If you’re looking for a quick, festive treat that captures the magic of the holidays in every bite, the Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe is an absolute must-try. These adorable little snacks blend the salty crunch of pretzel snaps with the creamy sweetness of Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, topped off with colorful Christmas-themed M&M’s for that perfect holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a party, gifting them to friends, or sneaking a few yourself, this recipe brings joy with minimal effort and maximum delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of the Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on just a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role. Every component contributes to a balance of texture, flavor, and festive color that makes this treat so irresistible.
- Pretzel snaps (about 16 oz): These form the crunchy, salty base that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (10 oz): Their creamy milk-and-white chocolate blend softens just right to hold the candy topping.
- Christmas-themed M&M’s (12 oz): These colorful little candies add festive flair and a fun pop of flavor on top.
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to a low 200°F (93°C) to ensure the chocolate softens perfectly without melting completely. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to keep everything from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Arrange Pretzels
Lay out the pretzel snaps in a single layer with space between each one. This setup allows for even heat distribution, so every Hug gets just the right amount of warming.
Step 3: Add Hershey’s Hugs
Unwrap each Hershey’s Hug chocolate and place one directly on top of each pretzel. These chocolates are the star of the show, providing rich, creamy sweetness that melts just enough to become the perfect adhesive for the candies.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray into the oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye—the goal is to soften the chocolates so that they become gooey but don’t completely melt away. This creates the perfect base to press the M&M’s into.
Step 5: Press M&M’s Into the Softened Chocolate
Once the chocolates are soft, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Gently press one Christmas-themed M&M candy into the center of each softened Hug. This step adds a burst of color and an extra layer of festive flavor.
Step 6: Let Them Set
Allow the Christmas Pretzel Hugs to cool at room temperature so the chocolate hardens back up and holds everything together. If you’re short on time, a quick stint in the fridge will do the trick just as well.
Step 7: Serve or Package
Once set, these delightful snacks are ready to be enjoyed or wrapped up as charming homemade gifts that’ll be a hit with anyone lucky enough to receive them.
How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle a little crushed peppermint candy or colored sugar around your serving plate for an extra touch of holiday sparkle. Adding a small dusting of edible glitter can also make your Christmas Pretzel Hugs look like they just came from Santa’s workshop.
Side Dishes
These treats pair wonderfully with a warm cup of cocoa or a simple holiday punch. They work well as part of a larger dessert table alongside sugar cookies and fruitcake, adding a nice salty-sweet contrast that guests will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Christmas Pretzel Hugs in festive cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons or arrange them in a decorative holiday tin. Layering them in cupcake liners inside a mason jar makes for a charming gift idea that’s easy to transport and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature. Stored this way, they’ll stay fresh and maintain their perfect crunch and chocolate texture for up to a week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare them in advance, you can freeze the baked treats by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When stored properly, they can keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen Christmas Pretzel Hugs, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it could melt the chocolate unevenly and affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pretzels for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pretzel snaps work best due to their flat surface, small pretzel twists can work too, though they might make the treats a bit more challenging to assemble.
What if I can’t find Christmas-themed M&M’s?
No worries! You can substitute any colorful M&M’s or even use other small candies like red and green Skittles or chocolate-covered raisins to keep up the festive vibe.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the pretzel snaps for a gluten-free pretzel alternative, which are widely available in stores, making this recipe accessible without compromising flavor.
How long do Christmas Pretzel Hugs last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these treats stay delicious for up to a week, perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season or gifting in batches.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just keep in mind that you might need multiple baking sheets and to work in batches to ensure the chocolates soften evenly during baking.
Final Thoughts
The Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe is a beautiful little celebration of holiday flavors and colors packed into a bite-sized treat. It’s quick to make, delightful to share, and wonderfully festive, making it one of those recipes you’ll come back to year after year. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and watch the smiles spread around your table!
Print
Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a festive and delicious holiday treat featuring crunchy pretzel snaps topped with melted Hershey’s Hugs chocolates and colorful Christmas-themed M&M’s. Quick to prepare and perfect for parties, gift-giving, or holiday snacking, these bite-sized sweets combine sweet and salty flavors with a fun seasonal twist.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 bag of pretzel snaps (about 16 oz)
- 1 bag of Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (10 oz)
- 1 bag of Christmas-themed M&M’s (12 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Arrange Pretzels: Place the pretzel snaps in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Add Chocolate: Unwrap each Hershey’s Hug and place one on top of each pretzel snap.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes until the Hershey’s Hugs chocolates soften but do not fully melt, becoming easy to spread but still maintaining shape.
- Top with M&M’s: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently press one Christmas-themed M&M into the center of each softened chocolate Hug, creating a colorful and festive topping.
- Cool: Allow the pretzel hugs to cool at room temperature until the chocolate sets. For faster setting, place them briefly in the refrigerator.
- Serve or Package: Once the chocolate has hardened, serve immediately or package them as delightful holiday gifts.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Watch the chocolate closely while baking to prevent it from fully melting and losing shape.
- You can use different themed M&M’s for other occasions.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to keep the chocolate firm.
- These treats are best enjoyed within a few days for optimal freshness.
