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Get ready for the easiest, most delightful holiday treat! These Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a must-make for anyone seeking festive cheer without the fuss. With just three simple ingredients, you create a perfect harmony of salty pretzels and sweet, melted chocolate. They come together quickly, making them an ideal last-minute addition to any holiday gathering or a delightful edible gift.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Pretzel Hugs
These festive treats are a guaranteed hit for many reasons, embodying simplicity and holiday spirit.
- Super Easy: You only need three ingredients and minimal effort for these delicious Christmas Pretzel Hugs.
- Perfect for Parties: They are a charming, bite-sized addition to any holiday spread or potluck.
- Kid-Friendly: Children love unwrapping candies and pressing M&M’s, making them fun to prepare together.
- Great for Gifting: Package them in pretty bags or boxes for a thoughtful, homemade present.
- Quick Prep: From start to finish, you can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Gather these minimal ingredients for your delicious Christmas Pretzel Hugs. This recipe yields approximately 70 pieces, perfect for sharing!
- 70 Snyder’s Snaps Pretzels (or mini square pretzels)
- 70 Hershey’s Hugs (unwrapped, not quite one full 12 oz. package)
- 70 Christmas M&M’s
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with these ingredients to match your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Pretzels: Mini pretzel twists also work well if you prefer a different shape.
- Hershey’s Hugs: You can substitute with classic milk chocolate Kisses or dark chocolate Kisses for a richer flavor.
- M&M’s: Feel free to use M&M’s in other holiday colors like red and green, or even seasonal varieties.
- Other Candies: Try Rolos for a caramel twist, mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, or Dove chocolates for a different texture.
- Toppings: After pressing the M&M’s, you can sprinkle them with finely chopped pecans or festive sprinkles.
Equipment
You only need a couple of basic kitchen items to make these easy Christmas Pretzel Hugs.
- One large baking sheet (or two, depending on your batch size).
- Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (Silpat) for easy cleanup and non-stick release.
Instructions
Creating these delightful Christmas Pretzel Hugs is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results.
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). This low temperature ensures the candy melts slowly without burning.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze for your Christmas Pretzel Hugs.
- Arrange the Snyder’s Snaps pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each pretzel.
- Top each pretzel with one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug candy. Make sure the Hug is centered on the pretzel.
- Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 4-6 minutes, or just until the Hershey’s Hugs look shiny and slightly softened. They should not be fully melted puddles.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the pretzels and candies sit for 1 minute on the hot sheet. This allows residual heat to continue softening the chocolate.
- Working quickly, gently press one Christmas M&M into the center of each softened Hug. The candy should indent easily into the chocolate.
- If any Hugs are still too firm to press the M&M into, return the baking sheet to the oven for another 1-2 minutes. Then, try pressing the M&M’s again.
- Allow the Christmas Pretzel Hugs to cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate hardens again. This ensures they hold their shape.
- For quicker setting, you can place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Once firm, they are ready to enjoy or store.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your Christmas Pretzel Hugs turn out perfectly every time with these helpful hints.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch the Hershey’s Hugs carefully. Overbaking can cause them to become greasy.
For more information on why chocolate can become oily when overheated, consult this article about fixing greasy modeling chocolate. - Visual Cue: The candies are ready when they look shiny and soft, but still hold their shape.
- Easy Release: A silicone baking mat is fantastic for preventing sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Cool Completely: Always ensure the candies are fully set and firm before handling or storing them to avoid smudges.
- Troubleshooting Melting: If candies aren’t melting enough, your oven might run cooler. Add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Serving, Storing, & Variations
These delightful Christmas Pretzel Hugs are versatile for any holiday occasion.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange them beautifully on platters at your holiday gatherings or family dinners.
- Package batches in decorative tins or cellophane bags for charming homemade gifts.
- Add them to your annual Christmas cookie assortments for an extra festive touch.
Storage Instructions
- Store your finished Christmas Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent melting.
- Properly stored, they will maintain their freshness and deliciousness for up to two weeks.
Flavor Variations
- Pretzel Sandwiches: For an extra crunch, place a second pretzel on top of the M&M after pressing it in.
- Caramel Pretzels: Substitute Hershey’s Hugs with Rolos candies for a chewy, caramel center.
- Nutty Pretzels: After pressing the M&M, gently press a small piece of chopped pecan or walnut into the chocolate.
- Seasonal: Adapt this recipe for other holidays by changing the M&M colors, such as pastels for Easter or orange and black for Halloween.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy these delicious Christmas Pretzel Hugs in moderation. Here’s a general breakdown of the estimated nutritional content per serving (1 pretzel hug).
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Total Fat | 2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 45 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Vitamin A | 0% DV |
| Vitamin C | 0% DV |
| Calcium | 0% DV |
| Iron | 0% DV |
This is an approximate nutritional value and may vary based on specific brands and exact quantities used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many ingredients do Christmas Pretzel Hugs need?
You only need three simple ingredients for these festive treats: pretzels, Hershey’s Hugs, and M&M’s.
What kind of pretzels are best for pretzel hugs?
Snyder’s Snaps pretzels or mini square pretzels work best because their flat surface perfectly holds the chocolate.
How long do pretzel hugs take to make?
These quick treats are ready in about 25 minutes total, including just 5 minutes of active prep and 4-6 minutes in the oven.
Can you use other candy instead of Hershey’s Hugs?
Absolutely! Rolos, mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, or even Dove chocolates are excellent substitutes for creating different flavor profiles.
How do you store Christmas Pretzel Hugs?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain their freshness and prevent them from getting stale.
Conclusion
These Christmas Pretzel Hugs truly are the ultimate easy holiday treat. Their simplicity, minimal ingredients, and quick preparation make them perfect for busy parents and beginners alike. You can easily customize them with different candies and toppings, adding a personal touch to every batch. Make these delightful, salty-sweet bites a staple in your holiday tradition this year and spread some festive cheer!
