Pretzel M&M Hugs Recipe

Irresistible Pretzel M&M Hugs Recipe: Sweet & Salty Magic!

Chocolate lovers stumble upon this pretzel m&m hugs recipe that promises pure snacking magic.

Salty meets sweet in an irresistible bite-sized treat.

Crisp pretzels create the perfect base for melted chocolate and colorful candies.

Each morsel combines creamy chocolate with delightful crunch and playful colors.

Little hands and big appetites will absolutely adore assembling these simple delights.

Simple ingredients and minimal kitchen skills mean anyone can master this recipe.

Grab a baking sheet and let the delicious creativity begin!

Why Pretzel M&M Hugs Are a Festive Favorite

  • Simple dessert that anyone can whip up in minutes without advanced baking skills.
  • Engaging recipe perfect for kids to help make, combining fun chocolate melting and M&M decorating activities that spark joy and creativity.
  • Requires only 10-15 minutes total preparation and cooking time, making it an ideal last-minute sweet treat for unexpected guests or sudden sugar cravings.
  • Excellent for parties, movie nights, holiday gatherings, or casual dessert sharing that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prepare.

What Goes Into Pretzel M&M Hugs

Base Ingredients:
  • Mini Pretzels: Salty, crunchy base that provides a perfect platform for chocolate and M&Ms.
  • Hershey's Hugs: White and milk chocolate swirled kisses that create a creamy, smooth topping.
  • M&Ms: Colorful chocolate candies that add a fun crunch and decorative touch.
Baking Essentials:
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface that prevents chocolates from sticking and ensures easy removal.
Optional Serving Tools:
  • Baking Sheet: Flat surface for even heating and easy chocolate melting.
  • Refrigerator: Quick cooling method to set the chocolate faster.

How to Make Pretzel M&M Hugs at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius). The gentle heat will help transform your chocolates into creamy perfection.

Step 2: Create Pretzel Base

Arrange mini pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them out so each pretzel has room to become a delicious treat.

Step 3: Crown With Chocolate Kisses

Carefully place a Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel. The chocolate should sit perfectly centered on the salty pretzel base.

Step 4: Soften the Chocolate

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Let the chocolates warm for 3-5 minutes until they become glossy and slightly soft but still maintain their shape.

Step 5: Add Colorful Crunch

Pull the baking sheet out of the oven. Gently press a colorful M&M into the center of each melted chocolate kiss. The candy will sink slightly into the softened chocolate.

Step 6: Chill and Savor

Let your chocolate bites cool completely at room temperature. For faster results, pop the tray into the refrigerator for a few minutes.

Tips for Melting and Assembling Pretzel M&M Hugs

  • Gentle Melting Technique: Use low oven temperature to softly melt Hershey's Hugs without losing their shape, ensuring smooth chocolate coverage.
  • Strategic Chocolate Placement: Position Hugs centrally on pretzels for perfect chocolate-to-pretzel ratio and balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Quick Cooling Hack: Refrigerate treats for faster setting if you're impatient or need quick dessert preparation.
  • Customize Your Flavors: Experiment with different M&M colors for seasonal themes or personalized party treats.
  • Non-Stick Surface Trick: Always use parchment paper to prevent chocolates from sticking and ensure easy removal of finished treats.

Best Way to Store Pretzel M&M Hugs for Snacking

  • Store Pretzel M&M Hugs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Keep in a cool, dry place for 2-3 days if serving soon. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to maintain chocolate's integrity.
  • Wrap individual treats in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 1 month for longer storage.
  • Gently warm at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave to prevent chocolate from melting completely.

Drinks and Treats to Pair with M&M Hugs

  • Classic chocolate milk highlights the rich chocolate notes while balancing the salty pretzel base.
  • Vanilla milkshake complements the sweet and salty elements, creating a delightful dessert experience.
  • Cold vanilla ice cream provides a smooth counterpoint to the crunchy pretzel and melted chocolate combination.
  • Almond milk offers a subtle nutty undertone that beautifully enhances the chocolate and pretzel flavors.

Creative Versions of Pretzel M&M Hugs

  • Gluten-Free Crunch: Swap traditional pretzels with gluten-free pretzel alternatives made from rice or corn. This adaptation ensures those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the sweet and salty treat.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace Hershey's Hugs with dairy-free chocolate like dark chocolate or vegan chocolate kisses. Top with dairy-free M&M equivalents for a completely allergen-friendly version.
  • Nut-Free Option: Select nut-free chocolate varieties and ensure M&Ms are from a nut-free production line. This modification makes the recipe safe for those with nut allergies.
  • Low-Sugar Modification: Use sugar-free chocolate alternatives and dark chocolate M&Ms. This version reduces overall sugar content while maintaining the classic flavor profile.
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Pretzel M&M Hugs Recipe

Pretzel M&M Hugs Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 50 1x

Description

Salty-sweet comfort converges in this pretzel m&m hugs recipe, where chocolate melts lovingly over crisp pretzels. Chocolate lovers will find pure delight in these simple, irresistible treats that combine crunchy, creamy textures for an effortless snack perfect for sharing.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 50 pretzel twists or squares
  • 50 Hershey’s hugs chocolates (unwrapped)
  • 50 M&M candies (holiday or regular colors)

This is the ingredient list, with all ingredients listed from the original recipe, organized and formatted as requested.


Instructions

  1. Arrange a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a neat grid of mini pretzels spaced evenly to allow room for chocolate placement.
  2. Position a single Hersheys Hug chocolate centered atop each pretzel, ensuring balanced coverage and stability.
  3. Transfer the prepared baking sheet into a preheated oven calibrated to 250F, which provides gentle heat to soften chocolates without complete liquefaction.
  4. Monitor the chocolate transformation closely, observing as Hugs become glossy and slightly malleable within 3-4 minutes without losing structural integrity.
  5. Carefully extract the baking sheet, utilizing gentle pressure to nestle a colorful M&M directly into the soft chocolate’s center, creating a visually appealing design.
  6. Allow the confections to stabilize at room temperature, permitting chocolate to resolidify and create a seamless bond between pretzel, Hug, and M&M.
  7. Accelerate cooling by briefly chilling the treats in the refrigerator, which helps solidify the chocolate and enhance structural cohesion.
  8. Once completely set, separate the pretzel clusters from the parchment and arrange on a serving platter, ready for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

  • Perfectly soften chocolate by using an ultra-low oven temperature to prevent complete melting.
  • Select mini pretzels with uniform size to ensure consistent and visually appealing treats.
  • Experiment with different chocolate varieties like dark, milk, or white chocolate hugs for unique flavor combinations.
  • Chill quickly in the refrigerator to help the chocolate set faster and create a firmer texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 50
  • Calories: 50
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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