Your New Favorite Holiday Tradition: Christmas Pretzel Hugs
Hey friends, Beau here! Can you smell that? It’s the scent of pine needles, cinnamon sticks, and pure, unadulterated holiday magic wafting from the kitchen. And you know what? You’re officially invited to join the party. If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through endless complicated dessert recipes, feeling that familiar pang of “I-don’t-have-time-for-this,” then take a deep breath and get ready to fall in love. Today, we’re making Christmas Pretzel Hugs, and I promise, they are the easiest, most crowd-pleasing treat you’ll whip up this season.
Imagine this: a crisp, salty pretzel cradling a perfectly melted Hershey’s Kiss, all hugged tight by a cheerful M&M that adds a delightful crunch. It’s that magical sweet-and-salty combo we all crave, wrapped up in a bite-sized piece of edible joy. These little guys are the heroes of hectic holidays. They require zero baking skills, just a few minutes of your time, and they are guaranteed to bring smiles to faces young and old. Whether you’re building a legendary cookie tray, need a last-minute party snack, or want to create heartfelt, homemade gifts for neighbors and teachers, this recipe is your golden ticket. So, let’s ditch the stress and dive into some delicious, simple fun. Your kitchen is about to become the heart of the holiday!
A Kitchen Memory: Where It All Began
I’ll never forget the first time I made these. It was my second year running Feastical, and I was up to my eyeballs in testing a complicated croquembouche for a video (a story for another day, complete with caramel disasters). My niece, Lily, who was about six at the time, wandered into the kitchen with big, curious eyes, wanting to “help the chef.” I looked at the mountain of dirty bowls and the delicate pastry puffs and knew I needed a Plan B, fast.
I remembered a friend mentioning “pretzel hugs,” and we decided to give them a shot. What happened next was pure magic. Lily’s little hands were so careful arranging the pretzels, and her face lit up with every “plink” of an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss hitting its salty base. When they came out of the oven, she pressed the M&Ms on top with such serious concentration, declaring each one “a button of happiness.” That messy, joyful, 20-minute baking session with her became one of my all-time favorite holiday memories. It wasn’t about a perfect, fancy dessert; it was about the connection, the laughter, and the sheer, simple delight of creating something together. That’s the real spirit of Feastical, and it’s baked right into every single one of these pretzel hugs.
Gathering Your Happy Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is in its beautiful simplicity. You only need three core ingredients to create this holiday wonder! Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few chef-y insights to make your process even smoother.
- 140 Square Pretzel Snaps: The sturdy, salty foundation of our treat. I love the classic “snap” shape because it creates a perfect little cup to hold the chocolate. Chef’s Tip: If you can only find the tiny twist pretzels, those work too, but the snaps give you the best structural integrity and flavor balance.
- 140 Hershey’s Kisses: The melty, creamy heart of the hug! Classic milk chocolate is a winner, but don’t be afraid to play. Substitution Insight: Hugs (the striped ones) are fantastic for a swirled look, and Peppermint Swirl Kisses add a festive kick. For a more sophisticated twist, dark chocolate kisses or even caramel-filled ones are divine.
- 140 Red & Green M&M Candies: The festive “hat” that seals the deal! They add a pop of color and a satisfying crunch. Quick Swap: If it’s not Christmas, use any color M&Ms! For a different texture, you could use a single pecan half or a mini marshmallow.
Optional, but oh-so-fun: A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after you press the M&M can elevate the sweet-and-salty profile to gourmet levels. Or, for a peppermint blast, a dusting of crushed candy canes looks stunning!
Let’s Make Some Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready? Let’s do this! I’ll walk you through each step with all my favorite little hacks to ensure your pretzel hugs are absolutely perfect.
- Preheat and Prep. First things first, preheat your oven to a low and slow 200°F (95°C). This low temperature is our secret weapon—it’s just enough to soften the chocolate without turning it into a puddle. While it’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Chef’s Hack: Parchment paper is non-negotiable here. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup an absolute dream. No parchment? A silicone baking mat works wonderfully too.
