Name: Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 50 square pretzels (like Snap Pretzels); 50 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (unwrapped); 50 red and green M&M’s candies

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Irresistibly sweet, salty, and festive, these Christmas Pretzel Hugs are the perfect treat to brighten up any holiday table or cookie platter. With only three ingredients and just a few minutes of hands-on time, you’ll create bite-sized candies that bring together creamy Hershey’s Hugs, crunchy pretzels, and colorful red and green M&M’s for a pop of cheer. Whether you’re making gifts for loved ones or squeezing in a quick batch before guests arrive, this recipe makes holiday snacking feel extra special without any fuss.

Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pretzel Hugs:
- 50 square pretzels (like Snap Pretzels)
Hershey’s Hugs:
- 50 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (unwrapped)
M&M’s Candies:
- 50 red and green M&M’s candies

How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the Christmas Pretzel Hugs from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so all you have to focus on is the fun part: assembling and eating!

Step 2: Lay Out the Pretzels

Arrange your square pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure none are overlapping—this helps every piece get an even dose of chocolate and ensures each treat is perfectly shaped.

Step 3: Top with Hershey’s Hugs

Unwrap your Hershey’s Hugs and place one chocolate right in the center of each pretzel square. Unwrapping the candies can be a fun group activity—just try not to nibble them all before the baking begins!

Step 4: Bake Until Just Soft

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 4-5 minutes. The aim is to get the Hugs glossy and soft but not melted; you want them to hold their shape so that each Christmas Pretzel Hug looks as tidy as it tastes delicious.

Step 5: Add the M&M’s

Working quickly while the chocolate is soft, press one red or green M&M gently into the center of each Hug. The warmth melts the chocolate just enough for the M&M to nestle in, creating that signature holiday look and marrying the flavors together.

Step 6: Cool and Set

Let your tray cool at room temperature until the chocolate is firm, or pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to speed things up. Once set, you’ll have perfectly crisp, shiny Christmas Pretzel Hugs ready to pop off the tray and straight into your treat jar (or, let’s be honest, your mouth).

How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Hugs

Garnishes

These little bites are already vibrant thanks to the red and green M&M’s, but you can add a quick dusting of edible glitter or holiday-colored sprinkles for extra sparkle. Serve them on a holiday-themed platter to let those cheerful colors shine.

Side Dishes

Pair Christmas Pretzel Hugs with mugs of hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, or simply alongside other holiday cookies and candies. They complement a sweet snack board and are the perfect pop-in-your-mouth treat between sips of something cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

Package the hugs in cellophane bags or small holiday tins for a charming homemade gift. Layer them into mason jars with a festive ribbon, or arrange them as edible decor on your holiday dessert table—no one will be able to resist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Christmas Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They stay crisp and fresh, making them ideal for prepping in advance or enjoying over several days.

Freezing

For longer storage, layer the hugs in a freezer-safe container, separating each layer with parchment paper. They freeze well for up to one month; just let them come to room temperature before serving so the chocolate texture is perfect.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these treats, but if you like them warm and gooey, zap a few in the microwave for just a couple of seconds before eating—keep a close eye so the chocolate doesn’t melt too much!

FAQs

Can I use regular pretzels instead of square ones?

Absolutely! While square pretzels make a neat, even base, you can use the traditional mini twists if that’s what you have on hand. They’ll still taste delicious and look wonderfully rustic.

What other chocolates work for Christmas Pretzel Hugs?

You can swap in Hershey’s Kisses for a different flavor, like dark chocolate or caramel-filled varieties. Feel free to get creative with your favorite bite-size chocolates to invent your own version of this festive treat!

Are Christmas Pretzel Hugs gluten-free?

Typically, most pretzels contain gluten, but you can substitute gluten-free square pretzels for an allergy-friendly version. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy switch!

Can I make these with kids?

Definitely! This recipe is the ultimate family-friendly kitchen project, especially when little hands help with the unwrapping and decorating. Kids love pressing down the M&M’s and watching the chocolate melt.

How do I avoid the chocolate from melting too much?

Keep a close eye while baking—4 or 5 minutes is usually just right. The Hugs should look glossy and soft, not puddly. If you notice them losing shape, pull them from the oven right away and move quickly with the M&M’s.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Pretzel Hugs truly embody the spirit of holiday simplicity and cheer. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or gifting to loved ones, these treats are guaranteed to bring joy with every delightful bite. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two, and make your own festive batch—you’ll be reaching for the recipe again next season!

Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 50 pieces 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a delightful holiday treat that combines the sweet creaminess of Hershey’s Hugs chocolates with the satisfying crunch of pretzels and a festive touch of M&M’s candies.

Ingredients

Scale

Pretzel Hugs:

50 square pretzels (like Snap Pretzels)

Hershey’s Hugs:

50 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (unwrapped)

M&M’s Candies:

50 red and green M&M’s candies

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange pretzels: Place the pretzels in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Add Hershey’s Hugs: Top each pretzel with a Hershey’s Hug.
Bake: Bake for 4-5 minutes until the Hugs are shiny and soft but not completely melted.
Add M&M’s: Remove from the oven and gently press an M&M candy into the center of each Hug.
Cool: Let the pretzel hugs cool until set, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a quicker setting.
Store: Once firm, store the pretzel hugs in an airtight container.