3-Ingredient Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a fun, festive, and easy holiday snack that combines the sweet creaminess of Hershey’s Hugs with the salty crunch of pretzels. Topped with red and green M&Ms, these treats are perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or a quick treat for yourself. The recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare, making it a great option for busy holiday seasons. Let them set at room temperature or speed up the process by placing them in the fridge.
These 3-Ingredient Christmas Pretzel Hugs are the perfect festive snack for the holiday season. The combination of salty pretzels, sweet Hershey’s Hugs, and colorful M&Ms makes them a fun and delicious treat.
INGREDIENTS
- 12-ounce bag of Hershey's Hugs: These creamy white and milk chocolate candies will melt perfectly over the pretzels.
- 60 square snap pretzels: The pretzels add a salty crunch that contrasts nicely with the sweet chocolate.
- 11-ounce bag of red and green M&Ms: Use these festive chocolate candies to press into the soft Hugs, giving them a holiday touch.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the square pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3:
- Place a Hershey's Hug on top of each pretzel, centering it on the pretzel.
- Step 4:
- Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for about 4 minutes. The Hugs should soften but still hold their shape.
- Step 5:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately press a red or green M&M into the center of each softened Hug, pressing down gently to spread the chocolate slightly.
- Step 6:
- Allow the pretzel hugs to set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or place them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Store the pretzel hugs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- These treats can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- They are perfect for holiday gifting—just wrap them in decorative bags or tins for a festive touch.
Helpful Notes
- Be careful not to overbake the Hershey's Hugs. They should soften but not completely melt.
- If you prefer, you can use Hershey’s Kisses instead of Hugs for a slightly different chocolate flavor.
- Feel free to use other festive M&M colors to fit different holidays or occasions.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Ina Garten suggests using high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Martha Stewart recommends adding a small pinch of sea salt on top for an extra burst of flavor.
- Jamie Oliver advises adding chopped nuts or crushed candy canes for a more festive variation.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Only requires three ingredients and takes just minutes to prepare.
- A perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that everyone will love.
- Customizable for any holiday or occasion by changing the M&M colors.
VARIATIONS
- Use Hershey’s Kisses in place of Hugs for a different chocolate flavor.
- Add crushed candy canes on top for a peppermint twist.
- Try using different types of pretzels, like mini twists or rods, for a variation in texture.