Hot Buttered Cheerios

Hot buttered Cheerios are a quick and easy snack made with simple ingredients like salted butter and plain Cheerios. Ready in just 10 minutes, this warm and buttery treat is perfect for any gathering or a cozy snack at home.

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Hot buttered Cheerios are a nostalgic snack taken to the next level with just the right touch of buttery flavor and a few simple ingredients. This recipe turns plain Cheerios into a warm, savory, or even sweet treat that’s incredibly easy to make, offering a satisfying crunch and rich flavor in every bite. We’ve perfected each variation—whether you prefer classic buttered, cinnamon sugar, or a savory ranch twist—to give you a snack that’s hard to resist and even harder to put down.

What You Need To Know

• MAIN INGREDIENTS: salted butter, plain Cheerios cereal, optional add-ins: vanilla extract, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, dry ranch dressing mix
• QUICK STEPS: melt butter in a large skillet, add Cheerios and stir to coat, add seasonings or toppings based on flavor variation, serve warm
• TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 10 minutes, 8 servings (½ cup each)

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Why This Recipe

• Our team of recipe developers perfected the butter-to-cereal ratio for this classic recipe, ensuring each piece of cereal is fully coated without becoming greasy or overly rich. This recipe delivers that ideal buttery flavor with every bite, making it a timeless favorite.
• Unlike many other recipes, we’ve crafted three delicious versions—plain, cinnamon sugar, and ranch—so you can choose between a classic, sweet, or savory snack.

Hot Buttered Cheerios Ingredients

Hot buttered Cheerios bring simple ingredients together to create a warm, nostalgic snack that’s hard to beat. From the comforting taste of salted butter to customizable options like cinnamon sugar or ranch seasoning, this recipe is a delicious throwback with a fun twist.

Here’s what you’ll need for each variation:

Hot Buttered Cheerios Substitutions and Additions

Plain Cheerios: For extra sweetness, try Honey Nut Cheerios. These will add a hint of sweetness without needing extra sugar. Remember, using a flavored cereal may change the overall taste, so adjust other ingredients like sugar or vanilla to keep it balanced.

Vanilla Extract: If you don’t have vanilla extract on hand, try using almond extract for a nutty twist or maple extract for a cozy flavor. Keep in mind that almond extract is more potent, so start with just a few drops to avoid overpowering the dish.

Sugar: Swap out granulated sugar for brown sugar to add a slight caramel-like depth to the cinnamon sugar version. Brown sugar brings moisture, so expect a slightly softer texture.

Cinnamon: If you’re a fan of warm spices, consider mixing ground cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice. These additions can give your hot buttered Cheerios a cozy, spiced twist perfect for fall.

Dry Ranch Mix: If you prefer a different savory taste, try a taco seasoning packet or garlic powder with a pinch of parmesan cheese for a unique flavor. These substitutions work well in the ranch variation and can provide a new salty treat twist to the original.

How To Make Hot Buttered Cheerios

This classic hot buttered Cheerios recipe is incredibly easy to follow and results in a perfect snack that’s warm, crispy, and full of flavor. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure it turns out just right. Whether you’re preparing the classic version, cinnamon sugar, or ranch, these step-by-step instructions and tips will guide you through the process.

STEP ONE: Place the salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow it to melt fully, stirring occasionally to keep it from browning. Keep an eye on the butter to avoid it becoming too hot or darkened, as this can alter the recipe’s flavor.

STEP TWO: Once the butter has fully melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Add four cups of plain Cheerios to the pan. Stir gently but thoroughly with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to coat each piece of cereal in the melted butter.

This step ensures an even distribution of flavor.

STEP THREE: If making the cinnamon sugar hot buttered Cheerios, after stirring the Cheerios in butter, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.

STEP FOUR (Cinnamon Sugar Version Only): While the Cheerios are in the skillet, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir until fully incorporated. This adds a warm depth to the cinnamon sugar flavor.

STEP FIVE: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered Cheerios in the large bowl. Stir gently to coat each piece, or transfer the Cheerios and cinnamon sugar into a two gallon ziplock bag. Seal the bag tightly, then shake to coat evenly.

STEP SIX (Ranch Version Only): If making the ranch hot buttered Cheerios, skip the vanilla and cinnamon sugar. Instead, sprinkle the contents of a one ounce package of dry ranch dressing mix over the buttered Cheerios in the skillet or a large bowl. Stir well to coat evenly.

STEP SEVEN: Serve the hot buttered Cheerios warm. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy them immediately.

Troubleshooting This Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe

The butter browns or burns in the pan.
Keep the heat at medium and stir the butter frequently. Remove from heat as soon as it’s fully melted to avoid browning.

Cheerios aren’t evenly coated in butter.
Stir slowly and thoroughly, making sure to turn all pieces in the pan. Use large mixing bowl for this step can help with even coating.

The seasoning clumps instead of spreading evenly.
If adding cinnamon sugar or ranch mix, toss the Cheerios in a large ziplock bag and shake gently to coat evenly without clumping.

The vanilla extract doesn’t blend well and leaves a strong flavor.
Add the vanilla extract while the Cheerios are still warm in the pan, stirring immediately to help it blend smoothly into the butter.

