Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix (Easy Sweet Snack)

Name: Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 8 cups Rice Chex cereal; ½ cup butter; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated white sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon

This cinnamon sugar Chex Mix is sweet, crunchy, and completely addictive. It's baked low and slow so every piece gets evenly coated in a buttery brown sugar caramel, then finished with a cinnamon sugar dusting that sticks perfectly. This is one of those snack recipes that disappears fast and gets requested again and again.

It's easy to make, budget friendly, and perfect for holidays, movie nights, or gifting in little bags.👇👇

Close up of cinnamon sugar check mix recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfectly crunchy - slow baking keeps the cereal crisp, not soggy
Simple ingredients - just Chex, butter, sugar, and cinnamon
No candy thermometer needed - the caramel comes together in the microwave
Great for holidays & parties - easy to double and feeds a crowd
Stays fresh for days - perfect for make-ahead snacking

Andi holding tray of cinnamon sugar chex mix

Note From Andi:

This is one of those recipes I make when I want something sweet but don't feel like baking cookies. It takes almost no effort, uses pantry staples, and somehow tastes like way more work than it actually is.

I love that it's baked at a low temperature so the caramel has time to coat every piece without burning. The cinnamon sugar goes on after the caramel, which makes it stick instead of disappearing. It's the kind of snack that people keep grabbing "just one more handful" of.

If you've ever made Chex mix that turned out uneven or sticky in spots, this method fixes that.

You must try my popular cracker candy recipe and 3-ingredient fudge next!

For more easy snack ideas try my 7 homemade popcorn seasoning flavors, my homemade cereal bars using cheerios, my no bake granola bar flavors and my 6 energy ball flavors.

Recipe Ingredients 👇👇

8 cups Rice Chex cereal
½ cup butter
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated white sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon

Watch How To Make It 👇👇

Step-By-Step Instructions 👇👇

Bowls of sugar and cinnamon, unmixed then mixed

STEP 1: Prep the Oven & Cinnamon Sugar

Preheat the oven to 275°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 2 tsp ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Bowl of butter, then melted with brown sugar

STEP 2: Make the Brown Sugar Butter Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup butter in the microwave.

Add ½ cup brown sugar, stir well, and microwave for 20-30 seconds. Watch closely so it doesn't bubble over. Whisk until smooth.

Microwave for another 20-30 seconds, whisk again, and repeat once more if needed. The mixture should look glossy and slightly thick, like a loose caramel sauce.

Cinnamon sugar chex mix on a baking tray

STEP 3: Coat the Chex

Pour 8 cups Rice Chex cereal into a large bowl.

Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the cereal. Use a spatula to gently fold and toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
Do not add the cinnamon sugar yet.

STEP 4: Bake Low & Slow

Spread the coated Chex onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.

Bake at 275°F for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Lift and turn the cereal with a spatula so it bakes evenly and doesn't clump.

STEP 5: Cool & Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool completely. The Chex mix will crisp up as it cools.

Break apart any large clusters and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

Low temperature matters. Baking at 275°F prevents burning and keeps the cereal crunchy.
Stir regularly. This helps coat everything evenly and avoids sticky patches.
Let it cool fully. The crunch sets as it cools, don't judge it hot.
Use parchment. It makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.

Variations & Easy Add-Ins

Nutty crunch: Add roasted pecans or almonds after baking
Extra cinnamon: Add another ½ tsp cinnamon to the sugar mix
Vanilla: Stir ½ tsp vanilla extract into the caramel sauce
Mixed cereal: Swap half the Rice Chex for Corn Chex

Serving Ideas

Movie Night: Serve in small bowls for movie nights or casual get-togethers. It's easy to grab and doesn't need utensils.
Snack Board: Add it to a snack board with fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or pretzels for a sweet-and-salty mix that works well for parties and holidays.
Gifts: Package into jars or treat bags for gifting. This Chex mix holds its crunch well, making it great for bake sales, teacher gifts, or holiday tins.
Kids Snack: Keep a container on the counter for easy after-school snacking throughout the week. It's perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or quick sweet cravings.

If you love nostalgic snacks like this, try pairing it with my jumbo rice krispie treats or peanut butter energy balls - simple, familiar recipes that always disappear fast.

Storage & Reheating

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Do not refrigerate: Moisture will soften the cereal
Make ahead friendly: Flavor actually improves after a few hours

FAQs

Can I use a different Chex cereal?

Yes, Rice Chex works best for even coating, but Corn Chex also works well.

Why add cinnamon sugar after the caramel?

Adding it afterward helps it stick instead of melting into the butter mixture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use two baking sheets so the cereal stays in a single layer.