make Cinnamon Toasted Cheerios Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Blend
Start by mixing the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt together in a small bowl. This cinnamon sugar mixture is the magic dust that will make the Cheerios shimmer with flavor. Combining them well now ensures every bite carries that perfect balance of sweet spice.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Add Vanilla
Warm a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the sliced salted butter. Once fully melted, stir in the pure vanilla extract, blending the two together. This buttery vanilla base not only coats the Cheerios but also contributes a luscious aroma that makes the entire dish irresistible.
Step 3: Toast the Cheerios
Now pour in the Cheerios cereal to the skillet with the melted butter and vanilla. Keep stirring constantly for about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice the Cheerios turn a beautiful golden shade and start smelling toasty and nutty. This toasting step brings out a satisfying crunch and a toasted depth that makes the snack unique.
Step 4: Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar blend evenly over the toasted Cheerios. Toss or stir thoroughly so that every piece gets coated in this sweet, fragrant mix. This step is key, as it ensures every bite bursts with that perfect cinnamon-sugar flavor.
Step 5: Let the Cheerios Cool
Allow the cinnamon toasted Cheerios to cool completely in the skillet or spread out on a tray. As they cool, they crisp up beautifully, making them ready to enjoy as a snack or an exciting ingredient in other recipes.
How to Serve Cinnamon Toasted Cheerios Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cereal for a festive touch. You could even add tiny chocolate chips or chopped nuts to add some variety in texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This snack pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of spiced tea. It also works beautifully alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or bananas for a well-rounded, satisfying treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Cinnamon Toasted Cheerios Recipe in cute mason jars for a gift or a party favor. Layer it over yogurt with a drizzle of honey and fresh berries for a quick parfait that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Toasted Cheerios in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them crunchy and fresh for up to a week, perfect for spontaneous snack cravings.
Freezing
You can freeze the toasted Cheerios by placing them in a sealed freezer bag. When well-sealed, they keep nicely for up to a month. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying to bring back that perfect crispness.
Reheating
If you want to refresh the crunch, briefly toast the stored Cheerios in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid burning, and you’ll revive that delicious toasted aroma and texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative?
Absolutely! You can use vegan butter or coconut oil to make this recipe dairy-free. Just keep in mind that coconut oil might add a slight coconut flavor, which can be delightful.
Is this recipe healthy?
This snack is definitely a tasty treat with a bit of indulgence from butter and sugar. However, using Cheerios as the base brings in whole grain goodness, and controlling portion size keeps it a balanced option.
Can I use other cereals instead of Cheerios?
Yes! Try using similar oat-based cereals or any crunchy loops you enjoy. Just be sure to adjust the toasting time slightly depending on the cereal texture and size.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 10 minutes—5 minutes to prep and 5 minutes to cook—making it perfect for a quick homemade snack.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts or dried fruit after the cinnamon sugar has been mixed in adds delightful texture and flavor variety, making your Cinnamon Toasted Cheerios Recipe even more exciting.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cinnamon Toasted Cheerios Recipe enough for anyone who loves a quick, flavorful snack that feels like a warm hug in each bite. It’s incredibly simple, endlessly adaptable, and always delicious. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch it become your new go-to treat!
Print
Cinnamon Toasted Cheerios Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4.4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and delicious recipe to make Cinnamon Toasted Cheerios, perfect for a crunchy, sweet snack with a warm cinnamon flavor. This simple stovetop method coats Cheerios in a buttery vanilla glaze and cinnamon sugar for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter, sliced
- 1¼ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Cereal
- 4 cups Cheerios cereal
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and table salt. Stir until the mixture is uniform to create the cinnamon sugar blend that will coat the cereal.
- Melt Butter and Add Vanilla: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the sliced salted butter. Let it melt completely, then stir in the pure vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to infuse the butter with flavor.
- Toast the Cheerios: Add the Cheerios cereal to the skillet with the melted butter and vanilla. Stir continuously for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the cereal to toast evenly and develop a golden color and a pleasant aroma. Once toasted, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the toasted Cheerios in the skillet. Stir or toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the cinnamon sugar blend, adding that sweet and spicy flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Let the coated Cheerios cool completely in the skillet or spread out on a tray. This cooling step helps the coating to crisp perfectly, making the snack ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use a large nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and burning during the toasting process.
- Stir constantly when toasting Cheerios to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase the cinnamon to 1½ teaspoons.
- Store cooled Cinnamon Toasted Cheerios in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Recipe is best enjoyed the same day for maximum crunchiness.
