- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet (or large plate)
Step-by-Step Instructions
When I start making Hot Buttered Cheerios, I first gather all my ingredients and equipment. There’s something comforting about having everything in place before I begin, especially when butter and sugar are involved! I melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The sizzle tells me that things are heating up, and as it melts, I enjoy that dreamy aroma wafting through my kitchen. Once the butter is completely melted, I quickly stir in the brown sugar, which gives the mixture a luscious, caramel-like consistency.
After that, I reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until everything is nicely combined. I’m not going to lie: I could easily just eat this gooey mixture with a spoon! It’s always tempting, but I keep myself focused for the sake of the Cheerios. At this stage, I add in the vanilla extract and cinnamon for that warm, inviting flavor, whisking it all together. Watch for it to bubble slightly; that’s the signal that it’s ready to be poured over the Cheerios. If you leave it too long, it could harden quickly, and that’s not what you want for this recipe!
In a large mixing bowl, I toss the Cheerios with the buttery mixture. This is where the magic happens! I use a wooden spoon to gently stir and coat every piece—honestly, this is my favorite part. There’s something so satisfying about watching those toasty oats transform as they soak up the buttery sweetness. Be careful not to crush the Cheerios while mixing; I learned this the hard way when I made a mushy batch once. I spread them evenly onto a baking sheet, which I prepared in advance. (See the next page below to continue…)