There is something magical about that first bite of a pretzel hug. The crisp, salty pretzel snaps under your teeth, then the soft swirl of white and milk chocolate melts right over your tongue, and the little candy shell of the M&M adds a sweet, colorful crunch. Pull a tray out of the oven and the kitchen smells like warm chocolate and toasty pretzels, which might be the coziest holiday aroma there is.
I make these every December because they fill a cookie tray in minutes and they never fail to disappear first. They are ideal for holiday open houses, office potlucks, school parties and neighbor gift bags, and they are simple enough that little hands can help unwrap and press the candies. If you need a sweet treat in a hurry, or want something festive that requires zero mixing bowls, this is your recipe.
SaveMy kids call this our assembly line recipe. Someone unwraps the Hugs, someone lines up the pretzels, and I handle the oven while everyone fights over who gets to press the red and green M&Ms on top. By the time we are done, half the candy has been snacked on, the counter is a little sticky, and we have a tin full of treats that look like we spent far longer on them than we did.
Christmas Pretzel Hugs with M&Ms
Ingredients
Pretzel Hugs
Optional Finish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 200°F and position a rack in the center. A low temperature is the key to soft, glossy chocolate that holds its shape instead of scorching or turning grainy.
- Line the baking sheets
Line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This keeps the melted chocolate from sticking and makes it easy to slide the finished treats off later.
- Unwrap the Hugs
Unwrap all 48 Hershey's Hugs and place them in a small bowl. Doing this before the oven step matters, because the chocolate softens quickly and you will need to work fast once the pretzels come out.
- Sort the M&Ms
Pour the 1/2 cup of holiday M&Ms into a separate small bowl and pick out any cracked or chipped candies. Keep the bowl right next to your baking sheets so you can grab them easily.
- Arrange the pretzels
Lay the 48 mini pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1/2 inch between each one. Choose pretzels that are whole and flat so the chocolate sits evenly in the center.
- Top with Hugs
Place one unwrapped Hug, pointed side up, in the center of each pretzel. Try to center each candy carefully so it melts down over the middle of the pretzel rather than drooping off one edge.
- Warm in the oven
Bake one sheet at a time for 4 to 5 minutes, just until the Hugs look shiny and soft but still keep their teardrop shape. Gently touch one with a fingertip; it should give easily. Do not let them bake longer, or the white chocolate swirl will start to scorch.
- Press in the M&Ms
As soon as the sheet comes out of the oven, press one M&M firmly into the center of each softened Hug, pushing down until the chocolate spreads slightly to the edges of the pretzel. Alternate red and green candies for a festive look.
- Add sprinkles if using
While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle a pinch of Christmas nonpareils over a few or all of the pretzel hugs. Repeat the baking, pressing and sprinkling with the second sheet of pretzels.
- Chill until set
Transfer the baking sheets to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm. Once set, lift the pretzel hugs off the parchment and serve or pack them in a tin.
Substitutions and variations
- Swap the Hugs for Hershey's Kisses, Rolo caramels or Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses for a different flavor in the center.
- Use mini M&Ms instead of regular ones if your pretzels are small, since they sit more neatly on top without sliding off.
- Gluten-free pretzels work perfectly in this recipe; just check that your chocolate candies are labeled gluten-free as well.
- For a peanut butter twist, use peanut butter M&Ms or Reese's Pieces in place of the classic M&Ms.
Chloe's tips
- Unwrap every Hug before you preheat the oven so nothing slows you down once the chocolate softens.
- Bake one sheet at a time so the chocolate does not firm up before you can press in the M&Ms.
- If the Hugs are not shiny after 5 minutes, give them another 30 seconds rather than raising the oven temperature.
- Waffle pretzels hold the chocolate better than twists because they have a flat, grid-like surface.
How to store it
- Store pretzel hugs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, layered between sheets of wax paper.
- Keep them away from heat and direct sunlight, since warm spots can soften the chocolate and make the M&Ms slide.
- Freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Serving suggestions
These salty-sweet bites fit right into any holiday spread.
- Arrange them on a Christmas cookie tray with sugar cookies and fudge
- Pack them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for teacher and neighbor gifts
- Serve them alongside mugs of hot cocoa for a cozy movie night
- Add them to a holiday snack board with popcorn, nuts and candy canes
Frequently asked questions
Can I make Christmas pretzel hugs ahead of time?
Yes. They keep well for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, so you can make them a week or more before a party or gift exchange.
Why did my Hugs turn grainy or lose their shape?
The oven was likely too hot or they baked too long. Keep the oven at 200°F and pull them out after 4 to 5 minutes, as soon as they look glossy but still hold their shape.
Can I use the microwave instead of the oven?
You can. Place 12 pretzels topped with Hugs on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 15 second bursts until the chocolate is shiny and soft, usually 30 to 45 seconds total, then press in the M&Ms.
Do I have to refrigerate them to set?
No, they will set at room temperature in about 1 to 2 hours. Chilling for 30 minutes just speeds things up when you are short on time.
Let's get cooking!
Christmas Pretzel Hugs with M&Ms prove that the best holiday treats do not have to be complicated. With three simple ingredients, a few minutes in the oven and a little help from the family, you will have a tray of salty, chocolatey, festive bites ready to share. Make a double batch, because once these hit the cookie table, they will be gone before you know it. Happy baking and merry Christmas!
