There’s something truly magical about the holidays, and nothing captures the spirit quite like a batch of Christmas Pretzel Hugs. With their sweet-and-salty crunch, chocolatey melt, and festive jewel-toned tops, these little treats are the very definition of holiday cheer in a bite-sized package. Whether you’re crafting edible gifts, filling cookie tins, or just sneaking one (or a few) for yourself, Christmas Pretzel Hugs are impossibly easy to make, impossibly hard to resist, and sure to be the star of any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Pretzel Hugs:
- 1 bag (about 50) square pretzels (such as Snap Pretzels)
Hershey’s Hugs Candies:
- 1 bag (12 oz) Hershey’s Hugs candies, unwrapped
Red and Green M&M’s:
- 1 bag (12 oz) red and green M&M’s
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step makes cleanup a breeze and helps keep the pretzels from sticking when the chocolate gets all lovely and gooey.
Step 2: Arrange the Pretzels
Lay out the pretzels in a single, even layer on the prepared sheet. You want them close but not touching, so each Christmas Pretzel Hug will hold its perfect shape and not merge with its neighbor.
Step 3: Add the Hugs
Unwrap those Hershey’s Hugs (this is a great step for little helpers!) and set one directly on the center of each pretzel. Don’t press down yet; the oven will work its magic.
Step 4: Melt in the Oven
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated 200°F (93°C) oven for just 4 to 5 minutes. Watch closely! The Hugs should look glossy and soft but still mostly hold their shape. Overbaking will make them lose that pretty swirl and can turn the chocolate grainy.
Step 5: Top with M&M’s
As soon as the pretzel Hugs come out of the oven, gently press a red or green M&M into the soft chocolate center of each one. This step is where the magic happens—the chocolate gently oozes and cradles the candy, and every bite looks (and tastes) like pure Christmas happiness.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Let them cool on the counter until the chocolate firms up, or speed things along by slipping the tray into the fridge for about 15 to 20 minutes. Once set, your Christmas Pretzel Hugs are ready to share—or stash for yourself!
How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Hugs
Garnishes
While Christmas Pretzel Hugs are already little works of art, you can make them extra show-stopping by sprinkling a shimmer of edible glitter or a few festive holiday sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets. Even a light dusting of crushed peppermint can add wintery pizzazz and a hint of fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
Set out your Christmas Pretzel Hugs alongside mugs of hot cocoa, bowls of party popcorn, or a cheerful holiday cookie platter. Their salty-sweet goodness pairs fabulously with all things chocolaty, creamy, or cozy. Trust me—kids and adults alike will gravitate toward them!
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Layer your Christmas Pretzel Hugs in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for the perfect edible gift, or pile them into holiday-themed tins as cheerful stocking stuffers. If you’re hosting a party, heap them up on a tiered dessert tray for a dazzling centerpiece everyone will be reaching for.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature. If your house is on the warmer side, pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for about a week—though good luck making them last that long!
Freezing
Christmas Pretzel Hugs freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe box (with parchment between layers), seal tight, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw on the counter for about half an hour before serving, and they’ll taste like you just made them.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you want to restore that just-made softness, set a few on a plate and let them sit in a warm kitchen for a few minutes. No microwaving necessary—the chocolate and candy centers are perfect as-is!
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of chocolate than Hershey’s Hugs?
Absolutely! While the classic swirl of Hugs is iconic, you can substitute Hershey’s Kisses (for a different texture), Rolos (for caramel lovers), or even peppermint Hugs for a seasonal twist. Let your creativity—and tastebuds—lead the way.
Do Christmas Pretzel Hugs work with other pretzel shapes?
They sure do! The square snap pretzels create a neat, bite-sized base, but small rounds or mini twists can be fun alternatives. Just try to choose shapes that give enough flat surface for the chocolate to melt and hold the M&M in place.
How long do Christmas Pretzel Hugs take to set?
At room temperature, they generally set in about 30 minutes, depending on your kitchen’s warmth. If you’re in a hurry or want extra-firm treats, pop the tray in the fridge for 15–20 minutes and you’re good to go!
Are Christmas Pretzel Hugs gluten-free?
You can make gluten-free Christmas Pretzel Hugs by using gluten-free pretzels, which are available in most grocery stores. Just double-check that your candies are gluten-free as well—and enjoy!
What’s the best way to package these for gifts?
Stack them in small cellophane bags, tie with a pretty ribbon, and attach a holiday tag for a personal, festive touch. Gift tins lined with wax paper or cute jars are also perfect for gifting and keeping the treats fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s foolproof, festive, and downright addictive, you have to make Christmas Pretzel Hugs this season! Grab your ingredients, bring a friend or little helper into the kitchen, and start creating sweet memories (and irresistible snacks) that everyone will love. Happy holidays!
Print
Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: 50 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors that make for the perfect festive treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these tasty morsels that are great for holiday parties or as homemade gifts.
Ingredients
Pretzel Hugs:
- 1 bag (about 50) square pretzels (such as Snap Pretzels)
Hershey’s Hugs Candies:
- 1 bag (12 oz) Hershey’s Hugs candies, unwrapped
Red and Green M&M’s:
- 1 bag (12 oz) red and green M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange pretzels: Arrange pretzels in a single layer on the baking sheet. Place one Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 4–5 minutes, or until the Hugs look shiny and soft but still hold their shape.
- Add M&M’s: Remove from the oven and immediately press one M&M gently into the center of each softened Hug.
- Cool: Let cool at room temperature or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until fully set.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- For variety, use peppermint Hugs or substitute Rolos for a caramel twist.
- These make great gifts in cellophane bags or holiday tins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with brief oven melting)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
