CHURRO CHEX MIX!

Introduction

If you’re searching for a sweet and crunchy snack that’s effortless to make yet tastes absolutely irresistible, this Churro Chex Mix is about to become your new favorite. With crispy rice Chex cereal coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, every bite captures that churro flavor we all know and love. Whether you’re hosting a game night, packing lunchbox treats, or creating edible holiday gifts, this snack mix is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s made with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

My recipe story

Growing up, churros were a rare but treasured treat at county fairs and amusement parks. That warm crunch with cinnamon sugar coating always stuck with me. I wanted to recreate that nostalgic flavor at home but in a way that was quick, easy, and shareable. That’s how this Churro Chex Mix was born. It captures the churro experience in bite-sized pieces, no frying required! Over time, I’ve made this recipe for school bake sales, holiday parties, and even as a “just because” family snack. It never fails to disappear in minutes, and it’s one of those recipes that people always ask me for afterward.

Ingredient breakdown

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create that signature churro-inspired flavor. The magic comes from the balance of buttery richness, warm cinnamon, and just the right amount of sweetness to coat each piece of cereal.

Rice Chex cereal: The classic base for snack mixes. Its light and airy crunch perfectly holds onto the sweet coating without getting soggy. Plus, it keeps the recipe gluten-free if you choose a certified gluten-free brand.

Granulated sugar: Essential for giving that churro-like sweetness. It pairs beautifully with cinnamon and creates that familiar coating we all love.

Cinnamon: The star flavor of the recipe. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and a cozy aroma that makes the mix taste like churros fresh from a street cart.

Butter: The glue that binds everything together. It allows the cinnamon sugar to cling to the cereal while adding a rich, indulgent taste. Use unsalted butter for more control over flavor.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large mixing bowl
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for cooling)
• Airtight storage container

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare the coating. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 ½ tablespoons of ground cinnamon until well combined. This ensures the cinnamon is evenly distributed, so every piece of cereal gets that delicious churro flavor. Set aside while you melt the butter.

Step 2: Melt the butter. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as butter can splatter or separate if heated too quickly.

Step 3: Coat the cereal. Place 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Slowly pour the melted butter over the cereal while gently stirring to coat every piece. Take your time here—the more evenly the butter coats the cereal, the better the cinnamon sugar will stick.

Step 4: Add cinnamon sugar mixture. Sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter-coated cereal. Stir thoroughly, making sure every square is dusted in the sweet, spiced coating. This step is where the churro magic happens, so don’t skimp on mixing!

Step 5: Spread and cool. Transfer the coated cereal onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread it out evenly and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes. This helps the coating set so you won’t end up with clumps when storing or serving.

Step 6: Store or serve. Once cooled, transfer the Churro Chex Mix into an airtight container. Serve immediately as a snack or pack it up for later. It stays deliciously fresh for days, making it perfect for make-ahead prep.

Variations & substitutions

This Churro Chex Mix is delicious on its own, but you can easily customize it to match your cravings or the season. Add mini chocolate chips, caramel bits, or white chocolate drizzle for a sweet upgrade. For a salty-sweet twist, toss in mini pretzels or roasted peanuts. You can also use corn Chex or wheat Chex if that’s what you have on hand. If you’d like a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for the traditional butter. The recipe is incredibly flexible, which makes it fun to experiment with.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Store your Churro Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to make it ahead for a party or holiday, prepare the mix a day or two before—it will still taste perfectly fresh. Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture may suffer once thawed, but you can refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks if you prefer a longer shelf life. Just be sure it’s completely cooled before storing to avoid trapped moisture.

Serving ideas & pairings

This sweet and crunchy mix is versatile enough to serve in countless ways. Place it in small bowls for a casual movie night snack, or package it in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for holiday gifting. For an indulgent dessert, sprinkle it over vanilla ice cream or layer it in a trifle with whipped cream and caramel sauce. Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced chai for a cozy treat. It also makes an excellent addition to party snack tables, where it disappears quickly next to savory nibbles.

FAQ

Can I use a different cereal? Yes! Corn Chex or Wheat Chex both work well and bring slightly different textures and flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free? If you use certified gluten-free Rice Chex and check that your cinnamon and sugar are processed safely, then yes, it’s gluten-free.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free? Simply swap out the butter for coconut oil or dairy-free butter substitutes.

Can I double this recipe? Absolutely! Just be sure to use a very large bowl or mix in batches so everything coats evenly.

Does it need to be baked? No baking is required, but you can bake it briefly for an extra crispy finish if you’d like.

Final thoughts

This Churro Chex Mix is proof that sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the most joy. With minimal ingredients and almost no effort, you can create a treat that tastes just like warm churros in snackable form. Whether you’re preparing it for a party, gifting it during the holidays, or just treating yourself after a long day, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

CHURRO CHEX MIX!

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sweet, crunchy, and coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, this Churro Chex Mix is an easy snack perfect for parties, gifting, or everyday munching.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted.

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined. 
2. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth. 
3. Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large bowl and pour the melted butter over it, stirring gently to coat. 
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cereal and stir until every piece is evenly coated. 
5. Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let cool for 10 minutes before serving or storing.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For extra crunch, bake at 250°F for 20 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American