If you’re looking for a quick and irresistible snack, look no further than Pretzel M&M Hugs. These bite-sized treats combine the perfect balance of salty and sweet, making them a crowd-pleaser at any party or get-together. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, these little bites of heaven are sure to become a favorite in your snack repertoire.
What Are Pretzel M&M Hugs?
Pretzel M&M Hugs are a delightful combination of crunchy pretzels, smooth chocolate, and colorful M&M’s candies. The base is a pretzel that provides the perfect salty crunch. Each pretzel is topped with a Hershey’s Hug chocolate (a milk chocolate and white chocolate combination) and an M&M candy pressed into the chocolate. The result is a fun and colorful treat that’s both sweet and salty, offering a satisfying crunch and rich flavor.
Why You’ll Love Pretzel M&M Hugs
- Easy to Make: No baking required! These treats are so simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and less than 20 minutes of your time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a holiday gift, or need a snack for a movie night, Pretzel M&M Hugs are versatile and perfect for any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleasing Snack: The mix of salty and sweet flavors makes these treats popular with both kids and adults. Their bite-sized nature also makes them easy to grab and go.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the M&M’s to suit your preferences! Try peanut butter M&Ms, pretzel M&Ms, or even mini M&Ms for a different twist.
- Festive and Fun: With the colorful M&Ms, these treats are perfect for any holiday or celebration. They add a pop of color to your dessert table and are sure to impress guests.
Ingredients for Pretzel M&M Hugs
- Mini pretzels (square-shaped or round)
- Hershey’s Hugs chocolates
- M&M’s candies (choose any color or mix)
- Optional: Sprinkles, sea salt, or other toppings for extra flair
How to Make Pretzel M&M Hugs
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature will allow the chocolates to soften without completely melting.
- Prepare the Pretzels: Lay the mini pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure each pretzel has enough space around it to add the chocolate and M&M.
- Top with Hershey’s Hugs: Place one Hershey’s Hug chocolate on top of each pretzel. The shape of the chocolate should fit nicely on the pretzel.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 3-5 minutes, or until the chocolates are soft and glossy but still holding their shape.
- Add M&M’s: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently press one M&M into the center of each softened chocolate.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Pretzel M&M Hugs to cool completely. You can speed up this process by refrigerating them for a few minutes. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy!
Variations of Pretzel M&M Hugs
- Peanut Butter Pretzel Hugs: Swap the Hershey’s Hugs for Hershey’s Peanut Butter Kisses for a delicious peanut butter twist.
- Holiday-Themed: During the holidays, use red and green M&Ms for a festive touch, or add sprinkles on top for extra flair.
- Caramel Pretzel Hugs: For a caramel touch, use Rolo candies in place of the Hershey’s Hugs.
Perfect for Gifting
Pretzel M&M Hugs also make a fantastic homemade gift. Arrange them in a decorative jar or a cute treat bag, and you have an edible gift that’s sure to impress. It’s a thoughtful and delicious gift idea for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
Conclusion
Pretzel M&M Hugs are the perfect blend of salty, sweet, and crunchy. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or something to impress your guests at your next party, these easy-to-make treats will hit the spot. With endless variations and an irresistibly fun look, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them!
Serving and Storage Tips for Pretzel M&M Hugs
Serving Tips:
- Perfect Portion Sizes: These treats are bite-sized, making them easy to serve at parties, gatherings, or snack time. Arrange them on a platter or serve them in small bowls for guests to easily grab a handful.
- Pair with Other Snacks: Pretzel M&M Hugs go well with a variety of other treats, such as fruit, nuts, or popcorn. Create a snack board with an assortment of sweet and savory items for a fun, easy-to-serve snack spread.
- For Special Occasions: For a festive touch, consider using colored M&Ms that match the theme of your event. For example, use red and green for Christmas, or pastels for a spring party.
- Add a Sweet or Salty Twist: If you want to get creative, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or caramel over the treats before serving for an extra layer of sweetness. Alternatively, a sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the salty crunch of the pretzels.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Pretzel M&M Hugs can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will keep the chocolate from melting and help maintain their crispy texture.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or want to store the treats for a longer period, placing them in the fridge can help the chocolate stay firm. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting the texture.
- Freezing for Later: You can freeze Pretzel M&M Hugs for up to a month. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, and when you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This is a great option for making them ahead of time.
- Keep Away from Heat: To prevent the chocolate from softening or melting, store your Pretzel M&M Hugs in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can keep your Pretzel M&M Hugs fresh and ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!
1. Can I use regular M&Ms instead of Hershey’s Hugs?
Yes, you can! While Hershey’s Hugs provide a nice combination of milk chocolate and white chocolate, you can use regular M&Ms or other types of chocolate like Hershey’s Kisses or even caramel-filled candies for a different flavor. The key is the sweet and salty combination, so feel free to experiment with different candy choices!
2. How long do Pretzel M&M Hugs last?
Pretzel M&M Hugs will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If refrigerated, they can last for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to a month for long-term storage.
3. Can I make Pretzel M&M Hugs ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can make Pretzel M&M Hugs a day or two in advance. Once they’ve cooled and set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They’ll be just as fresh and delicious when it’s time to serve them.
4. How do I prevent the chocolate from melting too much while baking?
To avoid over-melting the chocolate, keep the oven temperature low (around 250°F or 120°C). Bake for only 3-5 minutes, just enough to soften the Hershey’s Hugs. Be sure to remove the treats promptly from the oven once the chocolate is glossy and gently press the M&M into the center. This will help maintain the perfect texture without the chocolate becoming too runny.
Pretzel M&M Hugs
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 50 pretzel hugs 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pretzel M&M Hugs are sweet and salty treats that are perfect for parties, holiday gifts, or anytime you want a simple, colorful snack. They combine pretzels, HERSHEY’S Hugs chocolates, and M&M candies in a delightful bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
50 mini pretzel twists or squares
- 50 HERSHEY’S Hugs chocolates (unwrapped)
- 50 M&M candies (holiday or regular colors)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange Pretzels and Hugs: Place the pretzels in a single layer on the baking sheet. Place one HERSHEY’S Hug chocolate on the center of each pretzel.
3. Bake: Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 4-5 minutes, until the HERSHEY’S Hugs are soft but not fully melted.
4. Add M&Ms: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and quickly press one M&M candy onto each softened Hug, pressing down gently to spread the chocolate a bit over the pretzel.
5. Cool and Set: Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature or place the baking sheet in the fridge for faster setting. Once the chocolate is firm, enjoy!
Notes
Customize these treats for holidays by using seasonal M&M colors.
- Store the treats in an airtight container for up to a week.