If you’re searching for a delightful holiday treat that effortlessly combines crunchy, sweet, and festive flavors, look no further than the Pretzel M&M Hugs (Christmas Style) Recipe. This simple yet irresistible snack brings together salty mini pretzels, creamy Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, and colorful red and green M&M’s to create a bite-sized delight that’s perfect for sharing during the holiday season. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, these treats bring the joy of Christmas straight to your taste buds, making them an absolute favorite for gatherings, gift-giving, or cozy nights by the fire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up these festive snacks is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but play a crucial role in delivering both taste and charm. Each component adds a special touch—from the crunch of the pretzels to the creamy swirl of the Hugs and the vibrant pop of holiday M&M’s.
- Mini pretzel twists or squares: Provides the perfect salty crunch and sturdy base to hold the topping.
- Hershey’s Hugs (milk chocolate + white chocolate striped): Adds a smooth, creamy sweetness with a beautiful swirl that melts just enough in the oven.
- Holiday red and green M&M’s: These colorful candies offer a festive look plus a little extra chocolatey crunch.
- Optional festive sprinkles: A fun splash of extra color and texture to make each bite even more merry and bright.
How to Make Pretzel M&M Hugs (Christmas Style) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This low temperature is key—it warms the Hugs just enough to soften without fully melting, making the candy easier to shape around the pretzels.
Step 2: Arrange Pretzels and Add Hugs
Place your mini pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Then, unwrap each Hershey’s Hug and place one on top of every pretzel. Lining them up neatly means every bite will be just as delightful as the next.
Step 3: Bake Just Until Softened
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven for 4–5 minutes. Keep a close eye as the Hugs soften—they should be soft and squishy but not completely melted. This step is what creates that luscious, creamy center you’ll love.
Step 4: Press M&M’s and Add Sprinkles
Remove the tray from the oven and immediately press one holiday M&M into the center of each softened Hug. If you’re feeling extra festive, sprinkle on some colorful sprinkles right away to make these even more joyful.
Step 5: Let the Treats Set and Cool
Allow the Pretzel M&M Hugs (Christmas Style) Recipe treats to cool completely on the counter, or speed up the process by refrigerating the tray for 15–20 minutes. Once set, these little gems are ready to enjoy or package for gifting.
How to Serve Pretzel M&M Hugs (Christmas Style) Recipe
Garnishes
While these treats shine on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate their festive look. A sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy can also add a refreshing holiday twist.
Side Dishes
This snack pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a glass of creamy eggnog. For a party spread, serve alongside other holiday bites like sugar cookies or spiced nuts to please every palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Pretzel M&M Hugs on a bright holiday platter lined with evergreen sprigs or place each treat inside small decorative cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons. These ideas make for charming edible gifts or an irresistible centerpiece on your holiday dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pretzel M&M Hugs (Christmas Style) Recipe treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their crispness and flavor beautifully for up to one week, making them a perfect snack to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead of the festivities, these treats freeze well. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to a month and thaw quickly when brought to room temperature.
Reheating
Because these treats are best enjoyed crisp, avoid reheating. Instead, let frozen or refrigerated candies come to room temperature naturally for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized pretzels instead of mini pretzels?
Absolutely! Regular-sized pretzels will work, but keep in mind that the treats will be larger and may take slightly longer to cool and set.
What if I can’t find Hershey’s Hugs?
You can substitute with any milk or white chocolate chip. Just make sure they are large enough to cover the pretzel bases before softening in the oven.
Can I use other candy besides M&M’s?
Definitely. Seasonal candies or even small pieces of dried fruit make delightful alternatives to red and green M&M’s while adding unique flavors and colors.
Are these treats gluten-free?
Most mini pretzels contain gluten, so unless you find a gluten-free brand, these treats are not suitable for gluten-free diets.
How long do the Pretzel M&M Hugs (Christmas Style) Recipe treats stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh and tasty for about a week at room temperature, making them perfect for holiday parties or gifts.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about making and sharing treats like the Pretzel M&M Hugs (Christmas Style) Recipe during the holidays. The combination of crunchy pretzels, creamy chocolates, and festive colors sparks joyful memories and creates new ones around your table. I hope you give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved part of your holiday traditions.
Print
Pretzel M&M Hugs (Christmas Style) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus cooling time
- Yield: 50 pieces
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pretzel M&M Hugs are a festive and easy Christmas treat featuring mini pretzels topped with soft Hershey’s Hugs chocolates and colorful holiday M&M’s. Perfect for holiday parties or edible gifts, they provide the perfect balance of salty and sweet in a no-fuss recipe that sets quickly.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 bag mini pretzel twists or squares (about 50 pieces)
- 1 bag Hershey’s Hugs (milk chocolate + white chocolate striped)
- 1 bag holiday M&M’s (red and green)
- Optional: festive sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Arrange pretzels and add Hugs: Place the mini pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Unwrap the Hershey’s Hugs and place one on top of each pretzel piece.
- Bake to soften chocolate: Bake the pretzels with Hugs for 4–5 minutes, just until the chocolates soften but do not completely melt.
- Add M&M’s and sprinkles: Remove from the oven and immediately press one holiday M&M candy into the center of each softened Hug. If desired, sprinkle festive sprinkles on top for extra holiday flair.
- Cool and set: Let the treats cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate the tray for 15–20 minutes until the chocolate hardens and the candies hold their shape.
Notes
- Using square pretzels gives the treats a more uniform and polished look.
- These treats make wonderful edible gifts during the holidays.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
