If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s quick, adorable, and absolutely delicious, you’re in for a real holiday delight with the Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe. This charming snack combines the salty crunch of mini pretzels with the creamy melt of Hershey’s Hugs chocolate, topped off with colorful red and green M&M’s to celebrate the season. It’s the perfect sweet-and-salty bite that brings a smile with every nibble, perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply sneaking a few by the fireplace.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive color. With just pretzels, chocolate hugs, and M&M’s, you’ll whip up this delightful treat in minutes, guaranteed to impress without any complicated fuss.
- Mini Pretzels: The salty, crunchy base that gives each bite satisfying texture and a beautiful twist shape.
- Hershey’s Hugs: A luscious blend of white and milk chocolate that melts perfectly to hug each pretzel and hold your toppings in place.
- Red and Green M&M’s (Christmas variety): The vibrant finishing touch that adds a burst of festive color and a fun candy crunch on top.
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to a low 200°F (93°C) to gently soften the chocolate without burning it. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone mat, or foil to make cleanup a breeze and keep your pretzel hugs from sticking.
Step 2: Arrange Pretzels and Add Chocolate
Lay out your mini pretzels flat on the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Unwrap each Hershey’s Hug and place one directly in the center of every pretzel. This sets the stage for the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth magic that’s about to happen.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven for about 4–5 minutes. Keep a close eye as the Hugs soften without fully melting—this is the sweet spot to get that perfect “hug” texture between salty and sweet.
Step 4: Add the Festive M&M’s
As soon as you remove the tray from the oven, press one red or green M&M gently into the center of each softened Hug. This quick step ensures your M&M’s stick nicely while the chocolate cools and sets.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Let your Christmas Pretzel Hugs cool down at room temperature, or speed up the process by popping them in the fridge or freezer. The chocolate will firm up nicely, holding everything perfectly together.
Step 6: Store or Gift
Once fully set, transfer your tasty creations to an airtight container to keep them fresh. They also make wonderful homemade gifts—just package them in festive boxes or bags for a charming holiday surprise.
How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Garnishes
Though each Christmas Pretzel Hug is a tiny masterpiece, feel free to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top before baking for an extra salty kick. You can also add crushed peppermint around the edges on the baking sheet to give a subtle minty aroma and look that’s wonderfully in tune with the holidays.
Side Dishes
Serve these pretzel hugs alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider to create the ultimate cozy holiday snack platter. They also pair beautifully with a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie, balancing sweet and savory for your holiday guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is everything when gifting or displaying. Arrange your Christmas Pretzel Hugs on a festive plate with holly sprigs or candy canes for a charming touch. Alternatively, layer them in a clear jar tied with a red ribbon for an instant holiday gift that’s both pretty and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Christmas Pretzel Hugs keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead of holiday parties or gatherings without any loss of crunch or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to stash these delicious bites for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without sacrificing the texture or taste.
Reheating
No need to reheat Christmas Pretzel Hugs—these treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If frozen, simply thaw them in the fridge or on the countertop for an hour before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular pretzels instead of mini pretzels?
Absolutely! While mini pretzels are great for bite-sized treats, larger pretzels work just as well. Just adjust the amount of chocolate accordingly so each pretzel has a perfect chocolate “hug.”
What if I can’t find Hershey’s Hugs?
If you can’t find Hershey’s Hugs, white chocolate kisses or any white and milk chocolate blend will do the trick. The goal is a chocolate that melts smoothly and holds the M&M in place.
Can I use regular M&M’s instead of Christmas colors?
Definitely! Regular M&M’s will still look festive and taste great. But if you want to lean into the holiday spirit, red and green M&M’s add that extra cheerful pop of color.
How long does it take for the chocolate to set?
It usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature for the chocolate to fully harden. Refrigeration or freezing speeds up the process significantly if you’re in a hurry.
Are Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe suitable for kids to make?
Yes! This recipe is family-friendly and perfect for kids to get involved because of its simple steps and minimal oven time. Just be sure to supervise when handling the hot baking sheet.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe—simple ingredients coming together to create a snack that’s as charming as it is delicious. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifts, or just to brighten your own day, these little treats deliver big on joy and flavor. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear during the holidays!
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Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 50 servings 1x
Description
Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a festive and easy-to-make holiday treat featuring salty mini pretzels topped with soft Hershey’s Hugs chocolates and colorful red and green M&M’s. These bite-sized snacks require minimal baking time and are perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday parties.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 50 mini pretzels
- 50 Hershey’s Hugs (unwrapped)
- 50 red and green M&M’s (Christmas variety)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone mat, or foil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Pretzels: Lay the mini pretzels flat in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced for easy topping.
- Add Hershey’s Hugs: Unwrap each Hershey’s Hug and place one in the center of each pretzel to prepare for melting.
- Bake Chocolates: Bake the pretzels with Hugs in the oven for 4-5 minutes, or until the chocolates are softened but not fully melted, allowing easy pressing of the candies.
- Press M&M’s: Immediately after removing the baking sheet from the oven, press a red or green Christmas M&M into the center of each softened Hug to create a festive look.
- Cool and Set: Allow the Pretzel Hugs to cool and set completely either at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer to firm up the chocolate.
- Storage: Once the chocolate has hardened, store the Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container to keep them fresh or package them as holiday gifts.
Notes
- Do not overbake the Hershey’s Hugs; they should be soft but not fully melted to hold their shape when topped with M&M’s.
- Use a low oven temperature (200°F/93°C) to gently soften the chocolates without burning the pretzels.
- For quicker setting, refrigerate or freeze the finished Pretzel Hugs after adding the M&M’s.
- This recipe is easy to double or triple for larger gatherings or gift batches.
- Airtight storage is recommended to maintain freshness and prevent the chocolates from melting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
