Deliciously Easy Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe to Try!

Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe is the one treat I can make even when the holiday to do list is closing in and the family is already circling the kitchen. You know that feeling when you want something cute, festive, and delicious, but you also want it to be stress free and quick? That is this recipe in a nutshell. Sweet, salty, melty, and crunchy in every bite, with almost no prep. Kids can help, grownups love them, and they look adorable on a cookie platter. Let me show you exactly how I make these with tips and shortcuts I’ve learned from lots of batches.

How do you make a Christmas pretzel hug?

This is one of those recipes that is more assembly than cooking, which is probably why I make it several times each December. The combo is simple: mini pretzels, Hershey’s Hugs, and colorful candies. That is it. You melt the chocolate just enough for it to soften, press on the candy, and let it set. Done.

Ingredients

• Mini pretzels or waffle pretzels
• 1 bag Hershey’s Hugs chocolates
• Red and green M&M’s or other small candies
• Optional: festive sprinkles, crushed candy cane, or mini peanut butter cups

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment for easier cleanup.
• Lay the pretzels in a single layer, close together but not touching.
• Unwrap the Hugs and set one on each pretzel. If you have small helpers, this is a great job for them.
• Bake for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the Hugs shiny and soft, not fully melted.
• Pull the tray out and immediately press one M&M into each softened Hug. The chocolate should yield without squirting out the sides.
• Let them cool on the counter until chocolate firms up, about 20 to 30 minutes. Speed it up in the fridge for 10 minutes if your kitchen is warm.

Time wise, this is a 15 minute start to finish situation, plus setting time. I like to prep two trays so I can rotate them in and out of the oven.

Make ahead and storage

These little bites keep nicely at room temperature for up to a week in an airtight tin. If your kitchen runs hot, store them in the fridge and bring them out a few minutes before serving so the chocolate softens a touch. They’re sturdy enough for gifting, too, and they ship pretty well tucked inside a snug cookie box.

Pro tip: if you plan to gift them, double the batch. They disappear faster than you think, and you’ll want a stash for your own counter.

Pretzel Hug Variations

Once you make one tray, it is hard to stop at the classic version. Here are a few twists I love, depending on who I’m baking for and what I have in the pantry.

Different chocolate: swap Hugs for Kisses, caramel-filled chocolates, or dark chocolate drops. Caramel centers make a gooey middle, which is super decadent.

Different pretzels: mini twists look festive, but the square waffle pretzels make tidy little canvases. The waffle style also holds sprinkles neatly on top.

Festive toppings: try crushed peppermint, red and white sprinkles, or tiny snowflake sprinkles. Press them on right after the chocolate softens.

Nutty crunch: a toasted pecan half or almond slice takes the sweet-salty thing to the next level. Press gently and let cool completely before stacking.

For color inspiration and swirly patterns, I love looking at cookie ideas like these marbled Christmas tree cookies. The vibrant red and green helps me pick candy and sprinkle combos that pop on a platter.

“I made three batches using different chocolates for a cookie swap and there were none left. The pretzel ones with caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt got the most recipe requests. So easy and so good.”

Tips for Christmas Pretzel Hugs

Here are the little details that help this recipe go smoothly and look polished. These took my Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe from good to great.

• Use low heat. Keep the oven at 200 degrees F so the chocolate softens without melting into a puddle.
• Watch the shine. When the Hugs turn glossy and look slightly slumpy, they are ready. Pull the tray immediately.
• Press straight down. Center the M&M and press gently to avoid pushing chocolate off the pretzel.
• Line your sheet. Parchment helps you slide everything off in one go and keeps bottoms neat.
• Chill to set. If your kitchen is warm, pop the tray into the fridge for 10 minutes to lock the chocolate in place fast.
• Separate by type. If you make multiple chocolate varieties, set them on different trays so you can pull each at the right time.
• Serve with something savory. On a party board, I like to add a warm bite like this cheesy Christmas tree bread to balance the sweets.

Visual cue to avoid overbaking: if the stripes on your Hugs begin to blur and the point sinks, they are soft enough. Do not wait for a complete melt.

Christmas Pretzel M&M Hugs

This is the version most folks know, and for good reason. The red and green candies sit perfectly on a softened Hug and give that signature festive look. When I make a big tray, I alternate colors in rows so it looks like stripes on the platter. It is a small touch, but it makes the display feel pulled together.

Packing for gifts: let them cool completely, then layer between wax paper in a cookie tin or box. Add a note with ingredients if you used nuts. People appreciate that. If you need a fresh element for your gift basket or dessert board, pair these with a juicy centerpiece like this Christmas fruit wreath. The color contrast is gorgeous.

I keep the oven on low while I work through multiple trays and unwrap Hugs while the first batch softens. It becomes a speedy little assembly line. That is my secret to cranking out a lot without feeling rushed.

Texture tip: If you like a little extra crunch, sprinkle coarse sea salt over the tray right after pressing on the candies. The salty pop lands perfectly against the sweet chocolate and crisp pretzel.

Flavor twist: Add a dot of peanut butter under the Hug before baking for a mini peanut butter cup vibe. Do not go overboard or it will slide. A pea size amount is enough.

Christmas Cookie Recipes to Try

Once you get a batch of these done, you might be in the mood to round out your holiday cookie lineup. I like to mix no bake, quick bakes, and a couple of show stoppers. If you want playful, colorful options, check these out and build a fun cookie tray.

For a pretty swirl that looks like a bakery window, try these swirled Christmas cookies. If you are short on time but still want a wow factor, these 5 minute bauble cookies are perfect for last minute parties. And if you want a cozy flavor twist that still feels festive, these apple pie cookies bring warm spice to the table without much effort.

I like to scatter the Pretzel Hugs between the other cookies so you get pops of color and different shapes. Add a few fresh mint leaves and a handful of cranberries to garnish the platter and you are set.

Common Questions

How do I keep the chocolate from cracking? Let the Hugs soften just until shiny and press gently. If the chocolate is still firm, it can crack under the candy.

Can I use Kisses instead of Hugs? Yes. Kisses work well. Hugs melt slightly faster thanks to the white chocolate, so check Kisses after 4 to 5 minutes instead of 3 to 4.

What if I do not have parchment? Use a silicone baking mat or a lightly greased tray. Parchment does make cleanup easiest.

Do these freeze well? They can, but I prefer the fridge. Freezing can cause condensation during thawing, which sometimes marks the chocolate. If you freeze, thaw uncovered in the fridge.

How many do I need for a party? I plan for 3 to 4 per person if you have other desserts. Double that if these are the main treat. The recipe scales easily.

Let’s wrap it up with a little holiday cheer

If you are hunting for a quick win that tastes amazing and looks festive, this Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe is your new go to. It is beginner friendly, kid approved, and party ready in minutes. You can customize flavors, colors, and toppings to make it your own. If you want more ideas or need a second take on the method, this guide from Christmas Pretzel Hugs – House of Nash Eats is another helpful resource. Now clear a corner of the counter, unwrap a handful of chocolates, and make a tray you will be proud to share.

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