Jolly Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe: Holiday Magic in Bites!

Blending sweet and salty flavors, these delightful christmas pretzel hugs create an irresistible holiday treat that melts in your mouth.

Chocolate and white chocolate drizzle over crunchy pretzels, creating a magical winter snack.

Hershey’s kisses nestled perfectly atop crisp pretzel squares become a delectable centerpiece.

Each bite delivers a harmonious mix of textures and rich flavors.

Smooth chocolate embraces the salty pretzel base with delicate precision.

These simple yet elegant bites work perfectly for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings.

Whip up a batch and watch them disappear in moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 80 kcal

Servings: 61

Ingredients for Christmas Pretzel Hugs

• Square Pretzels: Salty, crunchy foundation that provides a perfect canvas for chocolate; choose fresh, crisp pretzels for best texture.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface ensuring easy removal and clean baking; select high-quality, unbleached parchment for best results.

• Chocolate Hugs or Kisses: Creamy, meltable chocolate that creates a smooth base; select fresh Hershey's brand for guaranteed melting consistency.
• M&Ms: Colorful candy topping that adds festive crunch and visual appeal; choose holiday-themed colors like red and green for Christmas spirit.

• Refrigerator: Quick cooling method to solidify chocolate; ensure clean, odor-free environment when chilling treats.

Tools to Create Colorful Christmas Pretzel Hugs

• Baking Sheet: Essential for placing pretzels and melting chocolate evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
• Oven: Needed to softly melt the chocolate hugs at low temperature.
• Measuring Spoon: Useful for precise measurements if needed.
• Spatula or Tongs: Helpful for carefully removing pretzels from baking sheet.

How to Assemble and Chill Christmas Pretzel Hugs

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a super low 200F, creating the perfect cozy environment for melting chocolate gently.

• Create Pretzel Base

Spread parchment paper on a baking sheet and arrange pretzels in a neat, single layer with tiny gaps between them.

• Position Chocolate Kisses

Carefully unwrap chocolate hugs and perch one delicately on top of each pretzel, preparing for theiral transformation.

• Melt with Care

Slide the baking sheet into the oven for 5-7 minutes, watching closely as chocolates become gloriously soft and pillowy.

• Add Colorful Crunch

Pull out the tray and gently press a festive M&M into the center of each softened chocolate, creating a delightful burst of color and texture.

• Chill and Set

Allow your pretzel creations to cool naturally at room temperature, or speed things up by popping them in the refrigerator for a quick 15-minute chill.

• Celebrate and Share

Serve these adorable treats in a cheerful bowl or package them as heartwarming gifts that’ll make everyone’s holiday sweeter.

Custom Candy Options for Christmas Pretzel Hugs

• Use ultra-low oven temperature and watch carefully to prevent burning or discoloration of chocolate hugs.
• Prepare these treats up to 5 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness.
• Experiment with seasonal M&M colors like red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or school colors for game day celebrations.
• Swap traditional ingredients for gluten-free pretzels and dairy-free chocolate options to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Involve children in pressing M&Ms and arranging pretzels, turning this simple recipe into a fun family holiday baking experience.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Pretzel Hugs at Parties

• Holiday Party Platter: Create a stunning Christmas-themed dessert tray with these pretzel hugs alongside other festive treats like sugar cookies and peppermint bark. Arrange them in a circular pattern for maximum visual appeal.
• Sweet Gift Packaging: Wrap these delightful bites in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons. Add small holiday tags for a personalized touch that makes each gift feel special and thoughtful.
• Kids' Decorating Station: Turn pretzel hugs creation into a fun family activity where children can choose their favorite M&M colors and press them onto the softened chocolate. Provides entertainment and creates memorable moments together.
• Dessert Charcuterie Accent: Include these pretzel hugs as a colorful, bite-sized addition to a holiday dessert board featuring various chocolates, nuts, and seasonal candies. Their small size makes them perfect for grazing and sampling.

Store Christmas Pretzel Hugs for Gifting or Snacking

• Use airtight containers to keep treats fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature, preventing chocolate from absorbing other flavors.
• Refrigerate pretzel hugs in a single layer between parchment paper to maintain crisp texture and prevent sticking.
• Prepare the batch up to 3 days before your event, storing them in cool, dry spaces away from direct sunlight to maintain their delightful crunch.
• Pack these treats in clear cellophane bags with festive ribbons, creating charming homemade gifts that look professionally crafted and taste absolutely delicious.

FAQs

• Are these pretzel hugs difficult to make?

No, they’re super easy! Even kids can help with pressing M&Ms onto the melted chocolates. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes.

• Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! While Hershey’s Hugs work best, you can also try regular Hershey’s Kisses or other similar chocolate drops that melt smoothly.

• What if my chocolate doesn't look perfect when melting?

Don’t worry. As long as the chocolate is soft enough to press the M&M in, slight imperfections won’t affect the taste. They’ll still look cute and delicious.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make these?

Not at all. This recipe is foolproof and requires minimal baking experience. Just follow the simple steps, and you’ll have a tasty treat in no time.

Festive Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 61 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Pretzel Hugs combine salty pretzels with chocolate kisses for a delightful holiday treat. Chocolate melts over pretzels, creating a simple yet irresistible snack you can easily whip up in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 60 square pretzels (Snyders Snaps)
• 60 Hershey’s Hugs
• 60 red and green M&M’s

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Instructions

1. Workspace Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for crafting festive treats.
2. Oven Setup: Warm the oven to a delicate 200F (93C), establishing an ideal low-temperature zone for chocolate softening.
3. Pretzel Positioning: Distribute square pretzels across the parchment-lined sheet in a uniform single layer with minimal spacing between each.
4. Chocolate Placement: Unwrap chocolate hugs or kisses, centering one precisely atop each pretzel with meticulous care.
5. Chocolate Softening: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, observing chocolates for 5-7 minutes until they become glossy and pliable without complete liquefaction.
6. Decorative Finishing: Extract the baking sheet, then gently press a vibrant M&M into the center of each softened chocolate, allowing it to nestle slightly into the molten surface.
7. Cooling and Setting: Let the pretzel hugs rest at room temperature to solidify, or expedite the process by transferring the sheet to the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes until completely firm.
8. Serving and Gifting: Once fully cooled, transfer the Christmas Pretzel Hugs to an elegant serving platter or package them as charming homemade delicacies for friends and family.

Notes

• Maintain Low Temperature: Keep oven strictly at 200F to prevent chocolate from burning or completely melting, ensuring perfect softness.
• Choose Chocolate Wisely: Use white chocolate Hugs or Kisses for vibrant colors and smoother melting compared to milk or dark chocolate varieties.
• Handle with Care: Work quickly when pressing M&Ms into softened chocolate to maintain ideal texture and prevent premature hardening.
• Storage Strategy: Store in cool, dry place or refrigerate to preserve shape and prevent chocolate from becoming too soft, especially in warm environments.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 61
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 3.5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg