If you’re searching for a festive, quick, and utterly delightful treat to share this season, look no further than the Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe. These little bites combine the perfect crunch of pretzels with the sweet, melty goodness of Hershey’s Hugs chocolates and the festive pop of red and green M&M’s. They are easy enough to whip up at a moment’s notice, yet charming enough to impress your holiday guests or delight your family around the tree. The balance of salty and sweet makes them irresistible, and they capture the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make your Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet essential. Each one plays its own role: the pretzels bring that satisfying crunch and saltiness, the Hershey’s Hugs add creamy, melty chocolate flavor, and the red and green M&M’s give a festive color and slight chewiness that completes these little gems.
- 48 small pretzel twists: These are the crunchy base that balances out the sweet toppings perfectly.
- 48 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (unwrapped): The star ingredient that melts just enough to be soft and shiny, adding creamy texture and flavor.
- 48 red and green M&M’s: Festive colors that add a fun burst of sweetness and make the treats holiday-ready.
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a snap. Then, arrange your pretzel twists in a single layer on the sheet so each one has enough space for that perfect melt.
Step 2: Add the Hugs
Unwrap all your Hershey’s Hugs chocolates and place one on top of each pretzel. This step is key because when heated, the Hugs will soften and spread just right over the pretzel without losing their shape entirely.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pretzels and Hugs in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully—once the chocolates look shiny and slightly softened, it’s time to pull them out. The goal is melty but still holding form, not fully liquid. This ensures that every bite retains its delightful texture.
Step 4: Add the M&M’s
Right after removing the tray from the oven, press one red or green M&M into the center of each Hug while the chocolate is still soft. This not only adds festive color but also helps your treat set with a lovely centerpiece.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Let your creations cool at room temperature until firm, or speed things up by placing them in the refrigerator. When fully set, these Christmas Pretzel Hugs are ready to enjoy or package as charming homemade gifts.
How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Garnishes
Your Christmas Pretzel Hugs look amazing on their own, but feel free to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the salty-sweet contrast. For an extra festive touch, you might even dust lightly with edible glitter or crushed candy canes once set.
Side Dishes
These treats pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a spiced holiday latte, making a perfect cozy snack. You could also serve alongside a platter of holiday cookies for a varied dessert spread that guests will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is everything during the holidays! Arrange your Christmas Pretzel Hugs on a decorative holiday platter or tiered cake stand. Wrapping them individually in cellophane bags tied with ribbon or placing them in festive holiday tins makes for delightful homemade gifts that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Christmas Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if you prefer them a bit firmer. They stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead snack.
Freezing
Want to prepare these in advance? You can freeze Christmas Pretzel Hugs by layering them between parchment paper in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for a few hours—easy and convenient!
Reheating
If you’d like to revive that just-baked softness, pop the desired amount into a low oven (around 200°F/93°C) for a few minutes to soften the chocolate again. Be careful not to overheat, or the M&M’s could melt too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate instead of Hershey’s Hugs?
Absolutely! While Hershey’s Hugs give that classic creamy milk chocolate and white chocolate blend, you can experiment with other chocolates such as white chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile. Just watch the melting time closely.
What if I don’t have festive M&M’s? Can I substitute them?
You can definitely swap out the red and green M&M’s for any color or even small candies like gumdrops or mini marshmallows. Customizing the colors can match any holiday or celebration you’re preparing for.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional pretzels contain gluten, so if you want a gluten-free version, seek out gluten-free pretzels specifically. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap.
Can kids help make the Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe?
Yes! This recipe is very kid-friendly, especially the unwrapping, placing chocolate on pretzels, and pressing M&M’s on top. Just handle the oven part yourself or supervise closely during baking.
How long do these treats last when stored properly?
When kept in an airtight container, Christmas Pretzel Hugs stay fresh for about one week. They are best enjoyed within this time frame to savor their perfect balance of crunchy and melty texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe enough for anyone wanting a festive, fast, and crowd-pleasing treat. They’re the kind of snack that brings people together with their delightful contrast of textures and seasonally perfect sweetness. Whether you’re gifting, entertaining, or just craving a holiday snack, these bites are sure to become a cherished favorite. So grab your pretzels, unwrap those Hugs, and get ready to spread some sweet holiday cheer!
