Easy Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe

Welcome to the simplest holiday treat that will disappear faster than you can say “Ho ho ho!” This delightful Christmas pretzel recipe brings together the irresistible combination of sweet and salty in one perfect bite. With quick prep and only three ingredients, these festive pretzel hugs are incredibly easy to make. They are perfect for holiday parties, school events, or thoughtful homemade gifts that everyone will adore.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Pretzel Recipe

You will instantly fall in love with making these joyful treats. Here’s why this Christmas pretzel recipe is a holiday winner:

Incredibly Easy to Make: Seriously, if you can operate an oven and unwrap candy, you can make these.
Requires Only 3 Ingredients: You only need pretzels, chocolate, and M&M’s. That’s it!
Perfect for Holiday Baking with Kids: Little hands can help arrange pretzels and press candies, making it a fun family activity.
Quick from Start to Finish: These treats come together in less than 15 minutes of active time, including baking.
Customizable for Any Occasion: Change the M&M colors or chocolate type to fit any holiday or theme beyond Christmas.
Great for Homemade Gifts: Package them in pretty bags or boxes for a thoughtful, edible present.

Ingredients

Gather these minimal ingredients to create a batch of delightful Christmas pretzel recipe treats. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect sweet and salty balance.

70 Snyder’s Snaps Pretzels (or desired amount, about half a bag)
70 Hershey’s Hugs (unwrapped, not quite 1 full 12 oz. package)
70 Christmas M&M’s (the festive red and green ones)

Notes & Substitutions

You have lots of flexibility with this simple formula. Feel free to get creative!

Pretzel Options: Snyder’s Snaps are perfect for holding the chocolate, but mini pretzel twists work too. For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite brand of gluten-free pretzels.
While a gluten-free diet is necessary for those with celiac disease, there is no compelling evidence that it improves health for individuals without gluten sensitivities, as highlighted by Harvard Health.

health benefits of a gluten-free diet Just ensure they have a flat surface to hold the chocolate.
Chocolate Variations: While Hershey’s Hugs offer a lovely white chocolate stripe, you can substitute them with classic Hershey’s Kisses for a milk chocolate version, or even caramel-filled Rolos for a chewy surprise. Any small, melty chocolate candy will do!
M&M Alternatives: Christmas M&M’s add festive color and crunch. However, you can use holiday sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even small pieces of dried fruit for different textures and flavors.
Unwrapping Chocolate: Save time by unwrapping all your chocolate candies before you start. This makes the assembly process smooth and quick.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools for this easy Christmas pretzel recipe. Just a few basics will get you started!

Baking Sheets: You will need one or two large baking sheets to arrange your pretzels.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats (Silpat): These are essential for easy cleanup and to prevent the pretzels from sticking.

Instructions

Creating this easy Christmas pretzel recipe is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to a low temperature of 200°F (93°C). This gentle heat ensures the chocolate melts slowly without burning.
Arrange Pretzels: Line your baking sheet(s) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Then, carefully arrange the Snyder’s Snaps pretzels in a single layer, leaving a small space between each one. You want them close enough to fit many, but not touching.
Top with Chocolate: Place one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug candy directly on top of each pretzel. Make sure the Hug is centered for the best appearance.
Bake to Soften: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 4-6 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the chocolate should look shiny and slightly softened, but not fully melted or liquid. It should still hold its shape mostly.
Add M&M’s: Gently remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let it sit for just 1 minute. This brief pause allows the chocolate to firm up slightly. Then, press one Christmas M&M into the center of each softened chocolate. If a Hug is still too firm to press, pop the baking sheet back in the oven for another 1-2 minutes, then try again.
Cool & Set: Allow your finished pretzel hugs to cool completely. They will firm up nicely at room temperature, which can take about 30-60 minutes depending on your kitchen. To speed up the process, you can place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate is firm.
Store: Once the chocolate is completely set and hardened, transfer the Christmas pretzel treats to an airtight container. They are now ready to enjoy or share!

Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Pretzel Hugs

Achieve pretzel perfection with these simple expert suggestions for your easy holiday pretzel treats.

Use Silicone Mats: Silicone baking mats, like Silpat, make for the easiest release and cleanup. Parchment paper also works wonderfully.
Avoid Over-Baking the Chocolate: A low oven temperature and short baking time are key. You only want the chocolate to soften, not completely melt into a puddle.
For optimal results and to prevent burning, Guittard Chocolate provides additional guidance on melting chocolate at the correct temperatures for different types.
Ensure M&M’s Are Pressed Firmly: Press the M&M into the softened chocolate until it’s securely nestled. This prevents them from falling off later.
Allow Adequate Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process. Properly cooled pretzel hugs will be firm, crisp, and mess-free.
Prepare All Ingredients Beforehand: Unwrapping all the Hershey’s Hugs and having your M&M’s ready will make the assembly incredibly smooth and quick.
Involve Children in Assembly for Fun: This is a fantastic kid-friendly activity. Let them help arrange pretzels and press candies (after baking).

Serving, Storage & Variations

These charming Christmas pretzel snacks are versatile and perfect for any festive occasion. Here’s how to make the most of them.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange on Holiday Platters: Create a beautiful display alongside other festive cookies and candies for a visually appealing treat.
Package in Festive Bags for Gifts: These make wonderful homemade gifts. Place a dozen or so in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon.
Serve as an Easy Party Snack: Guests of all ages will love grabbing these bite-sized sweet and salty delights.

Storage Instructions

Store in an Airtight Container: Keep your pretzel hugs fresh by storing them in an airtight container at cool room temperature.
Keep at Cool Room Temperature: Avoid warm environments, which can cause the chocolate to soften or melt.
Note Shelf Life for Freshness: When stored properly, these treats will stay fresh and delicious for up to 1-2 weeks.

Variations & Customizations

Other Holiday Treats: Easily adapt this recipe for other holidays. Use pastel M&M’s for Easter or orange and black for Halloween.
Chocolate Types: Experiment with different chocolate. Try dark chocolate Kisses for a richer flavor or white chocolate Kisses for a creamy alternative.
Pretzel Sandwiches: For an extra indulgent treat, place a second pretzel on top of the M&M while the chocolate is still soft, creating a little sandwich.
Nutty Twist: Replace the M&M’s with pecan halves, walnut pieces, or sliced almonds for a satisfying crunch.
Sprinkle Fun: Immediately after pressing the M&M’s, sprinkle a few extra festive sprinkles on top of the still-soft chocolate for added sparkle.

Nutrition Information

This Christmas pretzel recipe yields approximately 70 servings. Please note that nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices.

Serving Size	1 Pretzel Hug
Calories	60-70
Total Fat	3-4g
Saturated Fat	2-3g
Carbohydrates	7-9g
Sugars	5-7g
Protein	1g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used and is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be considered professional dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

You might have a few questions as you prepare these delightful Christmas pretzel snacks. Here are some common queries answered.

How do you prevent chocolate from melting too much? Use a low oven temperature of 200°F (93°C) and bake only until shiny and soft, typically 4-6 minutes. Watch closely to avoid over-melting.
Can you make Christmas Pretzel Hugs ahead of time? Absolutely! These treats store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, making them perfect for advance preparation.
What kind of pretzels work best? Snyder’s Snaps are ideal due to their flat, square shape, which provides a stable base for the chocolate and M&M. Mini pretzel twists can also work.
Why are my M&M’s falling off? This usually happens if the chocolate has cooled too much before pressing the M&M, or if it wasn’t pressed firmly enough. Ensure the chocolate is still very soft when you press them in.

Conclusion

This Christmas pretzel recipe is your ticket to a stress-free, delicious holiday season. With its irresistible blend of sweet and salty, minimal ingredients, and effortless preparation, it embodies true holiday magic. Perfect for last-minute party contributions, thoughtful edible gifts, or simply a fun baking activity with the family, these festive pretzel hugs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. We encourage you to whip up a batch soon and add a touch of simple sweetness to your celebrations!