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With only three ingredients, these Christmas Pretzel Hugs are one of the easiest holiday desserts you can make. They’re quick to bake, and always a favorite at Christmas parties.
An Easy Christmas Dessert I’ve Made for Years
Christmas Pretzel Hugs are one of those easy Christmas dessert ideas that genuinely doesn’t get easier. I’ve been making these for years, and they always disappear fast at holiday gatherings. They’re just SO good!
I’ve loved making easy Christmas dessert recipes with Hershey’s Kisses for as long as I can remember. They’ve always been a staple in my holiday baking.
A few years ago, I was featured in Martha Stewart Living and Parents magazine, sharing my Hershey’s Kisses Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups, but my love for using Hershey’s Kisses goes to way back in the day. They’re festive, nostalgic, and perfect for creating easy Christmas desserts that everyone loves.
Just Three Simple Ingredients
All you need are mini pretzels, Hershey’s Kisses, and M&M’s! Every holiday season, Hershey’s always releases fun, festive flavors. It makes this recipe even more fun to switch up each year. From classic milk chocolate to Candy Cane Kisses, they both taste soooo good!
Watch How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs
Candy Cane and Classic Hershey’s Kisses Both Work Great
I made these with Christmas Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses and traditional chocolate Kisses, and both turned out perfectly. Please note that some seasonal Kisses soften slightly faster than others, so keep an eye on them while baking.
Ingredients to make Christmas Pretzel Hugs
- Mini pretzels: A crunchy base that gives the perfect sweet-and-salty bite.
- Hershey’s Kisses: (any flavor, unwrapped) These melt just enough in the oven to hug the pretzel, adding rich chocolate flavor and a festive touch depending on the variety you choose.
- M&M’s: Press one M&M on top of each softened Kiss right after baking for a festive pop of color and an extra chocolatey finish.
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs
Preheat the oven to 200°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the mini pretzels in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Place one Hershey’s Kiss on top of each pretzel.
Bake for 8 minutes, or just until the Kisses are soft but not melted.
Remove from the oven and immediately press one M&M into the center of each softened Kiss.
Let cool completely before serving.
Storage Tips for Pretzel Hugs
Store Christmas Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
You can also freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
A Traditional Christmas Dessert With a Modern Twist
Even though Christmas Pretzel Hugs aren’t an old-fashioned recipe passed down for generations, they truly have become a traditional Christmas dessert.
I always see this sweet-and-salty treat on holiday cookie trays, at school parties, and even at family gatherings year after year.
More Pretzel Bite Dessert Ideas
If you’re looking for more easy pretzel bite dessert ideas, keep me on speed dial! I’ve made pretzel desserts for just about every holiday, so keep me on speed dial for favorites like my Easter Bunny Pretzel Bites, Spring Flower Pretzel Bites, Easter Chick Pretzel Bites, Valentine’s Day Pretzel Bites, 4th of July Pretzel Bites, Back-to-School Apple Pretzel Bites, and St. Patrick’s Day Pretzel Pops. They’re all SO simple, festive, and absolutely perfect for celebrating any holiday!
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Christmas Pretzel Hugs
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 12 oz Butter Snap Pretzels
- 9 oz HERSHEY'S Kisses Christmas Candy Cane Flavored Candy , You can use one flavor of Hershey’s Kisses or mix and match different flavors. Both options work perfectly for this recipe.
- 9 oz HERSHEY'S Kisses Christmas Candy Cane Flavored Candy , You can use one flavor of Hershey’s Kisses or mix and match different flavors. Both options work perfectly for this recipe.
- 10 oz Holiday Milk Chocolate M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 200°F.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread pretzel snaps in even rows on the prepared baking sheet.
- Melt Hershey's Kisses: Place a Hershey's Kiss on each pretzel snap. Bake in the oven for 8 minutes, or until the candy melts soften and begins to soften.
- Remove the pretzels from the oven. Working quickly, press the M&M's into the center of the softened Hershey's Kiss.
