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Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats Recipe
If you need a fast, cute, and downright addictive sweet treat, this Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats Recipe is your new go‑to for parties, holidays, and “just because” moments.
What Are Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats, Anyway?
Let me explain. This Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats Recipe makes tiny bite‑sized chocolate pretzel snacks that are salty, sweet, colorful, and incredibly easy. You use mini pretzels, Hershey’s Hugs, and M&M’s, melt them together for a few minutes, and you’ve got the most cheerful little holiday pretzel candy you’ve ever seen.
They’re sometimes called m&m pretzel treats or Hershey Hugs pretzels, and they’ve been floating around at cookie exchanges and school parties for years. I started making them when my kids were in elementary school, and I still bring them out as Christmas pretzel treats every December.
Now that I’m 50 and my kids are grown, these live in my “party snack recipe” folder. I pull them out for baby showers, football games, and last‑minute neighbors‑stopped‑by moments. They’re that easy. They’re also a wonderful kids friendly dessert because little hands can help line up pretzels, place the hugs, and pop on the M&M candies.
They’re not exactly health food, but they are portion‑controlled, and you can use smaller pretzels and a single M&M on each for a lighter nibble. Compared with big frosted cookies or elaborate bars, these sweet salty pretzels feel like a fun, playful treat that doesn’t weigh you down.
And honestly? They disappear faster than anything else on the tray.
Why You’ll Love This Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats Recipe
- Quick and easy: Just three ingredients and a few minutes of baking—no fancy skills needed.
- Perfect sweet‑salty balance: Crispy pretzel, creamy chocolate, and crunchy candy in every bite.
- Festive and colorful: Change the M&M colors for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, or birthdays.
- Kid‑friendly project: Great for little helpers—perfect first “baked pretzel candy” for new bakers.
- Great for gifting: Pack these m&m pretzel treats in tins, jars, or treat bags for simple homemade gifts.
- Crowd‑pleasing party snack: Ideal for potlucks, game day, movie nights, and lunchbox surprises.
- Make‑ahead friendly: They stay fresh for days, and you can freeze them for later.
- Customizable: Swap the hugs, pretzels, and toppings to create your own favorite pretzel hugs recipe.
Ingredients for Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy pretzel dessert. I’m including a few notes so you can tweak based on what you have on hand.
- 120 mini pretzels (about 1 bag; square “snaps” or traditional mini twists)
- Square pretzel “snaps” give a neat, flat base and are easier for kids to stack; mini twists work too and look a little more rustic.
- 120 Hershey’s Hugs (one 12–ounce bag, unwrapped)
- These are the white chocolate and milk chocolate swirled candies. You can also use Hershey’s Kisses if that’s what you have.
- 120 M&M’s candies (plain; any color mix you like)
- Use red and green for christmas pretzel treats, pastels for spring, team colors for game day, or a rainbow for birthdays.
Ingredient Substitutions & Tips
-
Pretzels:
- Use gluten‑free mini pretzels if you need a gluten‑friendly version—just check they’re sturdy enough to hold the chocolate.
- You can also use waffle pretzels for a fun grid look; they hold the melted hug very nicely.
-
Hershey’s Hugs:
- For richer chocolate pretzel snacks, swap the Hugs for Hershey’s Kisses (milk or dark).
- For a caramel twist, try Caramel Kisses or “Hugs with Caramel”—they melt a bit softer and give a gooey center.
-
M&M’s:
- Use peanut or peanut butter M&M’s on larger pretzels for a heartier bite (they’re heavier, so press gently).
- For a color‑coordinated dessert table, choose single‑color M&M’s—many candy stores and party shops sell them that way.
You really don’t need anything fancy, which is one of the reasons this Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats Recipe has stayed in my rotation for so many years.
Step‑by‑Step Directions (So Simple!)
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
This low temperature melts the Hershey Hugs gently without burning the chocolate. Avoid going hotter; the chocolate can seize or turn chalky if it gets too warm.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This keeps the chocolate from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
2. Arrange the pretzels
Spread your mini pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Try to keep them close together but not touching—this makes it easy to move quickly once the hugs are melted and ready for their M&M “hats.”
If you’re baking with kids, this is a great job for them: “Pretzel tile layer” is a very important role in this house.
3. Top each pretzel with a Hershey’s Hug
Unwrap your Hershey’s Hugs (I like to do this while the oven heats) and place one Hug on each pretzel.
