Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
If you’re looking for a festive, irresistible treat that’s both simple to make and loved by everyone, look no further than the Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe. This delightful snack perfectly balances salty pretzels with creamy melted Hershey’s Hugs chocolates and colorful Christmas-themed M&M’s, creating a bite-sized burst of holiday cheer. It’s a quick bake that turns basic pantry staples into a dazzling crowd-pleaser, perfect for gift-giving, parties, or just indulging your sweet tooth during the holiday season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe lies in how a few simple ingredients come together to create that perfect blend of textures and flavors. Each item plays an essential role, from the crunch of the pretzels to the creamy softness of the baked chocolate and the bright pop of festive M&M’s on top.
- Pretzel snaps (about 16 oz): Choose sturdy, flat pretzels that hold up well with the melting process and add that wonderfully salty crunch.
- Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (10 oz): These combine the creaminess of white chocolate with a hint of milk chocolate for a perfect mellow sweetness that melts beautifully over the pretzels.
- Christmas-themed M&M’s (12 oz): These vibrant candies add festive color and an extra layer of chocolate on top, making each bite as joyful to look at as it is to eat.
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
Start by heating your oven to a gentle 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things nonstick and make cleanup a breeze. This low temperature is key—it warms the chocolate just enough to soften without losing that beautiful shape.
Step 2: Arrange pretzels perfectly
Lay out your pretzel snaps in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. This ensures each pretzel gets its own Hug without melting into one another or losing that satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Add the Hershey’s Hugs
Unwrap each Hershey’s Hug and place one on top of each pretzel. Don’t rush—lining them up neatly helps them melt evenly and look their festive best.
Step 4: Bake until softened
Place your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want the chocolate softened and glossy, but not fully melted or runny, because this makes the next step so much easier.
Step 5: Press on the M&M’s
Carefully remove the tray from the oven and immediately press one Christmas-themed M&M gently into the center of each softened Hug. This tip adds a pop of festive color and a lovely finishing touch.
Step 6: Let set and cool
Allow your pretzel hugs to rest at room temperature while the chocolate firms up again. If you want to speed things along, pop them briefly in the fridge—just don’t forget about them!
Step 7: Serve or gift with love
Once the candy chocolate has fully set, your Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe treats are ready to be enjoyed right away or wrapped in clear bags for charming homemade holiday gifts.
How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Garnishes
While these little treats are stunning as is, sprinkling a dusting of crushed candy canes on top adds a refreshing peppermint twist and an extra sprinkle of holiday spirit. You can also swap out the Christmas M&M’s for red and green sprinkles if you want to mix up the look.
Side Dishes
Serve these alongside a hot cup of cocoa, mulled wine, or spiced cider for the ultimate cozy holiday snack time. They also pair wonderfully with a cheese and charcuterie board where the salty meets sweet beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Christmas Pretzel Hugs in cute mason jars, festive treat bags tied with ribbon, or nestled in holiday-themed tins. They make fantastic stocking stuffers or party favors, and their bright colors bring an instant festive flair to any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep these delightful pretzel hugs fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure they are completely set and dry before sealing to prevent any melting or stickiness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save leftovers for later, these treats freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag to avoid breakage. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you want a softened chocolate effect again, pop a few treats in a warmed oven for a minute or two, but watch closely to avoid melting the chocolate completely.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pretzels?
Absolutely! While pretzel snaps work best for their flat surface, mini pretzels can also be used if you don’t mind a different shape. Avoid very thick or soft pretzels since they won’t hold up as well with the chocolate.
Can I substitute other chocolates for Hershey’s Hugs?
Yes, but choosing chocolates that combine milk and white chocolate flavors keeps the balance just right. Pure white chocolate or dark chocolate alone may change the taste and melting properties, so experiment if you like, but expect slightly different results.
How long does it take for the chocolate to set after baking?
At room temperature, it usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes for the chocolate to harden again. To speed things up, placing them in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes works perfectly without compromising texture.
Are Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe gluten-free?
They are not gluten-free if you use traditional pretzel snaps made with wheat flour. To make a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free pretzel brands, which are increasingly available in stores.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
You can make a vegan version by swapping out the chocolates and M&M’s for their dairy-free alternatives, available in specialty or health food stores. Just be aware the texture and taste might vary a bit from the traditional recipe.
Final Thoughts
The Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe is one of those joyful snacks that brings people together with its sweet, salty, and festive charm. It’s quick, requires just a few ingredients, and creates a treat that’s perfect for sharing or gifting during the holidays. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can turn into something truly magical and merry!
Print
Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a delightful and easy-to-make holiday treat featuring crunchy pretzel snaps topped with soft Hershey’s Hugs chocolates and festive Christmas-themed M&M’s. Perfect for gifting or serving at holiday parties, these bite-sized snacks combine sweet and salty flavors with a festive look.
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 facilitate easy cleanup.
- Arrange Pretzels: Place the pretzel snaps in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap so each will get an even amount of warmth.
- Add Hugs Chocolate: Unwrap each Hershey’s Hug chocolate and place one on top of each pretzel snap.
- Warm the Chocolate: Bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes, just until the chocolate is softened but not fully melted, which makes it easier to press the M&M on top without smearing.
- 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 festive and colorful decoration.
- Cool Down: Allow the pretzel hugs to cool at room temperature until the chocolate fully sets. To speed up the process, you can refrigerate them briefly.
- Serve or Gift: Once set, serve these snacks immediately or package them nicely as delightful holiday gifts.
Notes
- Do not overheat the chocolate to avoid melting it completely; it should be softened for easy pressing of M&M’s.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Store in an airtight container to keep pretzels crisp.
- Can be refrigerated to speed up setting but allow them to return to room temperature for best flavor and texture.
- Great for holiday parties, classroom treats, or as festive gifts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
