There is something truly magical about the combination of salty pretzels, creamy chocolate, and festive colors, and that magic comes alive beautifully in this Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe. These bite-sized treats are not only ridiculously easy to make but also deliver a perfect balance of sweet and salty that keeps everyone coming back for more. If you love simple holiday snacks that look adorable and taste like a dream, this recipe will become your go-to for every festive gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients together for the Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of flavor and texture, making these treats both irresistible and festive.
- Mini pretzel twists or squares: The salty crunch that forms the base and complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Hershey’s Hugs (milk chocolate + white crème striped candies): These give just the right creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate flavor with a charming striped look.
- Red and green M&M’s (holiday edition): Adding a pop of bright holiday color and a little extra chocolate crunch on top.
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to a low temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make sure the treats don’t stick and clean-up is simple. Arranging the pretzels in a single layer is key to ensuring they all get their perfect chocolate topping.
Step 2: Place the Hershey’s Hugs on Pretzels
Unwrap those lovely Hershey’s Hugs and place one candy right on top of each mini pretzel. This is the moment where the salty base meets the sweet chocolate, and you can almost imagine how delicious it will be.
Step 3: Bake Until Chocolate Softens
Pop your tray into the oven and bake for about 4 to 5 minutes. The goal here is to soften the chocolate just enough so it becomes glossy and spreadable but not melted into a puddle. This step is essential for getting the iconic “hug” look of the chocolate wrapped around the pretzel.
Step 4: Add M&M’s to the Center
Right after you remove the pretzels from the oven, press one red or green M&M into the center of each softened chocolate Hug. Gently press it down to cause the chocolate to spread slightly, creating that perfect festive bite-sized candy.
Step 5: Let Them Set and Cool
Now comes the patience part – allow the Christmas Pretzel Hugs to cool completely at room temperature or transfer the tray to the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to speed things up. When set, the chocolate will harden just enough to hold everything in place but still melt beautifully when you bite in.
How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Garnishes
While the red and green M&M’s provide their own festive flair, you can sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter or some crushed peppermint candy around the edges on your serving platter for some extra holiday sparkle. These little touches make the pretzel hugs truly shine as holiday conversation starters.
Side Dishes
Christmas Pretzel Hugs pair wonderfully with warm beverages like hot cocoa or mulled cider. Their sweet and salty profile offers a delightful contrast to creamy drinks, making them excellent finger food for holiday parties or cozy family gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or party trays, try stacking these colorful treats in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon or placing them in small holiday-themed tins. You can also arrange them around a centerpiece bowl to turn a simple candy into a glorious holiday display everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, storing your Christmas Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature will keep them fresh for several days. Make sure to keep them somewhere cool and dry to avoid any melting or sticking together.
Freezing
These treats freeze beautifully if sealed tightly in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want to enjoy them later, simply let them come to room temperature gradually, and they’ll taste just as delicious as the day you made them.
Reheating
Reheating is usually not necessary since these are best served cool or at room temperature. However, if you prefer slightly softened chocolate, warming them gently for a few seconds in the microwave can bring back their fresh-from-the-oven charm—but watch closely to avoid melting too much.
FAQs
Can I use regular M&M’s instead of holiday ones?
Absolutely! Regular M&M’s will work just fine; the holiday edition just adds that special touch of red and green colors to keep things festive.
What if I don’t have mini pretzels? Can I use large ones?
You can, but the larger pretzels may require bigger Hershey’s Hugs or adjusting baking time to ensure the chocolate melts properly. Mini pretzels give the best bite-sized result.
Can I substitute Hershey’s Hugs with regular chocolate chips?
While Hershey’s Hugs have a unique stripe and taste, regular milk or white chocolate chips can be used in a pinch, though the final look and flavor might be slightly different.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to make?
Yes! The steps are simple and safe, making it an excellent holiday activity to enjoy together, especially with adult supervision during the baking process.
Can I make these pretzel hugs for other holidays?
Definitely! Swap out the M&M colors and chocolate varieties to match Valentine’s Day, Easter, or any celebration where a sweet and salty treat is welcome.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a little festive magic with minimal effort, the Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe is a winner every time. It’s one of those charming little sweets that bring joy, nostalgia, and a whole lot of flavor in every bite. I can’t wait for you to make and share these with your friends and family—they truly are a holiday tradition waiting to happen!
Print
Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: About 80 pretzel hugs
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Pretzel Hugs are delightful holiday treats combining salty mini pretzels with creamy Hershey’s Hugs and festive red and green M&M’s. These easy-to-make candies require just a few ingredients and simple baking to create perfect bite-sized sweets, ideal for gift-giving, cookie trays, or holiday parties.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 bag (about 8 oz) mini pretzel twists or squares
- 1 bag (12 oz) Hershey’s Hugs (milk chocolate + white crème striped candies)
- 1 bag (10 oz) red and green M&M’s (holiday edition)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Arrange pretzels: Spread the mini pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced for uniform melting.
- Add Hershey’s Hugs: Unwrap the Hershey’s Hugs candies and place one on top of each pretzel piece, positioning them at the center.
- Bake the pretzel hugs: Bake in the preheated oven for 4 to 5 minutes, just until the Hugs soften and become shiny but do not fully melt or lose their shape.
- Add M&M’s: Immediately remove from the oven and press one red or green M&M into the center of each softened Hug, gently pressing to slightly spread the chocolate.
- Cool and set: Allow the pretzel hugs to cool at room temperature until the chocolate firms up, or speed up the process by transferring them to the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.
- Store: Once set, store the treats in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can use different flavored Hershey’s Hugs or M&M’s colors to customize these treats for other holidays or occasions.
- These bite-sized pretzel hugs make excellent edible gifts and are perfect additions to cookie trays or party snack tables.
- Ensure the oven temperature is low to avoid melting the Hugs too much, preserving their shape and texture.
