If you’re looking for a quick, festive treat that checks all the boxes, you’ll love these Pretzel Hugs.
They're sweet, salty, and incredibly easy. With just three ingredients and a few minutes in the oven, you can make a batch of these little treats for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Easy. One of the easiest recipes you can make with only three ingredients. No mixer or measuring needed.
- Sweet and Salty Combo - Perfect combination of salty pretzels, Hershey's Hugs with creamy milk and white chocolate, and colorful M&M's.
- Customizable - These fun treats work for any time of year. Pick the M&M's that match your holiday. And because there are no nuts, these are great for classroom parties, cookie trays, and gifting.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use square pretzels or pretzel snaps for the most even melt. Regular pretzels will work, but their shape can make it harder for the Hug to stay in place. There is also less surface area for the hug to melt into when using regular pretzel twists.
- Hershey’s Hugs are ideal since white chocolate has a lower melting point than milk chocolate. Chocolate kisses will not work.
- Change up the color of M&M candies to fit the holiday and make a festive treat. I've made this easy recipe for Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, and during Christmas time. Drizzle with melted milk chocolate or top with sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
I love doing snack mixes and sweet and salty combos for holidays. If you do too, check out my Halloween Puppy Chow, my Reindeer Chex Mix Recipe, or my Christmas Crack With Pretzels.
Natalie’s Tips
- Use a Silpat or Nonstick Silicone Baking Mat. A reusable silicone mat keeps the pretzel snaps from sliding around when you move the pan in and out of the oven. If you only have parchment paper, that’s fine. Just move slowly so the pretzels don’t run into each other when you transfer the baking sheet to and from the oven.
- Keep the temperature LOW. Keep an eye on the oven. The melting point of Hershey’s Hugs is low, around 108°F, so at 200°F, they’ll get shiny and soft in about 4 to 6 minutes. Don’t let them bake too long or at a temp higher than 200°F. The chocolate will burn and harden. I recommend using an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is heating correctly.
- Use FRESH Hershey's Hugs. Candy that has been opened for a while can affect how evenly or IF the Hugs will melt. Use a fresh bag for best results. There are about 64 Hugs per 10.6-ounce bag.
- Don't press down too hard. When you gently press the M&M candy into the top of the pretzel, it should sink slightly into the chocolate, causing the hug to spread out. Let the pretzel hugs cool at room temperature until firm, or place the sheet pan in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up the process.
Ingredients
*For specific ingredient amounts, please scroll down the the full recipe card.
How To Make M&M Pretzel Hugs
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 200°F. Arrange pretzels on a Silpat-lined baking sheet.
Step 2. Place an unwrapped Hershey’s Hug candy on each pretzel.
Step 3. Bake for 4-6 minutes, just until the candy gets shiny and starts to melt.
Step 4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Gently press an M&M into the center of each hug. If the hug is still too firm, pop the baking sheet back in the oven for another 1-2 minutes, then try again.
Step 5. Let the pretzel hugs stand and harden at room temperature.
FAQs
No. Since white chocolate melts at a lower temperature than milk chocolate, Hershey’s Hugs are the better choice. Chocolate kisses stay too firm to press an M&M into the top.
Yes, but you don't really have to. Once the chocolate has hardened, store pretzel hugs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them in a single layer with parchment or wax paper between layers.
Definitely. These easy treats are perfect to prep before a busy holiday season or party. Store them in a little bag or jar for gifting, and they’ll still taste fresh and delicious days later.
Pretzel Hugs
Equipment
- sheet pan with sides
- silicone baking mat or parchment paper
Ingredients
- 62 pretzel snaps square pretzels
- 10.6- ounce bag Hershey's Hugs
- 62 M&M candies in desired color
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F. Arrange pretzels on a Silpat-lined baking sheet.62 pretzel snaps
- Place an unwrapped Hershey’s Hug candy on each pretzel.10.6- ounce bag Hershey's Hugs
- Bake for 4-6 minutes, just until the candy gets shiny and starts to melt.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Gently press an M&M into the center of each hug. If the hug is still too firm, pop the baking sheet back in the oven for another 1-2 minutes, then try again.62 M&M candies
Notes
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