Christmas Pretzel Hugs are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and festive flavors, making them a must-have snack for the holiday season. These treats feature crunchy pretzel snaps topped with creamy Hershey’s Hugs chocolates and colorful, Christmas-themed M&M’s. Whether you’re looking for a fun gift idea or a delicious treat for holiday parties, these Pretzel Hugs will brighten up any gathering with their irresistible flavor and cheerful appearance!
Ingredients:
1 bag of pretzel snaps (about 16 oz)
01 bag of Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (10 oz)
1 bag of M&M’s (Christmas-themed, 12 oz)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Arrange Pretzels: Lay out the pretzel snaps on the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space to spread out slightly during baking.
Add Hershey’s Hugs: Unwrap the Hershey’s Hugs and place one on top of each pretzel snap. These chocolates will melt just enough to fuse perfectly with the pretzels.
Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 4-5 minutes. The goal is to soften the chocolate, not fully melt it, so keep an eye on them!
Press M&Ms: Once the Hugs are softened, remove the tray from the oven and immediately press one colorful Christmas-themed M&M into the center of each chocolate.
Cool and Set: Allow the Pretzel Hugs to cool at room temperature. To speed up the process, you can refrigerate them briefly. Once the chocolate has fully set, they’re ready to enjoy!
Serving Tips:
Arrange on a Festive Tray: Serve the pretzel hugs on a decorative holiday tray or platter to add a festive touch.
Create Snack Mixes: Mix these with other holiday treats like popcorn, chocolate-covered nuts, or mini marshmallows for a fun snack mix.
Hot Chocolate Pairing: Serve alongside a hot chocolate bar. The sweet and salty flavors of the pretzel hugs complement hot cocoa beautifully.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the pretzel hugs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent the chocolate from softening.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the treats in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They’ll stay fresh and crisp, though the chocolate may develop a slight chill.
Freezing Option: Freeze the pretzel hugs in an airtight, freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag for up to three months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
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FAQs:
Can I use different types of chocolate for the pretzel hugs?
Yes! While Hershey’s Hugs provide a nice blend of milk and white chocolate, you can use Hershey’s Kisses, dark chocolate, or even caramel-filled chocolates for a unique twist.
How do I keep the chocolate from melting too much in the oven?
Bake at a low temperature (200°F) and keep a close watch. The chocolate should soften after 4-5 minutes without fully melting, allowing you to press in the M&M without it losing shape.
Can I make these treats in advance?
Absolutely! Christmas Pretzel Hugs store well, so you can make them a week or two ahead of time. Just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pretzels if needed. Many stores carry gluten-free pretzel snaps, so you can enjoy these treats while accommodating dietary preferences.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, as a sweet snack for movie nights, or as a festive gift, these Christmas Pretzel Hugs will delight everyone who tries them. With their delightful crunch and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, they’re the ideal treat for adding a little extra cheer to your holiday celebrations. Make a batch today and spread some holiday joy!
📖 Recipe:
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Christmas Pretzel Hugs
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 pretzel hugs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Pretzel Hugs are an easy, festive holiday treat combining sweet Hershey’s Hugs, salty pretzel snaps, and colorful M&M’s for the perfect Christmas snack. Great for holiday gifting or party snacks, these bite-sized treats are quick to make and loved by all!
Ingredients
1 bag of pretzel snaps (about 16 oz)
1 bag of Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (10 oz)
1 bag of M&M’s (Christmas-themed, 12 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange pretzel snaps in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Place one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug on each pretzel.
- Bake for 4-5 minutes until the chocolate is softened but not melted.
- Remove from the oven and gently press one M&M into the center of each softened Hug.
- Let cool at room temperature until the chocolate sets. For quicker cooling, refrigerate briefly.
- Serve, or package as gifts once set.
Notes
For variation, try using different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, such as caramel or dark chocolate.
Store pretzel hugs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks.
These treats can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 24 pretzel hugs
- Calories: 50 kcal per pretzel hug
