This Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix is one of those dangerously good snacks—you take one bite, and suddenly the bowl is empty.
Coated in buttery caramel, dusted with warm cinnamon sugar, and baked until crisp, this recipe is pure snack heaven.
Whether you’re prepping a holiday treat, packing a party bowl, or just want something crunchy and sweet for movie night, this recipe is easy, fast, and absolutely crowd-pleasing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Just 5 ingredients – Simple pantry staples
Oven-baked crunch – Light, crispy texture that lasts
Sweet and spiced – Like a churro, but in snack form
Make-ahead friendly – Great for gifting or parties
Perfect for kids & adults – No one can resist it!
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Rice Chex cereal – Light and crisp, holds coating perfectly
Butter – Creates the rich caramel base
Brown sugar – Melts with butter for a smooth, toasty coating
Granulated sugar + cinnamon – Classic sweet-spice combo
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use parchment paper – Makes cleanup effortless
Mix gently – Helps keep the Chex from breaking
Watch the microwave – Sugar mixture can bubble up quickly
Stir while baking – For even coating and crunch
Cool completely – It crisps up as it cools
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix
Step 1: Prep
Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Mix ¼ cup sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 2: Make Sauce
Melt ½ cup butter. Stir in ½ cup brown sugar.
Microwave 20–30 sec more, then whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Coat Cereal
Add 8 cups Rice Chex to a bowl.
Pour sauce over and toss gently to coat.
Step 4: Add Cinnamon Sugar
Spread on baking sheet.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly on top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 45 mins, stirring gently every 15 mins.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Cool completely, break into clusters, and enjoy!
What to Serve with Chex Mix
Hot chocolate or chai latte – Warm & cozy pairing
Holiday snack board – With pretzels, nuts, and dried fruit
Vanilla ice cream topping – Adds crunch and spice
Lunchbox treat – A fun alternative to cookies or bars
Variations & Add-Ins
Add mini chocolate chips – After baking and cooling
Mix in pecans or almonds – Toasted for extra crunch
Use other cereals – Try mixing in Corn Chex or Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom – For extra spice
Make it vegan – Use plant-based butter
Storage Tips
Cool completely before storing – Keeps it crunchy
Airtight container – Store at room temp for up to 1 week
Do not refrigerate – Moisture will soften the cereal
Perfect for gifting – Package in jars or bags with ribbon
FAQs
Can I use other cereal types?
Yes! Corn Chex or Crispix work well too. Even a blend is delicious.
Do I have to use parchment paper?
It’s highly recommended—it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
How do I keep the cereal from breaking?
Mix gently with a spatula and stir carefully during baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, if using certified gluten-free Rice Chex.
Can I add salt?
A pinch of sea salt on top can balance the sweetness nicely.
What’s the texture like?
It’s light, crisp, and slightly caramelized—like a churro in cereal form.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix is a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re filling holiday tins, prepping party snacks, or just craving something sweet and crunchy, this easy recipe delivers.
Make a batch—you might need two!
