Cheerio Treats
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Cereal isn’t just for breakfast around here—I love using it to make easy treats and snacks, too. Today’s Cheerio Treats recipe is one I got from a friend after my boys came home raving about a snack she made while they were over playing at her house.
They couldn’t stop talking about how good these Cheerio Treats were, so of course, I had to get the recipe. It turns out they’re incredibly easy to make and a total hit with kids. I’ve been making them regularly ever since, especially as a quick after-school snack the kids love.
Ingredients for Cheerio Treats
- SUGAR
- CORN SYRUP
- CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
- VANILLA
- CHEERIOS
Instructions for Cheerio Treats
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and corn syrup and place it over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats up, then bring it to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, let it cook for about one minute, then remove the pan from the heat.
Immediately stir in the peanut butter and vanilla, mixing until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Add the Cheerios to the saucepan and gently stir until all of the cereal is evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
Using a spoon, drop small mounds of the mixture onto waxed paper. Let the treats cool completely so they can set, then enjoy. This recipe usually makes about two dozen treats, depending on how large you scoop them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes. While Cheerios work great, you can also use other similar cereals. Just keep in mind that different shapes or sizes may change the texture slightly.
Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Corn syrup works best for keeping the treats soft and holding everything together, but honey can be used as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different and the treats may be a bit firmer.
Do I need to cook the sugar mixture longer than one minute?
No. Boiling the mixture for about one minute is enough. Cooking it longer can make the treats too hard once they cool.
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes. These Cheerio treats can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
How should I store Cheerio Treats?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating them, as that can make them too firm.
Are these treats freezer-friendly?
Freezing isn’t recommended, as the texture can change once thawed.
Are these kid-friendly to help make?
Yes, with supervision. Kids can help stir in the cereal and scoop the mixture once it has cooled slightly, making this a fun recipe to make together.
I also have some other fun treat recipes using cereal.
- Cereal Candy
- Nutty Cereal Candy
- Sunny Peanut Butter Chews
- Chocolate Chip Crunchewy Cookies
- Chocolate Strawberry Crispy Pie
- Special K Treats
- Double Chocolate Caramel Turtle Treats
- Indoor S’mores
- No Bake Banana Crunch Bars
Cheerio Treats
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 5 cups Cheerios
Instructions
- In a large sauce pan, combine sugar and corn syrup. Bring to boil over medium heat.
- Allow mixture to boil for one minute and remove from heat.
- Add peanut butter and vanilla to mixture and mix until smooth.
- Add Cheerios and mix until all coated.
- Drop mixture by spoonful onto waxed paper and allow to cool. Enjoy. (I get about 2 dozen from this recipe. It all just depends on how big you make them.
