Get ready to experience the ultimate blend of sweet, salty, and festive flair in every bite with these Christmas Pretzel Hugs. This holiday treat is all about easy assembly and big payoff, perfect for sharing at parties, gifting to friends, or simply celebrating the season at home. Each piece delivers a pop of crunchy pretzel, creamy melted chocolate, and a colorful M&M that’s impossible to resist. If you’re searching for a treat that brings cheer and disappears in a flash, Christmas Pretzel Hugs are about to become your new holiday tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Pretzel Hugs:
- 1 bag (10 oz) square pretzels (such as Snap Pretzels)
Hershey’s Hugs:
- 1 bag (11 oz) Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (unwrapped)
Red and Green M&M’s:
- 1 bag (10 oz) red and green M&M’s
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps sticky chocolate messes at bay and helps your Christmas Pretzel Hugs lift cleanly when they’re set.
Step 2: Line Up the Pretzels
Arrange the square pretzels in a single, tight layer on the baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one so the chocolate doesn’t run and glue everything together. The more even your rows, the prettier your finished treats!
Step 3: Top with Hugs
Unwrap Hershey’s Hugs and place one on the center of every pretzel. This part is perfect for little helpers—just try to resist sampling too many before they reach the oven.
Step 4: Bake
Slide the tray into the oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Watch closely: you want the Hugs soft enough to press an M&M into, but not so melted that they lose definition. You’ll know they’re ready when they look shiny and a little droopy, but still mostly hold their shape.
Step 5: Add M&Ms and Set
As soon as you remove the tray from the oven, quickly press a red or green M&M gently into the center of each melted Hug. Swap colors for a festive mix! Then, let the Christmas Pretzel Hugs cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping them in the fridge for another 15 to 20 minutes to fully set the chocolate.
How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Hugs
Garnishes
No extra garnish is truly needed, but you can never go wrong with a little extra flair. Try a light sprinkle of sea salt for contrast, or drizzle with melted white chocolate for an elegant look if you’re feeling extra festive.
Side Dishes
These sweet-and-salty wonders pair beautifully with a mug of hot cocoa or coffee. For a dessert spread that’s sure to wow, set out bowls of mixed nuts, sugared cranberries, or peppermint bark alongside your Christmas Pretzel Hugs.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your Christmas Pretzel Hugs into mason jars tied with a ribbon for a homemade holiday gift. Arrange them on a white platter with sprigs of holly or tuck them into festive treat bags as party favors. These little gems look gorgeous on any holiday cookie tray—no one will guess how easy they are to make!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Christmas Pretzel Hugs into an airtight container once they’re fully set. They’ll stay crunchy and delicious for up to a week at room temperature, or a bit longer if refrigerated. Just keep them away from heat (and hungry hands!) to prevent melting.
Freezing
Need to plan ahead? Freeze your Christmas Pretzel Hugs in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Stored this way, they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw briefly at room temperature before serving to restore their perfect texture.
Reheating
If your Christmas Pretzel Hugs get a little too cold and hard in the fridge or freezer, just let them sit out at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. No need to warm them in the oven or microwave, as the chocolate can soften too much—patience pays off here!
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate for Christmas Pretzel Hugs?
Absolutely! Hershey’s Kisses or even Rolos work wonderfully for a fun twist in flavor. Just follow the same melting and assembly steps for nearly the same festive, tasty results.
Why did my chocolate turn chalky or white after cooling?
This is probably just chocolate “bloom,” a harmless effect when chocolate is cooled too quickly or exposed to temperature changes. The taste is fine, but to minimize it, let Christmas Pretzel Hugs cool at room temperature before refrigerating.
Can I make Christmas Pretzel Hugs with kids?
Yes, and you should! Kids love unwrapping chocolates, placing M&Ms, and sneaking a taste or two. Just handle the oven steps yourself, as the tray will be hot.
How do I avoid overbaking the Hugs?
Keep a close eye on the oven—the sweet spot is about 4 to 5 minutes. As soon as the Hugs look glossy and are soft when pressed (but not melted into puddles), they’re ready to come out.
What are some ways to customize these for other holidays?
Switch up the color of M&Ms or the type Dessert. You can even add themed sprinkles or colored candy melts for a personal touch that goes beyond Christmas Pretzel Hugs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a treat that brings smiles to every gathering, you just have to give Christmas Pretzel Hugs a spot on your holiday menu. Their irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and festive is so easy to love—and you’ll love how quickly they disappear! Whip up a batch, share with loved ones, and let these cheerful bites become a new holiday classic in your home.
Print
Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: 90 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a delightful holiday treat that combines the salty crunch of pretzels with the sweet creaminess of Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, topped with festive M&M’s for a pop of color. Easy to make and perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Pretzel Hugs:
- 1 bag (10 oz) square pretzels (such as Snap Pretzels)
Hershey’s Hugs:
- 1 bag (11 oz) Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (unwrapped)
Red and Green M&M’s:
- 1 bag (10 oz) red and green M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the pretzels in a single layer.
- Add Hershey’s Hugs: Place one Hershey’s Hug on the center of each pretzel. Bake for 4–5 minutes until the Hugs are soft but hold their shape.
- Add M&M’s: Remove from the oven and press one M&M gently into the center of each Hug. Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until set.
- Store: Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
Notes
- You can use Hershey’s Kisses or Rolos for a flavor variation.
- Avoid overbaking to maintain the chocolate’s shape.
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