Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a treat that’s sweet, buttery, and hopelessly addictive, allow me to introduce you to Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix. This snack combines the classic crunch of Rice Chex cereal with a golden, caramelized coating and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Every handful brings a perfect mix of nostalgia and pure snacking bliss—ideal for movie nights, parties, off-to-school surprises, or anytime you want something delightfully homemade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something wonderful about how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create absolute magic. Each one has a role to play here, whether it’s the crisp texture from the cereal or that warm, aromatic sweetness from cinnamon. Let’s break them down one by one so you know exactly why you shouldn’t skip a thing:

• Rice Chex Cereal: This is the foundation of our Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix, giving it that unmistakable light crunch and open texture perfect for soaking up all that buttery sweetness without getting soggy.
• Butter: Melted butter acts as the luscious glue, helping all the sugar and cinnamon adhere beautifully to every piece.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a richer, almost caramel-like depth to the mixture, making every bite taste homemade and cozy.
• Granulated White Sugar: This is what forms that irresistible sparkly cinnamon sugar coating, giving the mix its signature crispy sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: This is where the magic happens—cinnamon brings warmth, aroma, and elevates every morsel with nostalgic flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 275F. While it’s coming up to temperature, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. This catches all the syrupy goodness and makes cleanup a breeze later.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

Combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir them together until perfectly blended and set aside—this will be your special finishing sprinkle for that signature Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix topping.

Step 3: Melt the Butter and Brown Sugar

In a microwave-safe measuring cup, melt your butter until just liquid. Stir in the brown sugar, and pop it back into the microwave for another quick burst—20 to 30 seconds should do it, but watch carefully! Whisk until the brown sugar has dissolved fully into the butter, transforming into a shiny, fragrant syrup.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Place all the Rice Chex into a very large mixing bowl. Drizzle the warm butter-sugar syrup over the cereal, and use a sturdy spatula (or your hands, if you’re daring!) to gently toss until every square is thoroughly coated.

Step 5: Spread and Sprinkle

Pour the coated Chex cereal out onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading it into an even single layer. Now, take your reserved cinnamon sugar and generously sprinkle it over the top, making sure every nook and cranny is kissed by that sweet, spiced layer.

Step 6: Bake and Stir

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes total. Every 15 minutes, gently lift and turn the mix with a metal spatula to make sure everything toasts evenly and nothing sticks. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once golden and crisp, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool completely right on the baking sheet. As it cools, the Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix will develop that satisfying, crackly coating everyone loves.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix

Garnishes

While it’s pretty perfect as-is, you can turn the flavor up a notch with a few fun garnishes. A pinch of flaky sea salt adds irresistible contrast, a handful of mini chocolate chips (tossed in just before serving) brings a decadent twist, or a dusting of powdered sugar right before a party looks extra festive.

Side Dishes

This sweet mix shines on dessert trays alongside fresh fruit, crispy apple slices, or even paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a snacky spread, serve it next to something salty—think pretzels, popcorn, or a bowl of lightly salted nuts—to give everyone their perfect bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Gift Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix in cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for holidays or birthdays. Fill up mason jars, top with a cute label, and suddenly you have a heartwarming, homemade hostess gift. For parties, pile it high in a big bowl with a tiny scoop so guests can help themselves, or prepare custom snack cups for movie nights and game days, making sure everyone gets their fair share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays crisp and delicious for up to a week, making it perfect for grab-and-go snacking or last-minute dessert cravings.

Freezing

If you want your Chex mix to last even longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Simply seal fully-cooled mix in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours when ready to treat yourself.

Reheating

If your leftover mix loses a bit of its signature crunch, you can revive it! Spread on a baking sheet and reheat in a low oven (around 250F) for 10 minutes. Cool completely before digging in again for that freshly made texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of Chex cereal?

Absolutely! While Rice Chex gives that classic, neutral crunch, you can substitute Corn Chex or even a combination of both for a subtle twist. Just avoid flavored or sweetened varieties to keep the recipe balanced.

Is Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix gluten free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free labeled Rice Chex cereal and double-check your other ingredients for cross-contamination risk, this recipe is completely gluten free—perfect for most guests or family members with dietary needs.

Can I make it dairy-free or vegan?

You can swap the butter for a plant-based, dairy-free butter alternative with great results. Just make sure it melts well and has a flavor you love, since it’s such a big part of the snack’s signature taste.

How do I prevent the mix from getting soggy?

Properly baking the Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix and allowing it to cool completely on the sheet ensures that crispy finish. Store it airtight and avoid humid environments to keep every batch crunchy and fresh.

Can I add extras like nuts or pretzels?

Of course! Toss in a handful of roasted pecans, almonds, or mini pretzels during the syrup-coating step for added texture and variety. Just make sure your baking sheet isn’t overcrowded so everything gets evenly toasted and coated.

Final Thoughts

If you love treats that are impossibly easy yet completely unforgettable, you owe it to yourself to try Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix. Each batch has a way of disappearing faster than you expect, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again. Trust me, your snack stash (and your friends!) will thank you.

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