These adorable Hersheys Christmas Mice Candy are no-bake, festive treats that even the pickiest elf can’t resist—tiny chocolate bites dressed up for holiday fun. Perfectly sweet and oh-so-charming, they’ll steal the show at any cookie exchange or gift box.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No oven needed—just melt, assemble, and chill
- Ready in under 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Kid- and grandkid-approved—little helpers adore assembly
- Budget-friendly ingredients you likely have on hand
- Perfect for holiday gift boxes, cookie platters, or classroom parties
- Customizable with colored candy melts or sprinkles
- Adorable centerpiece for any cookie swap or hot-chocolate bar
- Shelf-stable in the fridge for up to a week—make ahead stress-free
- A unique twist on classic Hersheys candy that feels homemade
Ingredients
• 1 bag (10 oz) Hersheys® Kisses (unwrapped)
• 1 cup white chocolate melting wafers (e.g., Wilton brand)
• 40 mini pretzel twists, halved for ears
• 100 candy eyeballs (small size)
• 20 red candy-coated chocolates (M&M®, Red Hots®) for noses
• 1 tsp vegetable shortening (optional, for smooth melts)
• Edible glitter or festive sprinkles (optional, for extra sparkle)
(Dairy-free? Swap to non-dairy white melts. No candy eyes? Pipe small dots with white royal icing.)
Directions
- Prep your station. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and have your pretzel halves, candy eyes, and red noses at the ready. A tidy workspace keeps little fingers happy.
- Melt the white chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine melts and shortening (if using); heat in 20-second bursts, stirring between until silky smooth.
- Attach the ears. Dip each pretzel half into white chocolate—just the bottom edge—and press onto either side of a Hersheys® Kiss, forming mouse ears. Set on parchment.
- Fix the face. Use a toothpick to dab a tiny dot of melted white chocolate where each eye and nose should go—two candy eyes above a red candy nose—then gently press into place.
- Embellish. While the chocolate is still tacky, sprinkle edible glitter or teeny seasonal nonpareils on top for a little holiday magic.
- Chill to set. Slide the sheet into the fridge for at least 20 minutes; white chocolate firms up quickly, locking in those cute features.
- Enjoy—or wrap. Carefully transfer your Christmas mice to an airtight container. If gifting, nestle them in parchment-lined boxes with tissue for a picture-perfect presentation.
(Tip: If your white chocolate seizes, whisk in a teaspoon of vegetable oil or a splash of warm water to rescue it.)
Servings & Timing
Makes: 20–24 mice
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–50 minutes
Variations
• Peppermint Twist: Add crushed candy cane to the white chocolate for a minty crunch.
• Dark-Chocolate Mice: Use dark chocolate Kisses and white-chocolate ears for contrast.
• Peanut Butter Puff: Press a mini peanut-butter cup into each Kiss before adding ears.
• Gluten-Free: Swap pretzels for sliced almonds or gluten-free pretzels.
• Color Pop: Dye your white melts with oil-based food coloring for pastel pink or green mice.
• Sparkle Mice: Dust edible luster dust over set candy for an elegant sheen.
Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days, or freeze in single layers separated by parchment for up to a month. No reheating needed—just let frozen mice sit at room temperature 10–15 minutes before serving so flavors shine.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these dairy-free?
A1: Absolutely—use non-dairy white melting wafers and dairy-free candy eyes to keep them vegan-friendly.
Q2: My white chocolate seized—what now?
A2: Stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil or a tiny splash of warm water; keep stirring over low heat until smooth.
Q3: How do I prevent pretzels from going stale?
A3: Assemble shortly before chilling, and store in an airtight container; the chocolate coating helps seal in crunch.
Q4: Can I use chocolate chips instead of Kisses?
A4: You can, though Kisses have a convenient shape—just pick regular chips on the larger side.
Q5: What’s the best way to melt candy melts without burning?
A5: Heat in 20-second intervals at 50% power, stirring in between; never microwave unattended.
Q6: How far in advance can I make these?
A6: You can prepare up to 3 days ahead; keep chilled and covered to keep them fresh.
Q7: Can kids help with assembly?
A7: Definitely! Little hands love pressing on eyes and ears—just supervise near the microwave.
Q8: Why did my candy noses slide off?
A8: Be sure to use a fresh dab of melted chocolate as “glue” and let it firm up fully in the fridge.
Conclusion
From my cozy kitchen to yours, these Hersheys Christmas Mice Candy are truly the sweetest way to spread cheer—no oven required! Give them a try, share your photos below, and let me know how you customize your festive mice. Happy holidays and happy nibbling!
Hersheys Christmas Mice Candy
Ingredients
- 10 oz Hersheys Kisses unwrapped
- 1 cup white chocolate melting wafers (e.g., Wilton)
- 40 pieces mini pretzel twists halved for ears
- 100 pieces candy eyeballs small size
- 20 pieces red candy-coated chocolates (M&M® or Red Hots®)
- 1 tsp vegetable shortening optional for smooth melts
- edible glitter or sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place pretzel ears, candy eyes, and noses at the ready.
- Combine white wafers and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl; heat in 20-second bursts at 50% power, stirring until smooth.
- Dip pretzel halves into white chocolate and press onto the sides of each Hersheys Kiss; set on parchment.
- Use a toothpick to dab melted chocolate dots, then press on two candy eyes and one red candy nose per mouse.
- Sprinkle edible glitter or mini nonpareils on top while chocolate is tacky, for a festive touch.
- Place the sheet in the fridge for 20–30 minutes until white chocolate firms fully.
- Transfer set mice to an airtight container; arrange in gift boxes with tissue paper or serve on a platter.