Set the Hug right in the center so it melts evenly and doesn’t slide off. It should sit snugly on top.
Tip from many December baking sessions: unwrap a few extra Hugs because one or two always “disappear” into someone’s mouth.
4. Gently bake the pretzels with Hugs
Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and bake for 4–5 minutes.
You don’t want the chocolate to fully melt into puddles. Instead, you’re watching for the Hugs to look glossy and slightly softened, but still hold their general shape.
A quick test:
- Gently nudge one Hug with a toothpick or tip of a knife.
- If it leans or smushes easily, it’s ready.
If they’re still quite firm, give them another 1–2 minutes, checking often. Every oven behaves a little differently.
5. Add the M&M’s
As soon as the tray comes out of the oven, start placing one M&M in the center of each softened Hug.
Press down gently until the Hug spreads a bit over the pretzel and the M&M sits snugly in the melted chocolate. You’ll see a sweet little swirl of white and milk chocolate peek out around the edges—so pretty on a cookie tray.
You want to move fairly quickly, because the chocolate will start to firm up again as it cools. If you’re working alone, you can bake half the tray at a time so you don’t feel rushed.
6. Cool and set
Let the pretzel hugs m&m treats cool on the counter for about 20–30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm enough to handle.
If your kitchen is warm, slide the pan into the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to help them set faster. Just don’t leave them in there for hours; cold chocolate can sometimes “bloom” and get light spots on the surface.
Once the chocolate is set, gently lift each piece from the parchment and transfer to an airtight container, cookie tin, or serving plate.
Then try not to eat five of them while you’re “just tasting.”
Servings & Timing
- Yield: About 120 pretzel hugs m&m treats (depending on how many pretzels and candies you use)
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes (unwrapping Hugs + arranging pretzels and candies)
- Bake Time: 4–7 minutes
- Cooling/Setting Time: 20–30 minutes
- Total Time: About 45 minutes from start to snack
If you want a smaller batch, you can easily halve this Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats Recipe—use 60 pretzels, 60 Hugs, and 60 M&M’s.
Fun Variations to Try
You know what? Once you make this basic pretzel hugs recipe, you’ll start to think of all kinds of flavor combos. Here are some of our family favorites:
- Dark Chocolate Sea Salt: Use dark chocolate Kisses, then sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on each treat instead of M&M’s.
- Peanut Butter Crunch: Use peanut butter M&M’s on top of the Hugs for a sweet salty pretzel that tastes like a candy bar.
- Peppermint Holiday Pretzel Candy: Use Candy Cane Kisses on square pretzels and top with red or green M&M’s for very festive christmas pretzel treats.
- Valentine’s Version: Use red, pink, and white M&M’s on top of Hugs or milk chocolate Kisses—perfect for classroom parties.
- Birthday Sprinkle Hugs: After you press the M&M on, add colorful sprinkles over the soft chocolate for a funfetti look.
- Nutty Crunch Bites: Skip the M&M and press a toasted pecan half or almond on top of each melted Hug for a candy‑meets‑turtle flavor.
Once you get going, these become a choose‑your‑own‑adventure candy.
How to Store, Freeze, and Make Ahead
These chocolate pretzel snacks are pretty sturdy, which is part of what makes them perfect for gifting and parties.
Storing
- Store your pretzel hugs m&m treats in an airtight container at cool room temperature.
- They’ll stay fresh for about 7–10 days.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat so the chocolate doesn’t soften.
If your home runs warm, keep them in the refrigerator, but let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving so the chocolate isn’t rock hard.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this baked pretzel candy:
- Place treats in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
- Transfer them to a freezer‑safe container or bag, with parchment between layers.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
To serve, thaw them in the fridge or on the counter, still in the closed container. This helps prevent condensation from forming on the chocolate.
Make‑Ahead Tips
- Make a big batch of these m&m pretzel treats a few days before a party; they actually hold up better than many cookies.
- They’re ideal for holiday baking days when you want something stress‑free among the more fiddly recipes.
- For gift tins, I like to make them 1–2 days ahead so they have plenty of time to fully set and firm up.
Notes from My Kitchen (Little Things That Help)
- Unwrap first, bake second: Unwrapping Hershey Hugs takes longer than you think. Get all the unwrapping done and candies lined up in a bowl before you even turn on the oven.
- Use parchment, always: I’ve tried baking these right on the pan and I always regret it. Parchment paper makes clean up and lifting the treats much easier.