- Arrange Your Base. Grab your pretzel snaps and arrange them in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Give them a little space, but don’t worry about them being miles apart. They aren’t going to spread! Pro Tip: This is a fantastic step to delegate to little helpers. They love creating the “pretzel parade.”
- The Kissing Booth. Unwrap all your Hershey’s Kisses. I know, I know—this is the most “labor-intensive” part. Pop on some holiday music and make a production of it! Place one unwrapped Kiss right in the center of each pretzel. Chef’s Insight: See the little point on the Kiss? Make sure it’s facing up. It helps guide the M&M into the perfect spot later.
- The Warm Hug. Carefully place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Now, watch them like a hawk! Bake for just 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for the chocolate to become glossy and soft to the touch. Do not wait for them to look completely melted and flat! Biggest Tip: The residual heat will continue to soften them once they’re out of the oven. An extra 30 seconds can be the difference between a perfect hug and a chocolate swamp.
- The Grand Finale. Pull the baking sheet out of the oven (please use an oven mitt!). Immediately, but gently, press one M&M candy right into the center of each softened Kiss. You’ll feel the chocolate squish down and hug the pretzel. Chef’s Secret: Press straight down firmly, but don’t twist. A twist can cause the chocolate to swirl out from under the M&M.
- The Patience Game. Now, let them cool. You can leave them at room temperature, but if you’re as impatient as I am (or have little fingers eager to taste-test), pop the entire baking sheet into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This speeds things up and gives the chocolate a lovely snap when you bite into it.
Sharing the Joy: How to Serve Your Pretzel Hugs
Okay, they’re set, they’re gorgeous, and they’re begging to be shared! Presentation is half the fun with these. For a classic holiday cookie tray, pile them high in a festive bowl or scatter them amongst your other baked goods—they add instant color and charm. If you’re turning them into edible gifts, you have so many options! Clear cellophane treat bags tied with a curly ribbon make perfect little “goodie bags” for classmates or coworkers. For something a bit fancier, stack them in a decorative holiday tin between layers of parchment paper. I’ve even seen people create beautiful pretzel hug “wreaths” by arranging them in a circle on a plate! However you serve them, the reaction is always the same: pure delight.
Get Creative! Fun Recipe Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic, the kitchen playground opens up! Here are a few of my favorite twists to keep things exciting:
- Peppermint Perfection: Use Peppermint Swirl Hershey’s Kisses and top with a sprinkle of crushed candy cane instead of an M&M. It’s like a peppermint patty and a pretzel had a holiday baby.
- Salted Caramel Dream: Swap in Rolo candies for the Kisses. Bake as directed, and after you press them (a pecan half works wonderfully here), give them a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt. Unreal.
- Dark Chocolate Elegance: Use dark chocolate Kisses or even a small square of a high-quality dark chocolate bar. Top with a single dried cranberry and a tiny piece of rosemary for a truly sophisticated bite.
- White Chocolate Wonderland: White chocolate Hugs or melts are a beautiful base. Top them with a green M&M and a sprinkle of red sanding sugar for a super festive look.
- PB&J Bite: This one’s for the kids! Use a Peanut Butter Cup Mini (unwrapped) as your base. After baking, press a single red M&M on top for that classic jelly vibe.
Beau’s Chef Notes & Kitchen Stories
This recipe has seen a lot of love and a few happy accidents in my kitchen. One year, I was in such a rush that I accidentally set the oven to 300°F instead of 200°F. Let’s just say I created “Christmas Pretzel Puddles” in record time! The lesson? Double-check that oven dial. Over the years, I’ve learned that the “low and slow” method is the only way to go. I’ve also started making double batches right from the start—they disappear faster than you can say “ho ho ho!” The best part is that this recipe is practically foolproof. It’s a testament to the fact that the most beloved foods are often the simplest ones, made with a generous dash of joy.
