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Here’s what you need to make Christmas Pretzel Hugs. These treats are super simple and fun! - Square pretzels - Hershey's Hugs chocolates - Holiday-themed M&M's (red, green, white) - Sea salt Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and look of these treats. The square pretzels give a nice crunch. The Hershey's Hugs add creamy chocolate goodness. The colorful M&M's bring festive cheer. Finally, a sprinkle of sea salt gives that perfect sweet-and-salty mix. Gather these items before you start. It makes the cooking process smooth and quick. You can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store. Don't skip any! Each one helps create a magical holiday treat that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat helps the chocolates melt just right. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes it easy to lift the treats off later. Now, take the square pretzels and place them on the lined baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer. This way, they bake evenly. Next, grab a Hershey's Hug and place it on each pretzel. Center it well, so every bite has the perfect chocolate flavor. Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven for 4-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the chocolates to soften but not melt away. They should still look like hugs. After baking, take the sheet out of the oven. While the chocolates are warm, press a holiday-themed M&M into each Hug. This adds color and a tasty crunch! Let the pretzel hugs cool completely at room temperature. If you want to speed this up, place them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. Finally, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty treat. To make the best Christmas Pretzel Hugs, watch the chocolate closely while it melts. Set your timer for 4-5 minutes. Check the chocolate after 4 minutes. You want it soft but not fully melted. If it melts too much, it will lose its shape. For a fun display, use a bright holiday plate. Arrange the pretzel hugs in a circle or a festive pattern. Add ribbons around the plate for extra cheer. You can also place them in a colorful gift box. Garnish with sprigs of holly or festive decorations. When gifting these treats, use clear bags to show off the colors. Tie them with ribbon for a nice touch. You can also use a small box lined with tissue paper. Include a festive card to share your holiday wishes. These tips will make your treats feel special and fun! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your pretzels and chocolates are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your treats. Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye on the chocolates while they’re in the oven to prevent them from melting too much. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different types of candies or toppings to customize your pretzel hugs. Gift Idea: These pretzel hugs make a delightful homemade gift. Package them in a decorative jar or box for a personal touch! {{image_4}} You can switch up the chocolate for extra fun. Try using dark chocolate or white chocolate for a twist. Each type offers a unique taste. Dark chocolate adds a rich flavor, while white chocolate brings sweetness. You could even blend in flavored chocolates, like mint or caramel. This gives your pretzel hugs a tasty surprise! The colors of M&Ms can change the whole look. Use blue and silver for winter themes or pink and red for Valentine’s Day. You can also use holiday-themed sprinkles for extra flair. Mixing different colors adds a fun touch. Get creative with shapes, too! Heart-shaped candies work great for special occasions. These treats are great for any holiday. For Halloween, use orange and black M&Ms. In the spring, pastel colors are perfect for Easter. You can even make them for birthdays by adding fun colors and shapes. Just adjust the M&M colors to match the theme. This way, your pretzel hugs are always festive! To keep your Christmas Pretzel Hugs fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their taste and texture. Layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. You can store them at room temperature or in the fridge. These tasty treats can last up to two weeks when stored properly. If you keep them in the fridge, they may stay good for an extra week. Just make sure they are sealed tightly. You can freeze Christmas Pretzel Hugs for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature. Yes, you can use different chocolates. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate works well. You can also try flavored chocolates like peppermint or caramel. Just make sure they fit well on the pretzels. To make Christmas Pretzel Hugs gluten-free, choose gluten-free pretzels. They are easy to find in stores. Check the label to ensure they are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. You can find pre-made Christmas Pretzel Hugs at many stores during the holidays. Look in the candy aisle or the bakery section. Online retailers also sell them, so you can order your favorites. These treats are great for many events! They work well for birthdays, parties, or school events. You can serve them for any festive gathering like Halloween or Valentine's Day. Yes, you can make these treats ahead of time! They stay fresh for a week in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just let them thaw before serving. You now know how to make delicious Pretzel Hugs. We went over ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to store them and even some fun variations. These treats are easy to make and great for sharing. Enjoy making your unique twists for every holiday! You’ll impress everyone with your tasty creations.

Christmas Pretzel Hugs

Delicious pretzel treats topped with Hershey's Hugs and holiday-themed M&M's.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bag square pretzels
  • 1 bag Hershey's Hugs chocolates
  • 1 bag holiday-themed M&M's (red, green, white)
  • to taste Sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect melting environment for the chocolates.
  • Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of your pretzel treats later.
  • Arrange the square pretzels on the lined baking sheet in a single, even layer for uniform baking.
  • Take a Hershey's Hug and gently place it on top of each pretzel, ensuring it’s centered for even distribution of flavors.
  • Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven for 4-5 minutes. Watch closely! You want the chocolates to soften but not completely melt; they should still retain their shape.
  • Once softened, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. While the chocolates are still warm and malleable, press one holiday-themed M&M into the center of each Hershey's Hug. This adds a pop of color and crunch!
  • Allow the pretzel hugs to cool completely at room temperature. This will help them set nicely and maintain their form.
  • After cooling, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each pretzel hug for that delightful sweet-and-salty flavor balance.
  • For quicker setting, you can also place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, allowing the chocolates to firm up faster.

Notes

For an enchanting holiday display, arrange the Christmas Pretzel Hugs in a festive gift box or on a vibrant holiday-themed plate. Consider adding ribbons or sprigs of holly for an extra festive touch!
Keyword Christmas, snack, treats