If you’re looking for a festive and delightfully simple treat that combines sweet, salty, and colorful holiday cheer, the Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe is your new go-to snack. This recipe brings together crunchy pretzels, creamy Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, and vibrant Christmas-themed M&M’s to create a bite-sized delight that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or nibbling throughout the holiday season. The magic lies in how easy it is to make and how irresistible they taste, making these little bundles of joy an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and for this Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe, simplicity is key. Each ingredient plays a unique role: the pretzels provide a crunchy salty base, the Hershey’s Hugs chocolates offer smooth, creamy sweetness, and the festive M&M’s add a pop of color and an extra burst of candy-coated goodness.
- Pretzel snaps (about 16 oz): Look for small, round pretzels that provide the perfect size and crunch.
- Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (10 oz): These have a creamy white and milk chocolate blend that melts beautifully.
- Christmas-themed M&M’s (12 oz): Choose festive colors to add holiday spirit and extra candy texture.
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to a gentle 200°F (93°C), which ensures the chocolates will soften without melting excessively. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Arrange the Pretzels
Place your pretzel snaps in a single, uniform layer on the lined baking sheet. This even spacing helps each pretzel hug receive the perfect amount of chocolate melting and cooling time.
Step 3: Add the Hershey’s Hugs Chocolates
Unwrap each Hershey’s Hug and place one right on top of every pretzel snap. This is where the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth magic begins!
Step 4: Bake Until Softened
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 4-5 minutes. You want to watch closely and take them out when the chocolates have softened enough to press an M&M gently but are not fully melted.
Step 5: Press the M&M’s Into the Chocolate
Immediately after removing the baking sheet from the oven, press one Christmas-themed M&M into the center of each softened Hershey’s Hug. This adds a festive, colorful pop and seals the treat together.
Step 6: Let Them Set
Allow your Christmas Pretzel Hugs to cool to room temperature so the chocolate can set and firm up. For a quicker option, place them in the refrigerator for a short while, just until they harden.
Step 7: Serve or Package
Once set, your Christmas Pretzel Hugs are ready to enjoy! They also make wonderful holiday gifts when packaged in cute bags or tins. Everyone will love receiving these homemade treats filled with holiday spirit.
How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Garnishes
While these treats are lovely as is, try sprinkling a tiny pinch of festive colored sugar or edible glitter just as they begin to set for an extra sparkle that dazzles at any holiday gathering.
Side Dishes
Christmas Pretzel Hugs pair amazingly well with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a glass of creamy eggnog. Their sweet and salty balance complements these classic seasonal beverages perfectly, enhancing your cozy holiday atmosphere.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these goodies on a festive holiday platter lined with evergreen sprigs, or fill small glass jars as charming homemade gifts. Wrapping a stack in cellophane with a colorful ribbon transforms them into delightful stocking stuffers everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Christmas Pretzel Hugs left (though that might be tough), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps the pretzels crunchy and the chocolate intact without any melting.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze these treats. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Since these bites are best enjoyed cool with firm chocolate, reheating is not recommended. If they have softened or melted, simply chill them in the refrigerator to reset the chocolate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pretzels?
Absolutely! Mini pretzel rods or twists work too, though the shape will change the presentation. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the softened chocolate and M&M topping.
What if I don’t have Christmas-themed M&M’s?
No worries! Regular M&M’s or other small candies like peppermints or red and green candy pearls can be substituted to match your holiday color scheme.
Can I prepare these in advance for holiday parties?
Yes, you can make Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container. This helps you stay ahead during busy holiday festivities.
Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the regular pretzels for gluten-free pretzels to accommodate dietary needs while keeping the rest of the recipe the same.
Can children help make this recipe?
Definitely! Pressing chocolates and M&M’s onto pretzels is a safe, fun task for kids, making this recipe a great family activity during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
The Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe is a true holiday treasure that’s simple, fun, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re whipping them up for a large gathering, giving them as sweet gifts, or just indulging yourself, these treats bring festive joy with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try making and sharing these — they are guaranteed to become a beloved holiday classic in your kitchen.
Print
Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a delightful and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. This simple no-fuss recipe combines crunchy pretzel snaps with melty Hershey’s Hugs chocolates and colorful Christmas-themed M&M’s to create a sweet and salty bite-sized snack that’s ideal for gifting or serving at holiday parties.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 bag of pretzel snaps (about 16 oz)
- 1 bag of Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (10 oz)
- 1 bag of Christmas-themed M&M’s (12 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Pretzels: Lay out the pretzel snaps in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap so they heat evenly.
- Add Chocolate Hugs: Place one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel, positioning each piece carefully to prepare for gentle melting.
- Bake to Soften Chocolate: Bake the pretzels with chocolates for 4-5 minutes just until the chocolate softens but does not fully melt, allowing it to retain its shape while becoming pliable.
- Add M&M’s: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately press one Christmas-themed M&M candy into the center of each softened Hug, gently embedding it in the chocolate.
- Cool and Set: Let the pretzel hugs cool at room temperature until the chocolate hardens again. For faster setting, place the tray in the refrigerator briefly.
- Serve or Gift: Once set, serve your festive pretzel hugs immediately or package them as charming holiday gifts.
Notes
- Do not overbake as the chocolate should soften but not melt away completely.
- You can substitute Hershey’s Hugs with any similar white and milk chocolate kisses.
- Use seasonal M&M’s to add a festive flair fitting for holidays or events.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