- Watch your oven: Some ovens run hot; 200°F in mine might be 225°F in yours. Start checking the Hugs at 3–4 minutes the first time you make this pretzel hugs recipe.
- Don’t walk away: This is not a “go start laundry” recipe once the pan is in the oven. A minute too long and the chocolate can turn grainy.
- Work in small batches if needed: If you’re making these alone or moving a little slower, bake half the tray at a time. It’s less stressful, and the chocolate won’t firm up before you get to it.
- Color themes are magic: People notice when all the M&M’s match the party colors. It’s such a small thing, but it makes your dessert table look pulled together.
- Double the recipe for gatherings: These are party snack recipe gold. They go faster than cheese and crackers at family gatherings, especially when kids are involved.
Honestly, I’ve had friends ask, “Did you cater these?” and I just laugh because they’re so simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats Recipe in the microwave?
Yes, but it’s a little trickier. Place the pretzels with Hugs on a microwave‑safe plate and heat in 10–15 second bursts, checking often. As soon as the Hugs are soft, add the M&M’s. Work in small batches so the chocolate doesn’t overheat.
2. Why did my chocolate turn white or look streaky?
That’s usually called “bloom” and it happens when chocolate gets too hot or goes through big temperature changes. It’s still safe to eat, but it can look a bit dull. Keeping the oven low and not overbaking helps a lot.
3. Can I use different candies instead of M&M’s?
You sure can. Try Reese’s Pieces, mini peanut butter cups (on larger pretzels), or even a single jellybean for Easter. Just remember that heavier candies need a gentle touch when you press them down.
4. Are these pretzel hugs m&m treats gluten‑free?
They can be, but you’ll need gluten‑free pretzels and to double‑check that your candies are labeled gluten‑free. The base ingredients are simple, so swapping the pretzels is usually the main change.
5. How long can these sit out at a party?
At a normal room temperature, your chocolate pretzel snacks can sit out for several hours without any trouble. If it’s very warm, keep smaller plates out and refill from a cooler spot as needed.
6. Can kids help make these?
Absolutely. This is one of my favorite kids friendly dessert recipes. Kids can arrange pretzels, place Hugs, and press M&M’s (with an adult handling the hot pan). It’s a lovely holiday or weekend activity.
7. My Hugs didn’t melt enough. What should I do?
Pop the tray back in the oven for another 1–2 minutes, then test again. The center should be soft enough for the M&M to press down, but the Hug should not be fully flat.
8. Can I use white chocolate only?
Yes. Try white chocolate Kisses or all‑white Hugs and pair them with colorful M&M’s. That version makes especially pretty holiday pretzel candy for winter parties and wedding showers.
Wrapping It Up (And Packing a Tin or Two)
This Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats Recipe is one of those simple, reliable little desserts that carries a lot of memories along with it—school bake sales, Christmas cookie trays, baby showers, and quiet movie nights at home. With just three basic ingredients, you get cheerful, crunchy, chocolatey bites that please every age.
If you make these sweet salty pretzel treats, I’d love to hear how they turned out—tell me which flavor combo you tried, or what colors you used for your party. And if you’re in the mood for more easy pretzel dessert ideas, take a peek at my other chocolate pretzel snacks and holiday cookie tray favorites on the blog.
Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats
Ingredients
- 120 mini pretzels square “snaps” or traditional mini twists
- 120 Hershey’s Hugs unwrapped; about one 12-ounce bag
- 120 M&M’s candies plain; any color mix you like
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat for lining the baking sheet
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Spread the mini pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Keep them close together but not touching so you can work quickly once the chocolate is softened.
- Unwrap the Hershey’s Hugs and place one Hug in the center of each pretzel. Make sure each Hug sits snugly so it melts evenly and doesn’t slide off.
- Place the baking sheet on the middle oven rack and bake for 4–5 minutes, just until the Hugs look glossy and slightly softened but still hold their shape. Test by gently nudging one: if it smushes easily, it’s ready. If still firm, bake 1–2 minutes more, checking often.
- Remove the tray from the oven and immediately press one M&M into the center of each softened Hug. Press down gently so the chocolate spreads slightly over the pretzel and the M&M sits snugly on top. Work quickly before the chocolate firms up.
- Let the pretzel treats cool at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm. If your kitchen is warm, place the tray in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to help them set. Once firm, transfer the treats to an airtight container, cookie tin, or serving plate.
