Christmas Pretzel Hugs

Introduction

During the holiday season, finding simple yet delightful treats to share with family and friends is essential. One of my all-time favorites has to be Christmas Pretzel Hugs. These little bites of joy are not only easy to make but are also a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors. Every time I make them, the entire family gathers around the kitchen, eagerly waiting for their turn to grab a handful. My kids love helping unwrap the Hershey’s Hugs and pressing the M&M’s in place, turning the process into a fun family activity. These treats are a festive hit at parties, and they disappear faster than I can make them!

Ingredients

• 50 mini pretzels
• 50 Hershey’s Hugs
• 50 red and green M&M’s (Christmas variety)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone mat, or foil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Pretzels: Lay the mini pretzels flat on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them out evenly.
3. Add Hershey’s Hugs: Unwrap the Hershey’s Hugs and place one in the center of each pretzel. The chocolate should sit snugly on top of the pretzel.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes. You want the Hugs to be soft but not fully melted. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t melt too much.
5. Press the M&M’s: Once out of the oven, immediately press a red or green M&M into the center of each softened Hug. This adds the perfect pop of color and flavor.
6. Cool and Set: Allow the pretzel hugs to cool and set either in the fridge, freezer, or at room temperature. The chocolate will harden again as it cools.
7. Store or Gift: Once the chocolate has set, store the Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container or package them up for festive gifts.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 50 pretzel hugs
• Calories: 34 kcal per pretzel hug

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Snack: Perfect for holiday gatherings and parties.
• Gift Packaging: Place them in decorative bags or boxes for thoughtful gifts.
• Dessert Table: Include them on a dessert table alongside other holiday treats.
• With Hot Cocoa: Serve alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Decorative Jar: Fill a glass jar and use it as a centerpiece during holiday dinners.

Additional Tips

1. Choose Quality Chocolate: Using Hershey’s Hugs is a great choice, but feel free to experiment with other chocolates for different flavors.
2. Add Sprinkles: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle colored sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets.
3. Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the Hugs while they bake to ensure they don’t over-melt. You’re aiming for softness, not a puddle!
4. Use Different M&M’s: Try using peanut M&M’s or any holiday-themed M&M’s to change up the flavor and look.
5. Involve the Kids: Get the kids involved in making these treats; it’s a great way to bond and create lasting holiday memories.

Recipe Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add a piece of pecan or almond on top of the Hershey’s Hug before pressing the M&M down.
• Caramel Twist: Use caramel-filled chocolate candies instead of Hugs for a gooey surprise.
• White Chocolate Version: Swap Hershey’s Hugs for white chocolate melts for a different flavor and look.
• Spicy Kick: Use spicy or cinnamon-flavored M&M’s to add a unique twist to the traditional sweet and salty combination.
• Dark Chocolate Option: For a richer flavor, substitute Hershey’s Hugs with dark chocolate candies.

Serving Suggestions

• Festive Platters: Arrange them on a festive platter with other holiday treats for an appealing display.
• Candy Buffets: Include them in a candy buffet setup for parties, allowing guests to take their favorites.
• Holiday Brunch: Serve them as a delightful addition to a holiday brunch spread.
• Office Treats: Share them with colleagues as a cheerful holiday treat.
• Kid’s Parties: Perfect for children’s parties, adding a fun and tasty element.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Freezing: These treats can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to layer them between parchment paper to avoid sticking. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular-sized pretzels?

• Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount of chocolate and M&M’s accordingly.

1. What other chocolates can I use?

• You can use any chocolate variety you prefer, such as milk chocolate or caramel-filled options.

1. How do I store leftovers?

• Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness.

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

• Yes! They can be made a few days in advance and stored until you’re ready to serve.

1. Are there any nut-free alternatives?

• Yes, you can omit the nut toppings or use nut-free chocolate varieties.

1. What if I can’t find Hershey’s Hugs?

• You can substitute them with similar-sized chocolate candies.

1. Can I add other toppings?

• Absolutely! You can add sprinkles or crushed candy canes for extra flavor and festivity.

1. What’s the best way to package these for gifts?

• Use decorative bags or jars tied with festive ribbons.

1. How long do they take to set?

• They typically cool and set within 30 minutes to an hour.

1. Can I use different colored M&M’s?

• Yes! Use any colored M&M’s to fit your theme or preference.

Conclusion

Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a delightful, festive treat that combines the sweet and salty flavors we all love. They are incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect recipe for holiday gatherings or gifting. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family get-together or packaging them as gifts, these treats are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. So gather your ingredients, enlist your loved ones, and enjoy the fun of creating these festive goodies together!

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