Candied Cheetos

Candied Cheetos- Crunchy cheese curls are coated in a light caramel giving them the ultimate salty sweet crunch.

January 31, 2026 by Nicole Collins

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Today, we’re making Candied Cheetos!

It’s Day 9 in our 12 days of treats series, and today we’re changing gears because our series was getting a little chocolatey. So instead, we’re making the crispiest, crunchiest salty sweet treat that’s sure to satisfy.

If you’ve ever made my cheesy caramel snack mix, we’re basically making exactly that, but only Cheetos. The Cheetos are my absolute favorite part of that mix. So I figured, why not make a batch of them all on their own!

We’re going to start by making a simple caramel sauce with some brown sugar, butter, and a little light corn syrup. We’ll make sure they’re mixed together really well, let the mix boil for just a couple minutes, then pull it off the heat to mix in some baking soda and vanilla, and give it all a good mix until combined. Once we add the baking soda, you’ll see the mixture will get light and foamy. That’s exactly what we’re looking for.

We’ll take that caramel mixture and quickly toss it with some Cheetos. I recommend having the Cheetos measured out in a bowl first, because we have to work fast before the caramel starts to set which makes it more difficult to stir. Toss to coat the Cheetos as best you can, transfer them to a foil lined baking sheet spritzed with cooking spray, and spread them out in a single layer. Then, these will go in the oven for 45 minutes, making sure to give them a toss every 15 minutes.

Once the Cheetos are baked and cooled, it’s time to enjoy. Most people equate caramel with being sticky. But these Cheetos take on a crispy quality, kind of similar to caramel corn. They’re sweet and savory. They’re perfectly crunchy. They’re so addicting. And, they’re absolutely delicious.

Salty, sweet, and cheesy?? Say less.

OK, everyone. Our next treat is a fun little twist on a viral candy, so stay tuned.

I hope you enjoy. And, let’s eat!

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Candied Cheetos

Serves: 5 cups          Print

Ingredients:

• 5 cups crunchy cheese curls (like Cheetos)

• ½ stick (4 tbsp) unsalted butter

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tbsp light corn syrup

• 1/8 tsp baking soda

• 1/8 tsp vanilla extract

• cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil, and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Add Cheetos to a large bowl, and set aside.

2. In a small saucepan over medium high heat, add butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula until the mix starts to bubble. Once the mix comes to a boil, boil for 4 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat, add baking soda and vanilla, and stir to combine until the mixture lightens in color.

3. Pour the caramel mix over the cheetos. Toss gently with the same silicone spatula to coat completely. Spread the cheetos in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 mins, removing the pan from the oven every 15 minutes to toss the cheetos. When finished baking, transfer Cheetos to a clean parchment lined baking sheet. Let sit for 30 mins-1 hour to cool. Store in an airtight container, and enjoy!
   

Recipe notes:

*Lining your tray with foil is not required, but it makes for super easy clean up!

*If you don't have a silicone spatula, get one!  They can handle the heat, they're easy to clean, and they're great for baking. But, if you don't have one today, you can use a wooden spoon to stir your caramel too.