The Cheerios turn soggy after sitting for a while.
Serve immediately for the best texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat briefly in a skillet to restore crispness.

The seasoning flavor isn’t strong enough.
Add a small extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or ranch mix after coating, or adjust to taste next time by increasing the amount slightly.

Cheerios break or crush during stirring.
Use a light touch when stirring, especially if using a ziplock bag for coating. Stir slowly with a silicone spatula to prevent crushing.

When To Serve Hot Buttered Cheerios

Family Game Night: Serve a big bowl of hot buttered Cheerios as an easy homemade snack to share between games. Pair with a fun, non-alcoholic drink like a Shirley Temple, bringing a refreshing sweetness to balance the buttery flavor.

Casual Movie Night: Swap the usual popcorn for hot buttered Cheerios, served in a large bowl for easy munching. Pair this cozy snack with warming Hot Chocolate,

Holiday Snack Table: Add hot buttered Cheerios to your holiday snack spread alongside other sweet and savory treats. For drinks, Gingerbread Cocktail is a festive match that complements the cinnamon sugar variation.

After-School Snack: Serve hot buttered Cheerios to kids after school, either plain or with cinnamon sugar for a touch of sweetness. Pair with a glass of Strawberry Lemonade for a kid-friendly treat.

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How To Store Hot Buttered Cheerios

MAKE AHEAD: This recipe can be prepared in advance if you’re planning to serve it within a day. Make the Cheerios, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and maintain their crunch for up to one day before serving.

IN THE FRIDGE: Storing hot buttered Cheerios in the fridge isn’t recommended, as refrigeration can cause the cereal to become stale and lose its crunch. For the best results, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container instead.

IN THE FREEZER: While freezing is not ideal for this snack, it can be done if you’d like to store them longer. Place the cooled Cheerios in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag, and store them in the freezer for up to one month. To refresh the texture after freezing, follow the reheating instructions below.

REHEATING: To bring back the warm, buttery crunch, reheat stored Cheerios on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently for a few minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can spread them on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven at 300°F for five to seven minutes.

While microwave reheating is possible, it’s not recommended, as it can lead to uneven heating and soften the texture.

Why We Love This Hot Buttered Cheerios Recipe

Hot buttered Cheerios are a simple snack that packs a lot of comfort and crunch in every bite. This recipe isn’t just easy to make; it’s fun, versatile, and perfect for anyone looking for a quick treat that delivers on flavor without the fuss.

Versatile Flavors: Whether you’re in the mood for the sweet sugar-cinnamon mix, or savory ranch, there’s a flavor to satisfy every craving.

Kid-Friendly: This is an easy snack that even the little ones can help make, turning snack time into family time.

Nostalgic: This classic snack brings back memories and flavors that everyone can enjoy, young and old.

Hot buttered Cheerios are a simple, nostalgic snack that’s quick to make and packed with buttery flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this easy recipe offers a cozy crunch that everyone will love.

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Hot Buttered Cheerios

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Hot buttered Cheerios are a quick and easy snack made with simple ingredients like salted butter and plain Cheerios. Ready in just 10 minutes, this warm and buttery treat is perfect for any gathering or a cozy snack at home.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 8

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Ingredients

  

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Plain Hot Buttered Cheerios

• ⅓ cup salted butter, sliced into pats
• 4 cups plain Cheerios cereal

Cinnamon Sugar Hot Buttered Cheerios

• ⅓ cup salted butter, sliced into pats
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 cups plain Cheerios cereal
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Ranch Hot Buttered Cheerios

• ⅓ cup salted butter, sliced into pats
• 4 cups plain Cheerios Cereal
• 1 ounce dry ranch dressing mix

Instructions

 

Plain Hot Buttered Cheerios

• Add the sliced butter to a 12 inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the butter is completely melted. Remove the skillet from heat.
• Add the Cheerios to the skillet and stir to completely coat. Serve while warm.

Cinnamon Sugar Hot Buttered Cheerios

• Melt the butter as instructed above.
• Once the butter has been melted, add in the vanilla and stir until completely incorporated.
• Add the Cheerios and stir to coat.
• Transfer the buttered Cheerios to a large mixing bowl (4-5 quarts).
• In a small bowl (3-4 cups), combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
• Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the buttered Cheerios and stir to completely coat. Alternatively, use an extra large (2 gallon) size ziplock bag to shake the buttered Cheerios together with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure the ziplock is tightly sealed before shaking the bag to coat the cereal.
• Serve while warm.

Ranch Hot Buttered Cheerios

• Melt the butter as instructed above.
• Add the Cheerios and stir to completely coat.
• Sprinkle the dry ranch dressing mix over the Cheerios and stir to completely coat. Alternatively, you can also use an extra large (2 gallon) size ziplock bag to shake the buttered Cheerios with the dry ranch dressing mix. Make sure the ziplock is tightly sealed before shaking the bag to coat the cereal.

Notes

• You can substitute unsalted butter for the salted butter if you are watching your sodium intake. 
• You can substitute store brand Cheerios for the name brand.  
• You can substitute Honey Nut Cheerios for a sweeter version of Plain Hot Buttered Cheerios, or Apple Cinnamon Cheerios when making the Cinnamon Sugar Hot Buttered Cheerios.

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 605mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1749IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 9mg

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