Christmas Pretzel Hugs: A Festive Sweet-and-Salty Treat

Posted OnMarch 1, 2025

Christmas Pretzel Hugs are the perfect holiday treat—festive, easy to make, and irresistibly delicious. These bite-sized goodies combine the crunchy saltiness of pretzels with the creamy sweetness of Hershey’s Hugs and the festive pop of holiday-colored M&M’s. Whether you’re making them for a Christmas party, gifting them in treat bags, or simply indulging in a holiday snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – With just three ingredients and a short baking time, this is one of the simplest holiday treats you can make.
Perfect for Gifting – Pack them in festive bags or tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Kid-Friendly – A fun recipe to make with kids, allowing them to place the chocolates and M&M’s.
Sweet & Salty Perfection – The balance of flavors makes them incredibly addictive.
Customizable – Swap out ingredients for different flavors and themes year-round.

Ingredients

50 square pretzels (such as Snyder’s Butter Snap or waffle-style pretzels)
50 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, unwrapped
50 red and green M&M’s (holiday edition)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Assemble the Base

Arrange the pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Place one Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel.

3. Bake Until Softened

Bake in the preheated oven for 4–5 minutes, just until the chocolates appear glossy and slightly softened. Be careful not to overbake, as the chocolate should retain its shape.

4. Add M&M’s

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. While the chocolate is still warm, gently press an M&M into the center of each Hug, slightly flattening it.

5. Cool & Set

Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or speed up the process by transferring the baking sheet to the refrigerator for 15 minutes until the chocolate is firm.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Once fully set, transfer the Christmas Pretzel Hugs to a serving platter or store them in an airtight container.

Variations & Customizations

Different Chocolates – Swap Hershey’s Hugs for Hershey’s Kisses, Rolos, or dark chocolate Kisses.
Nutty Addition – Replace M&M’s with a pecan half for a “turtle” version.
Year-Round Treat – Use pastel M&M’s for Easter, pink and red for Valentine’s Day, or orange and brown for Halloween.
Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pretzels for a GF-friendly version.
Extra Drizzle – Add a white chocolate or dark chocolate drizzle for extra decoration.

Servings & Timing

Yield: About 50 pretzel hugs
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 4–5 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for 2–3 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Not necessary—these treats are best enjoyed at room temperature!

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pretzels instead of square ones?

Yes! Mini pretzel twists work well, but the square shape holds the chocolate more evenly.

2. What’s the best way to unwrap Hershey’s Hugs quickly?

Place them in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before unwrapping to make peeling off the wrappers easier.

3. My chocolate turned grainy—what happened?

Overheating can cause chocolate to seize. Bake just until glossy, and avoid using high heat.

4. Can I make these in advance?

Absolutely! These store well for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead of the holidays.

5. How can I package these for gifts?

Use holiday-themed treat bags, tins, or mason jars tied with a ribbon for a festive presentation.

6. What’s the best chocolate alternative to Hershey’s Hugs?

Try white chocolate Kisses, caramel-filled Kisses, or peppermint bark squares.

7. Can I use peanut butter M&M’s instead?

Yes! Just make sure the chocolate is still soft enough to press them in gently.

8. Do I need to grease the baking sheet?

No, but using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat prevents sticking.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! You can easily scale up the ingredients to make a larger batch.

10. Do these treats melt easily after setting?

Not unless exposed to high temperatures. Store them in a cool place to prevent softening.

Conclusion

Christmas Pretzel Hugs are the ultimate holiday treat—festive, fun, and incredibly easy to make. With their perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or gifting them to loved ones, these simple yet delicious bites will bring joy to every bite.