If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines crunch, chocolate, and a pop of holiday color, look no further than the Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe. This charming, easy-to-make snack brings together salty mini pretzels, smooth Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, and colorful red and green M&M’s for a delightful bite that’s perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or just treating yourself. The balance of sweet and salty with a gorgeous holiday flair makes this recipe an instant favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are incredibly simple yet essential to nail the perfect flavor and texture combination in this classic holiday treat. Each component plays a distinct role—from the crispy pretzels providing crunch, to the creamy chocolate melting just enough to create a delicious hug for your M&M’s, to the festive candy adding that cheerful burst of color.
- Mini pretzels: The crunchy base that offers a salty contrast, making every bite irresistible.
- Hershey’s Hugs chocolates: A creamy, peppermint-infused choice that softens just right in the oven, giving a unique twist.
- Red and green holiday M&M’s: These bring vibrant, festive colors and a sweet snap, perfectly anchoring the melted chocolate.
How to Make Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature is just right to soften the chocolate without melting it completely, ensuring it keeps its shape. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Arrange the Pretzels
Place each mini pretzel in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet. It’s important they don’t overlap so the chocolates can melt evenly on top.
Step 3: Add the Hershey’s Hugs
Place one Hershey’s Hug on each pretzel. These peppermint-infused chocolates add a seasonal twist, making this Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe stand out with its festive flavor.
Step 4: Bake Until Glossy
Bake in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye because you want the chocolates to soften and become shiny but maintain their shape—not completely melted.
Step 5: Press on the M&M’s
As soon as you remove the tray from the oven, gently press one red or green M&M into the center of each chocolate. The warmth will help the candy stick perfectly as the chocolate cools.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Let your Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe cool at room temperature until the chocolate hardens. If you’re short on time, pop the tray in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Once set, transfer the treats to an airtight container for freshness.
How to Serve Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a touch of edible glitter or crushed peppermint candy around your serving platter to elevate the festive look. You could also add a pinch of sea salt atop each Hug before baking to intensify the salty-sweet contrast.
Side Dishes
This sweet and salty treat pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa, a glass of eggnog, or a festive punch. Their bite-sized nature also makes them an excellent addition to any holiday dessert buffet alongside cookies and brownies.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe bites in mini holiday-themed paper cups or stack them in a clear jar as edible gifts. You can also thread a few on skewers alternating with marshmallows for a fun holiday snack display that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain the pretzels’ crunch and keeps the chocolate from sweating or becoming sticky.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for later, freeze them in a single layer on parchment paper, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When properly stored, they can last up to two months in the freezer without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
It’s best to enjoy this treat cold or at room temperature. If you prefer slightly softened chocolate, briefly warm the Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe in the microwave for 5 to 7 seconds, but be careful not to melt the chocolates completely.
FAQs
Can I use regular Hershey’s Kisses instead of Hugs?
Absolutely! Using Hershey’s Kisses will give a classic milk chocolate flavor, which pairs beautifully with the saltiness of the pretzels. Just keep in mind that you won’t get the peppermint twist that Hershey’s Hugs bring to this recipe.
What if I can’t find mini pretzels?
You can use regular-sized pretzels, but be aware that the serving size and baking time may vary slightly. For a similar snap, pretzel twists or sticks also work well as a base.
How do I prevent the chocolates from melting too much?
Oven temperature and timing are key. Keep your oven at 200°F and watch closely—4 to 5 minutes is usually perfect to soften without losing shape. Also, removing immediately and pressing the M&M’s while the chocolate is warm helps add structure.
Can I make this recipe for other holidays?
Definitely! This Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe is super flexible. Swap out red and green M&M’s for pastel colors at Easter or autumn tones for Thanksgiving to fit any celebration with ease.
Is this treat suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are vegetarian-friendly. It’s also a great snack to keep on hand during the holidays for guests with similar dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a treat that’s both simple and festive, and the Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe delivers exactly that in every bite. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for your own sweet tooth, a holiday party, or a homemade gift, you’ll love how easy it is to make and how quickly it disappears. Give it a try this season—you might just discover a new holiday classic!
Print
Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approx. 60 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Christmas treat features crunchy mini pretzels topped with melted Hershey’s Hugs chocolates and colorful red and green M&M’s for a delightful sweet and salty snack perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Mini pretzels – about 60 pieces
- Hershey’s Hugs chocolates – 60 pieces
- Red and green holiday M&M’s – 60 pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Arrange pretzels: Place the mini pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced so the chocolates can melt properly.
- Add Hershey’s Hugs: Place one Hershey’s Hug chocolate on top of each pretzel to create a base for the M&M’s.
- Bake: Bake in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes until the chocolates become shiny and soft, indicating they’re melted enough but still holding their shape.
- Top with M&M’s: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately press one red or green holiday M&M into the center of each melted Hug while still soft.
- Cool to set: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, or speed up the process by refrigerating them.
- Store: Once fully set, transfer the pretzel M&M Hugs to an airtight container to keep them fresh until ready to serve.
Notes
- Try using different colored M&M’s for other holidays or occasions for customization.
- Substitute Hershey’s Kisses for Hugs if you prefer a different chocolate flavor.
- Do not overbake; chocolate should be melted but not fully liquefied to maintain shape.
