Pretzel M&M Hugs {Christmas Style}

Introduction

Every holiday season, my family eagerly anticipates the festive treats that fill our kitchen. One of the all-time favorites that consistently brings smiles and joyful cheers is the Pretzel M&M Hugs. These sweet and salty bites are not just a delight to the palate; they also add a pop of color and cheer to our holiday gatherings. Each pretzel is topped with a creamy Hershey’s Hug, pressed into place with a vibrant M&M, creating a treat that’s perfect for sharing—or for sneaking into your own snack stash! The simplicity of this recipe makes it a hit, not only for its taste but also for how easy it is to prepare, even with little helpers in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 70 square pretzels (avoid using butter-flavored pretzels)
• 70 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (from nearly one full 12 oz package), unwrapped
• 70 Milk Chocolate M&M’s (preferably red and green for a festive touch)

Instructions

Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Arrange Pretzels

2. Place the square pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Top with Hugs

3. Place one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel.

Bake

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—the Hugs should become shiny and soft but not melt completely. They should still hold their shape.

Add M&M’s

5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately press one M&M into the center of each softened Hug, pressing down gently to spread the chocolate slightly.

Chill

6. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator or freezer to allow the chocolate to set. This should take about 5-15 minutes.

Serve or Store

7. Once set, store the Pretzel M&M Hugs in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for about a week.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 70
• Calories per serving: Approximately 50 kcal

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes

How to Serve

• As Gifts: Package them in festive tins or bags for holiday gifting.
• At Parties: Serve them on a decorative platter at holiday parties.
• As Snacks: Keep a bowl filled with them for snacking throughout the day.
• With Hot Cocoa: Pair them with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• During Movie Nights: Enjoy them while watching holiday films with family.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your chocolates and pretzels are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
2. Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so monitor closely to prevent melting the Hugs too much.
3. Experiment with Flavors: Try using different varieties of M&M’s for added flavor or color.
4. Keep it Neat: Use a toothpick to help remove any stubborn Hugs if they stick to the pretzels.
5. Add Sprinkles: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with holiday-themed sprinkles for extra fun!

Recipe Variations

• Nutty Touch: Add a layer of crushed nuts on top of the pretzels before placing the Hugs for added crunch.
• Flavor Swap: Use white chocolate Hugs for a different taste profile.
• Seasonal M&Ms: Use M&Ms in seasonal colors for other holidays, like pastel colors for Easter or orange and black for Halloween.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel over the finished product for an indulgent twist.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the melted chocolate for a sweet and spicy combination.

Serving Suggestions

• At Holiday Gatherings: Serve alongside other holiday treats like cookies and candies.
• In Dessert Jars: Layer them in clear jars with whipped cream or mousse for a festive dessert.
• With Cheese Platters: They pair surprisingly well with cheese for a sweet-and-savory platter.
• On Charcuterie Boards: Include them on a holiday charcuterie board for an added treat.
• With Ice Cream: Crush them up and sprinkle on top of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the Pretzel M&M Hugs for up to 3 months. Layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking.
• Storage: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid humid environments to prevent the chocolate from becoming sticky.

FAQ

1. Can I use regular chocolate instead of Hugs?
   Yes, you can use regular Hershey’s chocolates if you prefer.
2. What if I don’t have square pretzels?
   You can use round pretzels as an alternative, but the presentation may differ.
3. Can I make these in advance?
   Absolutely! They store well and can be made a few days ahead of time.
4. Do I have to chill them after baking?
   Chilling helps the chocolate set faster, but you can let them cool at room temperature if you prefer.
5. What’s the best way to transport them?
   Store them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Are these gluten-free?
   No, traditional pretzels contain gluten, but gluten-free pretzels can be used.
7. Can I add other toppings?
   Yes! Feel free to experiment with toppings like crushed candies or coconut flakes.
8. How long do they last?
   They will stay fresh for about a week at room temperature.
9. Can kids help with this recipe?
   Yes! This is a fun and easy recipe for kids to help with under adult supervision.
10. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
    Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

The Pretzel M&M Hugs are not just a holiday treat; they embody the spirit of festive gatherings with their fun colors and delicious flavors. This recipe is a great way to bring a touch of joy and creativity to your celebrations. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these treats will quickly become a staple at your holiday events. So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and watch as smiles light up the room with every crunchy, chocolatey bite!

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