This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
I can’t get enough of Pretzel Hugs during the holidays! They’re quick, delicious, and absolutely adorable. There’s just something about the salty crunch of mini pretzels with the creamy Hershey’s Hugs and colorful holiday M&Ms that makes them impossible to resist. These sweet-and-salty bites are one of my go-to Christmas treats for cookie trays, holiday parties, edible gifts, or for snacking straight from the pan while they’re still warm!
If you need a quick treat for a cookie exchange, a last-minute party, or something simple to make with the kids, this is the one. There’s no baking beyond melting the chocolate, no messy decorating, and no fuss – just sweet and salty perfection in every bite. I’ve made this recipe so many times, and it’s foolproof every single time. Once you make a batch, you’ll understand why these little bites have become a holiday must in my house.
Why I Love This Recipe
These Pretzel M&M Hugs disappear fast around here! They’re the kind of easy holiday treat everyone grabs by the handful.
- Only 3 ingredients and fun to put together
- The perfect sweet and salty combo everyone loves
- Easy to make big batches for Christmas parties or cookie swaps
- Kid-friendly recipe with simple steps for little helpers
- Perfect for holiday tins or gifting in cellophane bags tied with a bow
Looking for more easy Christmas treats? Don’t miss my Reindeer Pretzels and Christmas Fudge – simple, crowd-pleasing desserts that make perfect additions to your holiday cookie trays.
Ingredients Notes
The full recipe card can be found below with detailed measurements and instructions.
Mini square pretzels – The waffle-style “snaps” work best, but mini twists work too. I love using these mini squares in my Rolo Pretzels for a sweet caramel and pecan twist!
Hershey’s Hugs – These striped white chocolate Kisses are the classic choice for Christmas Pretzel Hugs, but you can swap in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peppermint Kisses for a fun flavor twist.
M&Ms (red and green) – Holiday colors make these extra festive, but any M&M variety works. Try mini M&Ms or peanut M&Ms for a different texture and flavor.
How to Make Pretzel Hugs
- Prepare: Preheat the oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Assemble: Arrange mini pretzels in a single layer on the pan, then place one Hershey’s Hug in the center of each pretzel.
- Bake: Warm in the oven for 5–6 minutes, just until the chocolate looks glossy and soft but still holds its shape.
- Finish: Remove from the oven and gently press an M&M onto each softened Hug.
- Set: Allow to cool at room temperature until firm, or place the tray in the refrigerator (or freezer) for quicker setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
At room temperature, Christmas Hugs set in about 30 minutes. If you’re short on time, place the tray in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to speed things up.
A 12-ounce bag of Hershey’s Hugs makes roughly 70 Pretzel Hugs. You’ll usually have some extra pretzels and M&Ms left over.
Yes! For a small batch, place a few on a lined, microwave-safe plate and heat for 20–30 seconds, just until the chocolate softens. Then press on the M&M. The oven method works best for larger batches or more even melting.
Make Ahead & Storage Instructions
- Make ahead: Pretzel Hugs can be made several days in advance. Let them set completely, then store covered.
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 1–2 weeks.
- Reheat: No reheating needed – enjoy straight from the container.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the pretzels may soften once thawed.
More Festive Treat Ideas
If you’re building a Christmas dessert tray or planning a holiday cookie exchange, here are a few more reader favorites you’ll love:
- Oreo Balls – A no-bake classic that’s creamy, chocolatey, and perfect for holiday tins.
- Christmas Crunch – Sweet, colorful, and totally addictive for snacking or gifting.
- Christmas Tree Brownie Cups – A fun, festive baking project to make with kids.
- Reindeer Chow Chex Mix – The ultimate sweet-and-salty party mix for gift bags or movie nights.
If you’ve tried this Pretzel Hugs Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.
Pretzel Hugs
Ingredients
- 84 square mini pretzels
- 84 Hershey’s hugs unwrapped
- 84 M&M's, red and green
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°F.
- Unwrap the Hershey's hugs and set aside.
- Using a large baking sheet, place a silicone baking mat on the sheet, and place the pretzels on the mat in rows. You can put them all pretty in lines or just fit them all on there.84 square mini pretzels
- Place an unwrapped Hershey’s hug on the center of each pretzel.84 Hershey’s hugs
- Put the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 5 to 6 minutes or until the chocolate is soft but not melted all flat.
- Remove the baking pan and gently push the M&M's on top of each Hershey’s hug.84 M&M's, red and green
- Let them cool for the chocolate to harden. You can also place them in the fridge or freezer if you’re in a hurry.
Jenn’s Notes
- Make ahead: Pretzel Hugs can be made several days before your event. Let them set completely, then store covered.
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 1–2 weeks.
- Reheat: No reheating needed — enjoy straight from the container.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the pretzels may soften once thawed.
- Use equal amounts of pretzels, Hugs, and M&Ms; scale up or down easily.
- Friendly reminder: unwrap the Hugs first.
- Line the pan so pieces release cleanly.
- Don’t overbake – the chocolate should look shiny and soft, not flat and melted.
- Add more than one M&M for a playful look.
- Always let them cool completely before storing or packaging.
- Make extra, these disappear quickly at parties.
