If you’ve ever found yourself wishing for the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and festive in a single bite, Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} are your dream come true! This irresistible holiday treat is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: charmingly simple, fabulously colorful, and totally addictive. Each bite offers a delightful crunch of salty pretzel, a creamy swirl of chocolatey Hug, and a playful pop of cheerful red or green M&M—no wonder these little morsels are famous at cookie swaps and family gatherings alike. Whether you’re making them with kids or assembling a batch for your own cookie plate, Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} are guaranteed to put everyone in a merry mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Mini Pretzels:
- Mini pretzels
Hershey’s Hugs Chocolates:
- Hershey’s Hugs chocolates
Red and Green Holiday M&M’s:
- Red and green holiday M&M’s
How to Make Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style}
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple first step sets you up for smooth, fuss-free assembly later on.
Step 2: Arrange the Pretzels
Lay your mini pretzels in a neat single layer across the baking sheet. Try to avoid overlaps so each pretzel has equal space—this ensures the chocolates melt evenly and gives every treat the perfect foundation.
Step 3: Top with Hershey’s Hugs
Carefully place one Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel square. The stripes add a playful visual, and the Hugs soften beautifully in the oven, becoming wonderfully gooey without losing their shape.
Step 4: Bake Briefly
Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 4 to 5 minutes. The goal is for the Hugs to look glossy and just soft enough for the next step—they shouldn’t melt into a puddle. Watch them closely to avoid overbaking!
Step 5: Add the M&Ms
As soon as the Hugs come out of the oven, work quickly and gently press a red or green M&M into the center of each softened chocolate. This step is just plain fun—you’ll see the chocolate swirl around the candy, and the colors will instantly brighten up your baking tray.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Let the Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} cool at room temperature until the chocolate is completely set. If you’re feeling impatient (or have eager helpers!), pop the tray in the fridge to speed things up. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight container for freshness.
How to Serve Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style}
Garnishes
While these treats already dazzle with their classic red and green candy tops, a sprinkle of edible glitter or a dusting of powdered sugar can add even more festive flair. You might also nestle them among sprigs of rosemary or holly leaves on your serving platter for a holiday touch that looks straight out of a Christmas card.
Side Dishes
Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} are perfectly at home alongside all your favorite Christmas goodies. Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa, a peppermint mocha, or even savory snacks for a sweet-and-salty party buffet. Their petite size also makes them a lovely addition to a cookie tray or dessert board filled with fudge, shortbread, and gingerbread men.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} in cute cellophane bags tied with ribbon for neighbor gifts or stocking stuffers. Heap them in mason jars with a festive tag for a homemade hostess gift, or arrange them in a wreath pattern on a platter for a playful holiday table centerpiece. However you serve them, the cheerful candy colors are sure to make everyone smile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} are fully set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week—a lifesaver when you want to get a jump on your Christmas baking!
Freezing
If you need to prepare even further in advance, these treats freeze beautifully. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes, and they’ll be as good as new.
Reheating
No need to reheat these delightful morsels! Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} are best enjoyed at room temperature. Just make sure they have fully returned to room temp if you’ve stored them in the fridge or freezer for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular Hershey’s Kisses instead of Hugs?
Absolutely! While Hugs offer that creamy swirl and lovely look, regular Kisses work just as well and give you even more flavor choices—from caramel to dark chocolate and beyond. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as melting rates can vary slightly by type.
What if I can’t find holiday M&Ms?
No worries—any M&M colors will taste just as good. For a truly Christmasy vibe, pick red and green from a regular bag, or use pastel colors for Easter, orange and brown for Halloween, and so on. The possibilities for Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} are endless!
How do I keep the chocolate from getting too soft or melted?
Be sure to stick to the short baking time and low temperature in the recipe. The Hugs should be glossy and soft but still hold their shape. If they start to lose their form, reduce oven time for your next batch. Cooling immediately helps set them perfectly.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} are ideal for little helpers, who can help arrange the pretzels, unwrap chocolates, and press in the M&Ms. Just be sure adults handle the baking tray since it can get hot.
Can I make Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} for other holidays?
Absolutely! Simply swap in different colored M&Ms to match any holiday or occasion—think pastel for spring, red and pink for Valentine’s Day, or school colors for graduations. The basic recipe stays the same, so your celebration treats can be ready in minutes.
Final Thoughts
Few things say Christmas like a plate of Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} gleaming on the counter, beckoning snackers of all ages. Whether you’re gifting them to friends, tucking them among other holiday desserts, or nibbling them by the fireplace, these cheerful bites are sure to spread joy. Give them a try—your holiday season just might get a little sweeter!
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Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style} Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approx. 60 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pretzel M&M Hugs are a delightful treat perfect for the Christmas season. Mini pretzels topped with Hershey’s Hugs and colorful M&M’s, they are a sweet and salty combination that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Mini Pretzels:
- Mini pretzels
Hershey’s Hugs Chocolates:
- Hershey’s Hugs chocolates
Red and Green Holiday M&M’s:
- Red and green holiday M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange Pretzels: Arrange mini pretzels in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Add Hugs: Place one Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel.
- Bake: Bake for 4 to 5 minutes until the chocolates are shiny and soft but still hold their shape.
- Add M&M’s: Remove from the oven and immediately press one M&M into the center of each Hug.
- Cool: Let them cool at room temperature until the chocolate is set, or refrigerate for quicker setting.
- Store: Once fully set, transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- For a fun twist, try using different colored M&M’s for other holidays or swap in Hershey’s Kisses for a different flavor.
- Be careful not to overbake—the chocolates should be soft, not melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
