If you’re looking for a snack that perfectly balances salty, sweet, and festive cheer, you’ve come to the right place. The Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe is a delightful holiday treat that combines the crunchy saltiness of mini pretzels with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, topped off with colorful red and green M&M’s. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a joyful tradition that’s easy enough to make with kids, ideal for gifting, or simply perfect for munching while cozying up by the fire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, this recipe relies on only a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a key role in creating that iconic combination of flavors and textures. These essentials are easy to find, and they come together to make a truly irresistible holiday snack.
- Mini pretzels: The salty crunch base that balances the sweetness and adds a satisfying snap with every bite.
- Hershey’s Hugs: These creamy chocolates melt perfectly on the pretzels and bring a rich, velvety texture.
- Red and green M&M’s (Christmas variety): Not only do they add a festive pop of color, but these candy-coated chocolates add a fun bite-sized twist.
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to a gentle 200°F (93°C). This low temperature is key because it gently softens the chocolate without melting it into a messy puddle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone baking mat, or foil to keep things tidy and ensure easy cleanup – that’s always a win during holiday baking!
Step 2: Arrange Pretzels and Add the Hugs
Next, lay your mini pretzels flat and evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Unwrap each Hershey’s Hug and place it squarely in the center of each pretzel. This step is like placing a crown on a little salty throne, and it sets the stage for the melting magic that’s about to happen.
Step 3: Bake to Soften the Chocolates
Pop the tray into the oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye—the goal is to soften the Hugs chocolate just enough so it becomes pliable but retains its shape. Perfect timing here means smooth melting without spills.
Step 4: Add Festive M&M’s Toppings
Remove the tray from the oven carefully, then immediately press a red or green M&M into the center of each softened chocolate. This little touch adds crunch and color, making every bite a Christmas celebration. Be gentle so you don’t displace the melted candy underneath.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Let the Christmas Pretzel Hugs rest and cool until the chocolate has hardened again. You can speed this along by placing them in the refrigerator or freezer, or just let them set at room temperature—either way works beautifully.
Step 6: Store or Gift Your Creations
Once the chocolate is fully set, your pretzel hugs are ready to enjoy or package for gifting. Store them in an airtight container to maintain that crisp pretzel and creamy chocolate goodness.
How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Garnishes
While these treats are lovely just as they are, you can sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for an enhanced salty-sweet experience. A dusting of edible glitter or festive colored sugar crystals can add extra sparkle for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Serve your Christmas Pretzel Hugs alongside a rich cup of hot cocoa or warm spiced cider—the salty chocolate pairs wonderfully with warm, comforting drinks. They’re also a fantastic addition to dessert tables alongside cookies and fudge for a diverse holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! Arrange your pretzel hugs in small clear bags tied with ribbon for easy gifting, or place them in festive tins lined with holiday-themed parchment paper. Setting them up in decorative jars with layers of colorful M&M’s sprinkled in makes a beautiful holiday centerpiece as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Christmas Pretzel Hugs fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crunchy and delicious for about a week, making them perfect for making in advance of holiday parties or gatherings.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these treats freeze surprisingly well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen pretzel hugs, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. While reheating isn’t necessary, a brief few seconds in the microwave (about 10 seconds) can soften the chocolate slightly if you prefer them a bit melty.
FAQs
Can I use regular pretzels instead of mini pretzels?
Yes, regular pretzels can work, but keep in mind that the size difference may affect the balance of chocolate and candy. Mini pretzels provide a perfectly bite-sized treat that is easier to eat and looks more festive.
What can I substitute for Hershey’s Hugs if I can’t find them?
If Hershey’s Hugs aren’t available, try using white chocolate chips or other flavored baking chips. The key is finding a chocolate that melts smoothly and complements the salty pretzel.
Are Christmas Pretzel Hugs safe for people with nut allergies?
Always check the packaging of your ingredients, as some chocolates or M&M’s might be processed in facilities that handle nuts. Using nut-free brands will ensure these treats are safe for those with allergies.
How long does it take for the chocolate to set after baking?
The chocolate usually sets within 30 minutes at room temperature, but you can speed this up by placing the pretzel hugs in the fridge or freezer for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pretzels, and make sure your chocolate and M&M’s are gluten-free as well. This simple swap keeps the recipe inclusive without sacrificing any flavor or fun.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making and sharing this Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe during the holidays. It’s so simple, yet incredibly delicious and visually charming. Whether you’re treating family, gifting friends, or just sneaking a few for yourself, these little bites of joy are bound to brighten your festive season. Go ahead and try making these – I promise they’ll become a new holiday favorite!
Print
Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 50 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a festive and easy-to-make holiday treat featuring salty mini pretzels topped with melty Hershey’s Hugs chocolates and colorful red and green M&M’s. These bite-sized snacks come together quickly and are perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simple holiday indulgence.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 50 mini pretzels
- 50 Hershey’s Hugs
- 50 red and green M&M’s (Christmas variety)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone baking mat, or aluminum foil to prepare for baking.
- Arrange pretzels and add Hugs: Lay the mini pretzels flat on the prepared baking sheet. Unwrap each Hershey’s Hug and place one in the center of each pretzel.
- Bake the pretzels and Hugs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 4-5 minutes, just until the Hugs are softened but not fully melted to ensure they maintain some structure for the next step.
- Add M&M’s: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately press a red or green M&M into the center of each softened Hug, gently pushing it in to create a festive look.
- Cool and set: Allow the Pretzel Hugs to cool and set by placing them in the fridge, freezer, or simply leaving them at room temperature until the chocolate firms up again.
- Store or gift: Once the chocolate has fully set, store your Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container to keep them fresh, or package them for charming holiday gifts.
Notes
- You can use any variety of mini pretzels if you cannot find the exact size, but mini ones work best for bite-sized treats.
- The baking time is short and low temperature to soften but prevent the chocolates from fully melting.
- To speed up the setting process, you can cool the pretzel hugs in the refrigerator or freezer.
- This recipe is easily scalable depending on the number of guests or size of your holiday gathering.
