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.
In This Post
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!
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
- 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.
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.
While salted butter enhances the flavor, you can use unsalted butter and adjust the amount of salt you add at the end.
Absolutely! Look for gluten-free Cheerios, which are readily available and can be found on the cereal aisle.
Store them in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness for up to a week.
Craving More? Try These Easy To Make Snacks
- Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery
- Air Fryer Roasted Nuts
- Ranch Dill Pickles (TikTok Viral Recipe)
- Brown Sugar Pepper Bacon
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.
Nutrition
Donya's Top Ten Summer Recipes!
Steal my favorites for a done-for-you menu that packs in the flavor
These are my new favorite snack!! So good and easy to make too!!
Thank you! So yummy and fun, too.
~Donya
Hi Donya, Can this recipe be made in an air fryer? I just got an air fryer, like to experiment… Roll Tide…
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
WHAT FUN!
I agree! Thanks, Sue.
~Donya