Your Questions, Answered! FAQs & Troubleshooting
I’ve gotten tons of questions about these over the years, so here are the answers to the most common head-scratchers.
- Q: My chocolate melted completely and ran off the pretzel! What happened?
A: Your oven was likely too hot. Oven thermostats can be notoriously inaccurate. Invest in a cheap oven thermometer to check the real temperature. Also, remember, 2-3 minutes is a guideline—start checking at 2 minutes!
- Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! They are a fantastic make-ahead treat. Once fully set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just be careful—they can be fragile!
- Q: My M&Ms are cracking! Why?
A: This usually means the chocolate underneath wasn’t quite soft enough when you pressed the M&M. Make sure your Kiss is glossy and soft to the touch right out of the oven. Press firmly and quickly.
- Q: Can I use other types of chocolate?
A: You bet! Chocolate almond bark or Wilton melting wafers are a great choice as they are specifically designed to melt smoothly and set firmly. Just break them into small, Kiss-sized pieces.
Christmas Pretzel Hugs : Easy Holiday Candy with a Sweet & Salty Twist
Description
Your New Favorite Holiday Tradition: Christmas Pretzel Hugs
Hey friends, Beau here! Can you smell that? It’s the scent of pine needles, cinnamon sticks, and pure, unadulterated holiday magic wafting from the kitchen. And you know what? You’re officially invited to join the party.
If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through endless complicated dessert recipes, feeling that familiar pang of “I-don’t-have-time-for-this,” then take a deep breath and get ready to fall in love. Today, we’re making Christmas Pretzel Hugs — the easiest, most crowd-pleasing treat you’ll whip up this season.
Instructions
Set your oven to 200°F (95°C) — low and slow!
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.
Place pretzel snaps in a single layer on your baking sheet. This is a great step for little helpers!
Unwrap your Hershey’s Kisses (holiday music makes this part go faster!) and place one in the center of each pretzel, pointy tip facing up.
Bake for 2–3 minutes, just until the chocolate looks glossy and soft.
Don’t overbake — they’ll continue to soften from residual heat!
Remove the tray from the oven and immediately press an M&M candy gently into the center of each Kiss.
Chef’s Secret: Press straight down, not sideways, to avoid spreading the chocolate.
Let them cool completely at room temp, or chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes if you’re in a hurry.
Once firm, they’re ready to serve or package!
Notes
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Double-check your oven temp! 300°F turns these into puddles.
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Make double batches — they vanish.
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Imperfect ones (tilted M&Ms, uneven chocolate) are often the most charming.
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Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week or refrigerated for 2 weeks.
Nutrition
- Calories: 45 Cal Per Serving
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
Quick Nutritional Snapshot
Now, we all know this is a treat, not a salad! But it’s always helpful to know what you’re enjoying. Here’s a rough estimate per piece (assuming classic milk chocolate Kisses):
- Calories: ~45
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 15mg (hello, salty pretzel!)
- Protein: <1g
The beauty of this treat is that it’s a small, portion-controlled bit of sweetness. You can enjoy one or two without any guilt, savoring that perfect sweet-and-salty combo!
Final Thoughts from My Kitchen to Yours
Well, there you have it, my friends—the complete guide to creating pure holiday happiness with Christmas Pretzel Hugs. This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and steps; it’s an invitation to slow down, have fun, and create something that brings people together. It’s proof that you don’t need to be a professional pastry chef to make memorable, delicious food. All you need is a warm oven, a few simple ingredients, and a heart full of holiday spirit.
I hope you and your loved ones have as much fun making these as my niece Lily and I did. If you give them a try, I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on social @Feastical or @BeauCollier so I can share in your kitchen victory. From my family to yours, have a delicious and joy-filled holiday season. Now, go hug a pretzel!