Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Christmas Pretzel Hugs are those irresistible, poppable bites everyone can’t stop reaching for, whether at a cookie swap or right from your kitchen counter. This three-ingredient treat delivers the perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and sweet-salty goodness all in one cheerful bite. With glossy Hershey’s Hugs melting into a crisp pretzel, finished with a burst of color from festive M&Ms, these little snacks are destined to be the star of your holiday dessert spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Pretzel Hugs:
- 50 square pretzels (like Snaps)
Hershey’s Hugs:
- 50 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, unwrapped
Red and Green M&Ms:
- 50 red and green M&Ms
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will keep cleanup a breeze and ensure your Christmas Pretzel Hugs don’t stick. Arrange your pretzel snaps in a single layer on the sheet, being sure they aren’t overlapping, so each one can act as a sturdy little foundation.
Step 2: Add the Hershey’s Hugs
Carefully place one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel. This doesn’t have to look perfect, but try to center them so when they melt, the chocolate pools evenly over the top. This step is a little therapeutic—lining up each hug and imagining that swirled chocolate getting just melty enough!
Step 3: Bake the Pretzel Hugs
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 4–5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—what you’re looking for is the chocolates to look glossy and just softened, but they should still hold their shape. You want them soft enough for the next step, but not puddling all over the place.
Step 4: Add the M&Ms
Remove the tray from the oven and immediately press one red or green M&M into the center of each softened Hug. This part is especially fun for little helpers! Gently push down until the M&M nestles in and the chocolate spreads just a bit, but don’t go too hard or it’ll get messy.
Step 5: Let Them Set
Allow your Christmas Pretzel Hugs to cool and the chocolate to set up fully before moving or serving. At room temperature, this usually takes about 30 minutes, or you can pop the whole baking sheet into the fridge for 10–15 minutes if you’re impatient (or just can’t resist sneaking one right away!).
How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Hugs
Garnishes
Christmas Pretzel Hugs look fantastic on their own, but if you want to up the wow-factor, sprinkle a little edible glitter or finely chopped nuts over the chocolates before they fully set. For a really personal touch, add a drizzle of white chocolate or a dash of holiday sprinkles for extra sparkle and crunch.
Side Dishes
These bites are naturally the star of holiday snack platters, but they play well alongside other sweet treats, like spiced nuts, cinnamon sugared pecans, or chewy homemade cookies. For a full-on dessert spread, pair them with hot cocoa, apple cider, or even a simple vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
When it comes to gifting, fill a mason jar or a themed holiday bag with Christmas Pretzel Hugs, tie with a festive ribbon, and add a simple gift tag. You can also arrange them on a bright holiday platter or stack them in clear treat boxes—these eye-catching treats double as both snack and decoration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the chocolates have completely set, transfer your Christmas Pretzel Hugs to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully at room temperature for up to a week—just keep them away from direct heat or sunlight, which can cause the chocolate to soften or bloom.
Freezing
For longer storage, Christmas Pretzel Hugs freeze surprisingly well. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll last up to 2 months—just let them thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
These festive treats don’t require reheating, but if you’ve stored them in the fridge or freezer and want the chocolate slightly softer, simply leave them out at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before enjoying. Microwaving isn’t recommended, as it can melt the chocolate irregularly and affect their pretty shape.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate besides Hershey’s Hugs?
Absolutely! While Hershey’s Hugs give you that gorgeous striped swirl, you can swap in Hershey’s Kisses, Rolos, or even peanut butter cups for different flavors and a fun twist on Christmas Pretzel Hugs.
Do I really need to use parchment paper?
Yes, it makes life so much easier! Parchment keeps your beautiful Pretzel Hugs from sticking to the pan, and cleanup is a total breeze. If you don’t have parchment, a silicone baking mat will also do the trick.
What if the chocolate hardens before I can add the M&M?
Work quickly, but if a few set up before you can press in the M&Ms, just pop the tray back into the oven for a minute to soften them again. It’s easy to rescue them so every bite looks perfect!
Can I make Christmas Pretzel Hugs ahead for gifting?
Definitely! These treats actually benefit from being made a day ahead, as they set completely and are easy to stack or package. They make fabulous edible gifts for teachers, neighbors, and friends.
What other toppings or mix-ins can I try?
Get creative! Swap the M&M colors for other holidays, use mini peanut butter cups, or top with festive sprinkles, sea salt flakes, or even a tiny pretzel twist for extra crunch and fun.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for a party, a family movie night, or just because you need a little extra holiday cheer, Christmas Pretzel Hugs are always a crowd-pleaser. They deliver all the sweet, salty, melty magic of the season—and you’ll love how easy and fun they are to share. Give them a try and watch them disappear!
Print
Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 50 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a delightful festive treat that combines sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors in one bite-sized snack. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying as a sweet indulgence during the Christmas season.
Ingredients
Pretzel Hugs:
- 50 square pretzels (like Snaps)
Hershey’s Hugs:
- 50 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, unwrapped
Red and Green M&Ms:
- 50 red and green M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the pretzels on the baking sheet.
- Top with Hugs: Place one Hershey’s Hug on each pretzel and bake for 4–5 minutes until soft but holding shape.
- Add M&Ms: Press one M&M into each Hug, slightly spreading the chocolate. Cool until set.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container once fully set.
Notes
- Try using different colored M&Ms for various holidays or swap chocolates for a fun twist.
- Great for gifting or as part of a festive cookie tray.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
