Cakes and cookies, take a seat—this is the sweet snack you’ll be making on repeat.
Hey There!
Let’s talk snacks.Not just any snack—this is a cinnamon-sugary, buttery, crispy, crunchy kind of snack that’s dangerously easy to make.
I’ve whipped up this Cinnamon Churro Chex Mix more times than I can count.
It comes together in 15 minutes flat and tastes like the inside of a churro met your favorite cereal.
No baking. No stress. And yes, you can add a drizzle of melted white chocolate if you’re feeling fancy.
📝 Why I Love This Recipe
This snack brings the crunch and the comfort. It’s got that churro flavor you crave but in cereal form—easy to make, even easier to eat. I first made it for a movie night, and now it’s my go-to when I want something sweet but low-effort.
- Super quick: 15 minutes from start to finish
- No baking required
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or snack jars
- That cinnamon sugar glaze? Total magic.
- White chocolate drizzle takes it over the top
🍽️ Makes: 8–10 servings
⏱️ Total Time: 15 minutes
🧂 What You’ll Need
- 8 cups Rice Chex cereal
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon (divided)
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Use fresh cereal—it makes a big difference in crunch.
- Stir constantly when melting the glaze to avoid sugar crystals.
- Add the cinnamon sugar coating while the mix is warm so it sticks.
- Don’t skip the vanilla—it brings warmth to the glaze.
- Let it cool completely before adding white chocolate or it’ll melt right off.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Small saucepan
- Silicone spatula
- Baking sheet or large tray for cooling
- Parchment paper (optional, for less mess)
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Cereal: Try Corn Chex or even Cinnamon Toast Crunch for a twist
- Butter: Use plant-based butter for dairy-free
- White Chocolate: Swap with dark or leave it out entirely
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg for a little kick
⏳ Make Ahead Tips
You can totally make this a day or two ahead—just store it in an airtight container once fully cooled. It stays crispy for about 5 days!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Measure cereal into a big bowl
Pour 8 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large microwave-safe bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the buttery glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup unsalted butter, then stir in ¾ cup packed light brown sugar and ½ tsp ground cinnamon. Let it bubble gently for 2 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in 1½ tsp vanilla extract.
Step 3: Pour glaze over cereal
Carefully pour the hot glaze over the cereal and stir gently with a silicone spatula until it’s all evenly coated.
Step 4: Coat with cinnamon sugar
In a small bowl, mix ½ cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle over the warm cereal mix and stir gently until evenly coated.
Step 5: Cool on tray
Spread the coated mix out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it cool completely.
Step 6 (Optional): Drizzle with white chocolate
Melt ½ cup white chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second bursts until smooth. Drizzle over cooled mix using a spoon. Let it set before storing.
🥣 Final Presentation
📦 Leftovers & Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days. If it starts to soften, a few minutes in a low oven (around 250°F) will crisp it back up.
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- The glaze: The butter + brown sugar caramelizes slightly and gives a deep flavor that sticks perfectly to the cereal.
- The cinnamon sugar finish: This extra layer adds texture and locks in that churro taste.
- No bake = no moisture: Keeps it crispy instead of soggy.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Pouring glaze on cold cereal – Warm it a bit if it feels stale.
- Not stirring fast enough – You gotta move quickly so the glaze coats evenly.
- Adding white chocolate too soon – Make sure the mix is 100% cool or the drizzle will melt and disappear.
🍫 What to Serve With
- Hot chocolate or chai latte
- Coffee or cold brew
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top
- Mix into yogurt for a sweet crunch
❓ FAQ
Can I use a different cereal?
Totally—Corn Chex or Crispix work great.
Is this gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free Chex and you’re good to go.
How do I make it without butter?
Swap in plant-based butter or coconut oil, but flavor may change slightly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yep! Just use a big mixing bowl and divide it between two trays to cool.
💬 That’s a Wrap!
I hope you make this once and it becomes a regular in your snack rotation. It’s easy, quick, and tastes like churros and cereal had a sweet, crispy baby. If you try it, leave a comment—I’d love to hear how it went or if you added your own spin!
Let me know if you want the printable version or a nut-free version!
