If you’re craving a snack that balances sweet, crunchy, and warmly spiced flavors, this Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix Recipe is a true game changer. Imagine crispy Chex cereal lovingly coated in a buttery blend of cinnamon sugar, baked to golden perfection—every bite brings you back to the cozy comfort of cinnamon toast. It’s a delightful treat that’s simple to prepare but packs so much flavor, making it a perfect go-to for holiday gatherings, party snacks, or just that anytime nibble that brightens your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this mix just right comes down to a handful of straightforward ingredients, each one playing a key role in delivering that perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and warmth. These staples ensure your Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix Recipe turns out irresistibly tasty and addictively crisp.
- 6 cups Chex cereal: Choose rice, corn, or cinnamon Chex as your crunchy base to form the heart of this snack.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to every crunchy piece.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that perfectly contrasts the subtle cinnamon spice.
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon: Brings the warm, fragrant spice that defines this recipe’s signature flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall depth, making the sweetness and spice sing in harmony.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness by cutting through any potential blandness.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to a low 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This gentle heat allows the flavors to meld and the cereal to crisp just right without burning the sugar.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
While the oven warms, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. This cinnamon sugar mixture is what transforms plain Chex cereal into the sweet-spiced snack you’ll love.
Step 3: Prepare the Butter Mixture
Whisk the vanilla extract into the melted butter. This aromatic butter blend is the glue that holds all those delightful flavors and sugary coating onto the crunchy cereal pieces.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal
Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the butter-vanilla mixture over it, gently tossing to coat every piece evenly. Tossing carefully ensures that the cereal stays intact while getting that luscious buttery sheen.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar evenly over the buttery cereal and toss again until all pieces are fully coated. This ensures every bite is bursting with that signature sweet and spicy crunch.
Step 6: Bake It Up
Spread the coated mix out evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stopping every 15 minutes to stir gently. This helps to toast the cereal evenly and caramelize the cinnamon sugar without burning it, creating that perfect crispy texture.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the Chex mix cool completely on the baking sheet. Cooling allows the sugar coating to set, resulting in crunchier pieces that are simply irresistible.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate this Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix Recipe by tossing in some festive garnishes. Consider adding chopped nuts for crunch or mini marshmallows for a gooey surprise. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty, snowy look perfect for holiday celebrations.
Side Dishes
This sweet and crunchy snack pairs beautifully with warm beverages like cinnamon-spiced cider, hot chocolate, or chai tea. Offering it alongside fresh fruit platters can bring balance and freshness to your party spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the mix in festive bowls or individual treat bags tied with colorful ribbons. Layering it in clear jars with alternating layers of nuts or dried fruit can also make a stunning gift or party favor that guests will love taking home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The great news about this Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix Recipe is how well it keeps. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week—perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to extend its shelf life even further, freezing is an option. Place the mix in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it at room temperature for about an hour to recapture its crispness.
Reheating
Sometimes the mix can lose a bit of its crunch after storage. If needed, reheat it gently in a 250°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes to refresh the texture and intensify all those cinnamon-sugar aromas once more.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cereal besides Chex?
Absolutely! While Chex is classic for its shape and texture, you can experiment with cereals like Cheerios or bran flakes. Just keep in mind the texture may vary, but the cinnamon sugar coating will still bring amazing flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you choose gluten-free Chex cereal, this recipe remains gluten-free. Always check your cereal’s packaging for certification if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or pretzels?
Definitely! Adding nuts, pretzels, or even chocolate chips can add delicious crunch and complexity. Just toss them in before baking or add chocolates afterward so they don’t melt too much.
How long does it take to prepare this mix?
The entire process takes about 55 minutes, including a quick 10-minute prep and 45 minutes baking time. It’s a wonderful hands-off snack you can make while doing other things!
Can I double the recipe?
For sure! The Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix Recipe scales well. Just double the ingredients and use two baking sheets to ensure everything toasts evenly without overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix Recipe is one of those magical treats that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Easy to make, lovingly crunchy, and perfectly sweet, it’s bound to become a favorite for snacking, gifting, and party sharing. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cozy, cinnamon-kissed delight in your snack rotation.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cinnamon sugar Chex mix is a sweet, crunchy, and perfectly spiced snack made with crispy cereal coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar blend. Oven-baked to achieve a toasty, irresistible cinnamon toast flavor, it’s ideal for holidays, parties, or simple everyday snacking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Chex cereal (rice, corn, or cinnamon)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Cereal: Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl to ensure ample space for coating with the butter and cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Add Vanilla to Butter: Stir the vanilla extract into the melted unsalted butter, infusing the mixture with extra flavor.
- Coat Cereal with Butter: Pour the butter and vanilla mixture over the cereal and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the coated cereal, tossing carefully to achieve full coverage without crushing the pieces.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated cereal mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Mix: Bake the mix at 250°F (120°C) for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to promote even toasting and prevent burning.
- Cool Down: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cinnamon sugar Chex mix to cool completely before serving or storing to ensure maximum crunchiness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use Cinnamon-flavored Chex cereal instead of rice or corn.
- Add pretzels or nuts to the mix for an added crunch and flavor dimension.
- Store the cooled snack mix in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
- This mix is perfect for packing into snack bags or serving at parties and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
