Churro Chex Mix

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When I want to whip up a sweet treat that’s both nostalgic and completely addictive, I always turn to my Churro Chex Mix. It’s the kind of snack that disappears fast, whether I make it for a movie night, a potluck, or just to have something crunchy and sweet to munch on during the week. Think cinnamon-sugar-coated cereal that’s perfectly crispy, buttery, and lightly salted to balance all that sweetness—every handful feels like a hug.

I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress. What I love most is how easy it is to put together with simple pantry staples. No oven needed, just a few minutes on the stovetop and a good toss to coat everything in that irresistible churro glaze. Once it cools and sets, it’s ready to serve—or sneak by the handful when no one’s looking.

Why You’ll Love This Churro Chex Mix

It’s quick, easy, and perfect for satisfying a sweet craving without turning on the oven. The buttery cinnamon-sugar coating mimics that classic churro flavor, while the Chex cereal gives it an airy crunch. Plus, it stores well, making it ideal for gifting or prepping ahead for parties and holidays.

What Kind of Cereal Should I Use?

I always reach for Rice Chex because it’s light and crisp, but Corn Chex works just as well and holds up beautifully to the buttery coating. You can even use a mix of both for a bit of texture variation. Just make sure the cereal is plain, unsweetened, and fresh so it absorbs the coating evenly.

Options for Substitutions

Not a fan of Rice or Corn Chex? Crispix is a great alternative with a similar crunch. Want to add a little extra flair? Toss in pretzel sticks or pecans before the final sugar coating. For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and double-check that your cereal is vegan-friendly. If you like a little heat with your sweet, try adding a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon-sugar blend for a spicy twist.

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Ingredients for this Churro Chex Mix

Rice or Corn Chex Cereal – This is the base of the mix and gives it that signature light, crispy crunch that holds up under the buttery coating.

Unsalted Butter – Melted butter creates the rich, golden base for the cinnamon-sugar coating. Using unsalted allows you to control the final saltiness.

Granulated Sugar – The sugar caramelizes slightly when mixed with butter and coats the cereal evenly for that sweet churro flavor.

Ground Cinnamon – Essential to getting that warm, spiced churro taste. It blends with the sugar to form the signature coating.

Vanilla Extract – Adds a deep, aromatic sweetness to the butter mixture, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Light Brown Sugar (optional) – A touch of brown sugar gives extra depth with its molasses undertone, perfect for a richer mix.

Salt – Just a pinch heightens all the sweet flavors and balances out the sugar so it’s not overpowering.

Powdered Sugar (optional) – A light dusting at the end gives a bakery-style finish, almost like powdered churros.

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Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Measure out your cereal into a large mixing bowl. Make sure it’s a bowl big enough to allow you to stir without spilling. Have all your coating ingredients ready to go because the process moves quickly once the butter is melted.

Step 2: Make the Churro Coating

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Stir in the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Let it cook for about a minute until everything is fully combined and slightly thickened. This step is crucial to developing that rich churro flavor.

Step 3: Pour and Toss

Immediately pour the hot butter mixture over the cereal. Use a spatula or large spoon to toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece is coated. Work fast here, as the sugar mixture thickens as it cools.

Step 4: Set and Cool

Spread the coated cereal out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer. Let it cool for 15–20 minutes. This helps the coating set and allows the mix to crisp back up.

Step 5: Optional Final Dusting

Once cool, you can sprinkle with powdered sugar for that classic churro finish. Toss lightly to coat, then transfer to an airtight container for storage—or dig in immediately.

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How Long to Prepare the Churro Chex Mix

Prep Time: You’ll need about 5 to 10 minutes to gather and measure your ingredients, melt the butter, and prepare the coating. This part goes quickly, so it’s helpful to have everything ready before you begin.

Cook & Cool Time: The actual cooking part—melting and mixing—takes another 5 minutes. Then allow 15 to 20 minutes for the mix to cool and set properly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Altogether, you can expect the entire process to take 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Churro Chex Mix

• Use fresh cereal. Stale cereal won’t give you that signature crispy crunch.
• Melt butter slowly. Avoid burning it; low and slow ensures a smooth texture for the coating.
• Toss quickly and gently. Mix the cereal and coating while it’s hot so everything is well-covered without crushing the cereal.
• Cool completely. This helps it set and become nice and crisp again.
• Double the batch. It disappears fast, so consider making a larger batch if you’re serving a crowd.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overheating the sugar mixture can cause it to harden too fast or burn.
• Using a small mixing bowl makes it hard to coat the cereal evenly.
• Skipping the cooling step may result in a sticky mess instead of crisp snack mix.
• Using salted butter without adjusting other salt can make it too salty.
• Adding powdered sugar too early can melt into the coating instead of giving that light finish.

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What to Serve With Churro Chex Mix?

1. Hot Chocolate

Rich and creamy hot cocoa pairs perfectly with the sweet cinnamon crunch.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

Sprinkle a handful on top of ice cream for a textural dessert topping.

3. Coffee or Lattes

A warm drink helps balance the sweetness and makes this a cozy afternoon treat.

4. Fruit Platter

Serve alongside fresh berries or apple slices for a lighter party spread.

5. Spiced Nuts

Create a sweet-and-savory snack board by pairing this mix with roasted or candied nuts.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Once fully cooled, transfer the Churro Chex Mix to an airtight container. It keeps well for up to a week at room temperature. Keep it away from moisture to preserve the crunch.

Freezing: While not necessary, you can freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just let it come to room temperature before serving to restore the texture.

Make Ahead: This is a perfect make-ahead snack. Prepare it 1–2 days in advance and store in a sealed container. It’s a fantastic time-saver for parties, holidays, or road trips.

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Estimated Nutrition

Note: Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients and amounts used.

• Calories per serving: ~190
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sugar: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have vanilla extract?

You can skip it or use a small dash of maple syrup for a similar aromatic sweetness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure you’re using gluten-free Chex cereal and double-check any added flavorings or butter substitutes.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Let it cool completely before storing, and make sure your container is fully airtight.

Can I add chocolate or drizzle?

Absolutely! Once cooled, drizzle with melted white or milk chocolate and let it set before storing.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Totally! It’s sweet, crunchy, and fun to make together. Kids can help with tossing and sprinkling sugar.

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Conclusion

Churro Chex Mix is the kind of snack that’s ridiculously easy to make and dangerously hard to stop eating. It captures everything you love about a warm churro—sweet, buttery, and coated in cinnamon sugar—wrapped up in a crispy cereal mix that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making it for a gathering or just need a treat for yourself, this recipe delivers every time.

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