If you are on the lookout for a holiday treat that is irresistibly charming and incredibly simple to make, look no further than the Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe. These delightful little nibbles perfectly balance salty and sweet with their crisp pretzel base topped with soft, melty Hershey’s Hugs chocolate and festive red and green M&M’s. Whether you’re whipping up snacks for a cozy family gathering or gifting friends with a homemade bundle of holiday cheer, this recipe brings a nostalgic, joyful spirit to your Christmas celebrations that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect flavor and festive look. From the crunchy pretzels to the creamy Hugs chocolate and colorful M&M’s, every element combines into a bite-sized celebration.
- Pretzels: Choose small pretzel twists or squares for a sturdy, salty base that provides crunch and contrast.
- Hershey’s Hugs (or Kisses): Unwrapped, these add a creamy, melt-y sweetness that gently coats the pretzel.
- Red and green M&M’s: These bring a burst of color and a bit of extra chocolate, perfect for that Christmas vibe.
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This low temperature is key to gently warming the chocolate without melting it completely, helping achieve the perfect soft but not runny consistency.
Step 2: Arrange Pretzels and Add Chocolate
Place 50 small pretzel twists or squares in a single layer on your baking sheet. Then, top each pretzel with an unwrapped Hershey’s Hug. The careful arrangement ensures the chocolate heats evenly and stays neatly perched on top.
Step 3: Bake Until Chocolate Softens
Bake the pretzels for just 4–5 minutes. You’ll want the chocolate to become soft and shiny but avoid melting it fully, as the goal is to create a luscious, gentle coating that holds its shape while welcoming the next step.
Step 4: Press on the M&M’s
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately press one red or green M&M candy into the center of each Hug. Gently pushing down helps spread the chocolate slightly, crafting a beautiful, glossy finish and securing the colorful candy in place.
Step 5: Let Them Cool and Set
Allow the Christmas Pretzel Hugs to cool thoroughly. You can leave them at room temperature for about an hour or speed up the process by chilling them in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes. Once firm, they’re ready to enjoy or package as festive gifts.
How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Garnishes
While the colorful M&M’s already bring plenty of holiday spirit, you can sprinkle a tiny pinch of crushed peppermint candy or edible glitter on top after cooling to add a twinkle of seasonal magic. These garnishes make the treats look even more inviting and add a hint of fresh flavor or sparkle.
Side Dishes
Christmas Pretzel Hugs shine as standalone snacks, but pairing them with a warm cup of hot cocoa, spiced cider, or even a creamy eggnog elevates the experience. These combos highlight the sweet and salty contrasts and create a comforting holiday vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, arrange these delicious bites in clear treat bags tied with festive ribbon or pack them in decorative jars embellished with holiday tags. They also make excellent party favors when displayed on a charming platter with a holiday-themed napkin or doily underneath, inviting everyone to indulge in some seasonal sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container to keep the pretzels crisp and the chocolate firm. Keep them at room temperature away from heat or direct sunlight to maintain their perfect texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing Christmas Pretzel Hugs is possible but not ideal since the texture of the pretzels might soften upon thawing. If needed, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed container to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Since these treats are best enjoyed cool and firm, reheating is generally not recommended. If you prefer slightly softer chocolate, let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes instead of applying heat to preserve the pretzel crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate instead of Hershey’s Hugs?
Absolutely! While the classic Hugs are perfect for this recipe, you can substitute any flavor of Hershey’s Kisses or even miniature chocolate chips for a twist on flavor and texture.
Are these treats suitable for children?
Yes, these Christmas Pretzel Hugs are family-friendly and make a fun activity to prepare with kids, just be cautious with the hot oven step handled by an adult.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can lightly grease the baking sheet or use a silicone baking mat instead, but parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Using gluten-free pretzels will make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests without compromising flavor or fun.
How long do these treats stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, Christmas Pretzel Hugs remain fresh and tasty for up to a week, making them great for prepping ahead of holiday events.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully simple and joyful about the Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe that makes it a standout holiday treat. It’s this perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, and festive that turns every bite into a celebration. Whether you’re nibbling while listening to holiday tunes or handing them out to neighbors, these charming snacks truly capture the spirit of the season. Trust me, once you try making Christmas Pretzel Hugs, they will become a beloved staple in your holiday tradition year after year!
Print
Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus cooling time
- Yield: 50 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a delightful and festive holiday treat that combine salty pretzels with smooth, melty chocolate and colorful M&M candies. These easy-to-make bite-sized snacks are perfect for gifting, party platters, or just enjoying a sweet and salty indulgence during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 50 small pretzel twists or squares
- 50 Hershey’s Hugs (or Kisses), unwrapped
- 50 red and green M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Arrange Pretzels: Place the pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even heating of each piece.
- Add Chocolate: Place one Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel, positioning it firmly so it melts evenly.
- Bake the Pretzel Hugs: Bake in the preheated oven for 4–5 minutes until the chocolate softens and becomes shiny but does not fully melt, which is essential for the next step.
- Add M&M’s: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately press one red or green M&M candy into the center of each softened Hug, gently pressing down to spread the chocolate slightly around the candy.
- Cool: Allow the pretzel hugs to cool completely so the chocolate hardens. You can leave them at room temperature for about an hour or refrigerate them for 15–20 minutes to speed up the setting process.
- Store: Once firm, store the finished pretzel hugs in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness until serving or gifting.
Notes
- Use holiday-themed M&M’s for a festive and colorful presentation.
- You can substitute Hershey’s Hugs with any flavor of Hershey’s Kisses to vary the flavor profile.
- These treats make excellent gifts when packaged in treat bags or decorative jars.
