Hot Buttered Mini Donuts

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If you’re craving the comforting flavor of a hot, freshly fried donut without the hassle of deep frying or making dough from scratch, these Hot Buttered Mini Donuts will hit the spot. Made from a clever twist using cereal (yes, really!), these bite-sized treats are tossed in a rich butter coating and finished with a cinnamon-sugar blend that’s completely irresistible. They have the texture of a crunchy snack with the warmth and sweetness of a classic fairground donut.

Whether you serve them as a quick party treat, a lunchbox surprise, or a nostalgic weekend snack, these little gems are fun to make and even more fun to eat. Their addictive flavor and ease of preparation make them a go-to for both kids and adults alike. Imagine the smell of warm cinnamon drifting through your kitchen—yep, that’s what these deliver.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Buttered Mini Donuts Recipe

• No frying or baking required—just a simple stovetop or microwave melt.
• Uses pantry staples like cereal, sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
• Perfect for quick snacking, kid-friendly parties, or festive gifting.
• Tastes just like mini donuts with half the effort.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these Hot Buttered Mini Donuts, you’ll need a mixing bowl, microwave-safe bowl (or small saucepan), and a large spoon or spatula.

• Mixing Bowl: To combine the cereal and sugar coating evenly.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl or Saucepan: For melting the butter thoroughly.
• Large Spoon or Spatula: Essential for gently mixing to avoid crushing the cereal.

Each of these tools helps you ensure a clean, even coat of flavor and keep the texture light and crispy.

Preparation Tips

Melt the butter slowly to avoid scorching it, and make sure it’s evenly distributed over the cereal before adding the sugar and cinnamon mix. Gently fold everything together to keep the cereal from breaking. Let them cool slightly before serving to allow the coating to set, which also makes them less sticky and more snackable. A parchment-lined baking sheet can be helpful for spreading them out to cool evenly.

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Ingredients for this Hot Buttered Mini Donuts Recipe

• 3 cups plain toasted oat cereal (like Cheerios)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
• Pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)

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Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mix

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until well mixed and set aside. This will be your sweet and aromatic coating for the mini donuts.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt the butter until fully liquified. If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it into the melted butter. Be careful not to overheat it—melt slowly in 10-15 second bursts if using the microwave.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Place the oat cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm melted butter over the cereal, and gently stir with a spatula or large spoon until all pieces are coated evenly. Work slowly to avoid crushing the cereal.

Step 4: Add Cinnamon Sugar

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix over the buttered cereal while gently stirring. Ensure the coating sticks to every piece for maximum flavor. The warm butter will help the sugar mixture adhere beautifully.

Step 5: Cool and Set

Spread the coated cereal out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool for 10–15 minutes. This helps the butter and sugar set, giving you a crispy, sweet finish with that classic mini donut flavor.

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Notes

You can easily customize these Hot Buttered Mini Donuts with a touch of nutmeg or even a pinch of cayenne for a spicy-sweet twist. For a more indulgent version, toss in mini chocolate chips after the mixture has cooled slightly. The base cereal should ideally be unsweetened so the sugar coating shines through without becoming too cloying. These also work well as a dessert topper for ice cream or yogurt.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overheating the Butter: It can burn quickly, especially in the microwave. Always melt in short intervals.
• Using Sweetened Cereal: This can throw off the balance and make the snack overly sweet.
• Not Stirring Gently: Rough mixing will crush the cereal, losing that satisfying crunch.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Letting them cool is essential for the coating to set and become crispy.

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Storage Instructions

Store your Hot Buttered Mini Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess. For longer storage, refrigerate in a zip-lock bag for up to 10 days, though they may lose a bit of their crunch.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per 1/2 cup serving (approximate):

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 60mg
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cereal should I use?

Plain toasted oat cereal like Cheerios works best. Avoid flavored or sweetened varieties.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but it may alter the flavor and richness slightly.

How long do these stay fresh?

They stay crispy for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, substitute plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure to mix in batches so everything gets evenly coated.

Are they gluten-free?

Only if the cereal you use is certified gluten-free.

Can I bake them to make them extra crispy?

You can lightly toast them in a low oven (around 250°F for 10 minutes), but it’s optional.

What’s the best way to serve these?

They’re great as-is, but also delicious on top of ice cream, yogurt, or packed into snack bags.

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Conclusion

Hot Buttered Mini Donuts are a delightful, no-fuss treat that brings the cozy flavor of fair-style donuts into your kitchen with minimal effort. With just a few basic ingredients and a couple of minutes, you can whip up a snack that’s perfect for any time of day—be it breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack attack. Simple, sweet, and satisfying, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat.

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