If you are looking for the perfect festive treat that combines salty, sweet, and a pop of holiday color, you are going to adore this Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you create bite-sized delights that bring joy to every bite. The crunchy pretzels provide a satisfying base, the Hershey’s Hugs add creamy, melty chocolate goodness, and the bright red and green M&M’s give each piece that quintessential Christmas charm. These treats are ridiculously easy to make, incredibly fun to share, and guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive cheer. You’ll appreciate the simplicity when the end result tastes so impressive!
- Pretzel twists or squares: The salty crunch is the foundation that makes these treats irresistible.
- Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (unwrapped): These create the creamy, smooth center that melts just right on the pretzel.
- Red and green holiday M&M’s: Not only do they add sweetness, but their vibrant Christmas colors bring the recipe to life.
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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step ensures everything is ready for the magic to happen.
Step 2: Arrange Pretzels and Top with Hugs
Place your pretzel twists in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Then, set one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug right in the center of each pretzel. This layering is the heart of the recipe — the combination that will soon meld into a perfect bite.
Step 3: Bake Briefly
Bake the pretzels topped with Hugs in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye out for the Hugs to look glossy and softened, but not completely melted into a puddle. This precise timing lets the chocolate soften enough to stick the next layer without losing shape.
Step 4: Press M&M’s Into the Warm Chocolate
As soon as you pull the baking sheet from the oven, quickly press one red or green M&M into the center of each warm, softened Hug. This step creates that delightful burst of color and adds a little extra sweetness and crunch.
Step 5: Set and Cool
Allow your creations to cool at room temperature until the chocolate firms up. If you’re in a hurry, just pop the tray in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. Once set, these Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe treats are ready to serve or store.
How to Serve Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe
Garnishes
While these treats are charming on their own, you can sprinkle extra festive cheer by adding a small dusting of powdered sugar or even crushed candy canes on the tray before the chocolate sets, giving a snowy, wintry touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet and salty bites with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or a festive peppermint mocha to complement the chocolatey flavors and enhance the holiday vibe at your gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe treats on a festive platter lined with holiday-themed napkins, or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with bright red ribbon for adorable edible gifts. They also make for a colorful addition to cookie exchange tables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This helps keep the pretzels crunchy and the chocolate from getting too soft, maintaining the perfect texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare them in advance, these treats freeze beautifully. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Since these treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, allow frozen ones to thaw naturally. Avoid heating them in the microwave to prevent melting or altering the crispness of the pretzels.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pretzels?
Absolutely! Twists or squares both work wonderfully for this recipe. Just make sure they are plain and salty for the best balance with the chocolate and candy.
What if I don’t have Hershey’s Hugs?
Milk chocolate or white chocolate pieces can stand in as substitutes, but Hershey’s Hugs give a unique swirled flavor that’s perfect for these festive treats.
How long will these treats last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to a week, offering a delightful holiday snack throughout the festivities.
Can I use peppermint-flavored chocolates?
Definitely! Using peppermint Hugs adds a minty twist that’s fantastic during the holiday season and pairs nicely with the salty pretzels.
Are these treats suitable for kids?
Yes, these Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe treats are kid-friendly, fun to make together, and a wonderful addition to any school party or holiday celebration.
Final Thoughts
This Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe is such a joyful, simple way to spread holiday cheer with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a party, making gifts, or simply treating yourself, these colorful, crunchy, chocolatey bites will become a beloved classic in your festive repertoire. Grab your ingredients and start creating these sweet holiday moments today!
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Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: 50 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Pretzel M&M Hugs are a delightful Christmas treat combining salty pretzels, creamy Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, and colorful holiday M&M’s. Perfect for holiday parties or as edible gifts, they are quick and easy to make, requiring just a few minutes in the oven to soften the chocolate before adding the candies on top.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 bag (about 50 pieces) pretzel twists or squares
- 1 bag (11 oz) Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, unwrapped
- 1 bag red and green holiday M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Arrange Pretzels: Place the pretzel twists or squares in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even heating.
- Add Chocolate Hugs: Place one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug in the center of each pretzel.
- Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 4–5 minutes, just until the Hugs appear glossy and soft but have not melted completely.
- Add 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 softened Hug to create the classic colorful look.
- Set Chocolate: Allow the tray to cool at room temperature until the chocolate sets, or speed up the process by refrigerating for 15–20 minutes.
- Store: Once the chocolate is firm, transfer the pretzel hugs to an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Notes
- Try using peppermint-flavored Hugs or caramel-filled M&M’s for a tasty variation.
- These treats make excellent additions to cookie platters, classroom parties, or as homemade edible gifts.
- Avoid overbaking as the chocolate should soften enough to hold M&M’s but not melt completely.
