Fried Cheerios (Mini Hot Buttered Doughnuts)

Fried Cheerios tossed in cinnamon sugar are a great after-school snack, perfect for movie night or any time you want a sweet, crunchy snack!
5 from 5 reviews

Fried Cheerios is a retro recipe that’s easy to make and fun to eat. These mini hot buttered “doughnuts” tossed in cinnamon sugar are a great after-school snack, perfect for movie night or any time you want a sweet, crunchy snack!

Spicy Ranch Crackers and Perfectly Popped Stovetop Popcorn are two easy-to-make recipes that make snacking extra yummy.

Brown paper bag with fried buttered cheerios tossed in cinnamon sugar.
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Are you smiling yet? Well, I am, and it’s all because of these cute little cinnamon sugar rounds of buttered cereal! This classic snack reminds me of quirky, delicious Fair Food. I have wonderful memories of eating handfuls of Fried Cheerios as a kid, but now, I get to make this unexpected snack right at home!

What’s The Secret to Making This Snack So Good?

The big secret to making this recipe is the toasting or “frying” the Cheerios. This step does not need to be rushed. It takes 4 to 5 minutes for the Cheerios to get fully toasted in the melted butter and vanilla. So, take your time…you’ll be glad you did!

Cast iron skillet with buttered cinnamon fried cheerios scooped up with a white spatula.

Ingredients for Easy Fried Cheerios

  • Salted Butter
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Cheerios
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Kosher Salt – optional

Scroll Down For Measurements

How To Make Hot Buttered Mini Doughnuts

  1. Add sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a small bowl and mix. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter. Add vanilla and stir. Add cereal to butter and toss to coat. Toast Cheerios over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over buttered cereal and toss.

Flavor Variations

It’s easy to put a flavor twist on this recipe. Substitute classic Cheerios with Honey Nut or Apple cereal for something extra on this classic snack.

Fried cheerios, with butter and cinnamon served in a bowl with a scoop with black handle.
Can I use unsalted butter for this recipe?

While salted butter enhances the flavor, you can use unsalted butter and adjust the amount of salt you add at the end.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Look for gluten-free Cheerios, which are readily available and can be found on the cereal aisle.

How long can I store Fried Cheerios?

Store them in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness for up to a week.

Craving More? Try These Easy To Make Snacks

Fried cinnamon cheerios served in a brown paper bag and a bowl with a metal scoop.
Brown paper bag with fried buttered cheerios tossed in cinnamon sugar.

Fried Cheerios (Hot Buttered Mini Doughnuts)

5 from 5 reviews
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 1015kcal
Print Pin Rate
Fried Cheerios is an old-school recipe that’s easy to make and fun to eat. These mini hot buttered "doughnuts" tossed in cinnamon sugar are a great after-school snack, perfect for movie night or any time you want a sweet, crunchy snack!

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons salted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 cups Cheerios
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt – optional

Instructions

  • Add sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a small bowl and mix. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt butter. Add vanilla and stir. Add cereal to butter and toss to coat. Toast Cheerios over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over buttered cereal and toss.
  • Let cool, and enjoy!

Notes

  • To make gluten-free – look for gluten-free Cheerios, which are readily available and can be found on the cereal aisle.
  • For leftovers – store the Cheerios in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness for up to a week.
Nutritional values provided are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used.

Nutrition

Calories: 1015kcal · Carbohydrates: 113g · Protein: 11g · Fat: 62g · Saturated Fat: 37g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g · Monounsaturated Fat: 17g · Trans Fat: 2g · Cholesterol: 151mg · Sodium: 868mg · Potassium: 560mg · Fiber: 10g · Sugar: 54g · Vitamin A: 4526IU · Vitamin C: 18mg · Calcium: 337mg · Iron: 24mg

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6 Comments

      1. Ben, that’s a great question. I’ve never tried or tested in the air fryer, but if you give it a go, please let me know!
        ~Donya

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