Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for an irresistibly festive treat that combines salty crunch, creamy sweetness, and a pop of holiday color, look no further than this Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion of crisp pretzels topped with melty Hershey’s Hugs chocolates and finished off with vibrant Christmas-themed M&M’s. This snack not only captures all the joyful flavors and colors of the season but comes together with surprising ease, making it a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving guests or gifting friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe plays a starring role, but the list is wonderfully simple. Together, they balance salty and sweet while creating a festive look that’s as fun to eat as it is to admire.
- Pretzel snaps: Choose sturdy, crunchy pretzels that hold their shape and provide that quintessential salty bite.
- Hershey’s Hugs chocolates: These adorable swirled candies melt perfectly to act as the binding and add creamy sweetness.
- Christmas-themed M&M’s: These colorful candies are the festive finishing touch that adds a slight crunch and visual pop.
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 200°F (93°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that your pretzels won’t stick and that the chocolate softens without burning.
Step 2: Arrange the Pretzels
Lay the pretzel snaps in a neat single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This careful placement ensures each pretzel will get the perfect amount of chocolate on top.
Step 3: Add the Hershey’s Hugs
Unwrap each Hershey’s Hug and place one square right in the center of every pretzel snap. The Hugs will become the luscious heart of each treat.
Step 4: Bake to Soften the Chocolate
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for just 4 to 5 minutes. You want the Hugs to soften and melt gently without losing their shape—this is key for getting that glossy, melty base.
Step 5: Top with M&M’s
Remove the pretzels from the oven and, while the chocolate is still soft, gently press one Christmas-themed M&M into the center of each Hug. This seals everything together with a festive flair.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Let the pretzel treats cool at room temperature until the chocolate hardens again. If you’re eager to enjoy them faster, a quick chill in the refrigerator works wonders for setting the chocolate.
Step 7: Enjoy or Gift
Your Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe is now ready to serve with pride or package beautifully as charming holiday gifts. Either way, they’re bound to bring smiles and satisfy cravings.
How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of holiday spirit, sprinkle a bit of crushed candy canes or colored sanding sugar around the platter. These little accents add crunch and sparkle while enhancing the festive look without overpowering the classic flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these pretzel hugs with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or a frothy eggnog for a cozy winter snack spread. Their sweet-and-salty profile complements creamy drinks perfectly, creating a balanced indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Line a decorative holiday plate with festive napkins and arrange the pretzel hugs like colorful jewels. Alternatively, package them in small clear bags tied with ribbon; they make wonderful neighbor or classroom gifts that show thoughtful flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Christmas Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, making them an easy treat to enjoy throughout the holidays.
Freezing
You can freeze these treats by placing them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transferring to a sealed bag or container. When stored properly, they keep well for about 2 months without losing that perfect texture.
Reheating
Because the chocolate is already set, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer the hugs slightly softer, a few seconds in a microwave on low power will do, but be careful not to melt the candy centers.
FAQs
Can I use other chocolates besides Hershey’s Hugs?
Absolutely! While Hershey’s Hugs melt beautifully and have that festive look, you can substitute with other similar chocolates like white or milk chocolate kisses or even mini chocolate chips for a slightly different texture.
What type of pretzels work best for this recipe?
Sturdy pretzel snaps or rods that hold their shape when baked are ideal. Avoid thin or heavily salted pretzels as they might become soggy or overwhelm the chocolate’s sweetness.
How long will these treats stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your Christmas Pretzel Hugs maintain their freshness for up to a week at room temperature, which makes making them in advance totally doable.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pretzels and ensure your chocolates and M&M’s are certified gluten-free to create a version safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Is it possible to make these ahead for a party?
Definitely. This Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe is perfect for prepping ahead—just store them in an airtight container and add the M&M garnish right before serving if you want them fresh and colorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the simplicity and festive charm of this Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe. It captures the joy of the holiday season in every bite, blending sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy elements so effortlessly. I promise once you try making these, they’ll become one of your go-to holiday treats to share with loved ones again and again. Give them a try and let the merry flavors brighten your celebrations!
Print
Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a delightful holiday treat combining salty pretzels, creamy Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, and festive M&M’s. Quick to prepare and perfect for gifting or snacking, they bring together sweet and salty flavors with a colorful, festive touch.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 bag pretzel snaps (about 16 oz)
- 1 bag Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (10 oz)
- 1 bag Christmas-themed M&M’s (12 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Pretzels: Lay out the pretzel snaps in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap for even heating.
- Add Chocolates: Place one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug chocolate directly on top of each pretzel snap, preparing them for melting.
- Warm Chocolate: Bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes, just until the chocolate softens but doesn’t fully melt, providing a creamy center.
- Press M&M’s: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately press one Christmas-themed M&M into the center of each softened Hug to add color and extra sweetness.
- Cool to Set: Let the treats cool at room temperature until the chocolate firms up. To speed this up, refrigerate them briefly.
- Serve or Gift: Once set, enjoy these festive pretzel hugs or package them nicely to share as holiday gifts.
Notes
- Do not overbake, or the chocolate will fully melt and lose its shape.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid sticking.
- Substitute M&M’s with other festive candies if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
