- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep the pretzels from sticking.
- Arrange the pretzels: Lay the 84 square mini pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced evenly, and there’s room for each Hershey’s Hug and M&M.
- Place the Hershey’s Hugs: Unwrap 84 Hershey’s Hugs and place one Hug on top of each pretzel. The chocolate will soften and melt in the next step, so don’t worry about positioning it perfectly.
- Bake the pretzels: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 3-5 minutes, or until the Hershey’s Hugs are soft and slightly glossy. Be careful not to overbake — the chocolate should be melted, but not completely liquefied.
- Add the M&Ms: Once the Hershey’s Hugs are softened, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately press one M&M (red and green for festive fun) onto the center of each melted Hershey’s Hug. Gently press down to help the chocolate stick to the pretzel.
- Let them cool: Allow the M&M Pretzel Hugs to cool and harden at room temperature. This will take about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the tray in the refrigerator for a faster set.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the chocolate has set, the M&M Pretzel Hugs are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them on a festive platter, and watch them disappear!
Serving and Storage
These M&M Pretzel Hugs are a perfect treat for any occasion. Here’s how to serve and store them:
- Serving: Serve these delicious treats at room temperature. They make an excellent addition to any party platter or holiday spread. You can also package them in cute bags or boxes as a thoughtful homemade gift!
- Storage: Store the M&M Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving to retain their best flavor and texture.
Tips
Here are a few tips to make your M&M Pretzel Hugs even better:
- Use other types of chocolate: If you’re not a fan of Hershey’s Hugs, you can use Hershey’s Kisses or any other type of chocolate you prefer. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even flavored chocolates like caramel can work beautifully!
- Switch up the M&Ms: Use different colored M&Ms to match the theme of your event. You can also use peanut M&Ms for extra crunch or mini M&Ms for a fun twist.
- Try adding toppings: Once the Hugs have cooled and set, you can get creative by adding sprinkles, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or crushed nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Make them bite-sized: If you want smaller treats, try using mini pretzels instead of square ones. These are perfect for portion control and are great for kids or a snackable party treat!
Variations
Get creative and try these fun variations of M&M Pretzel Hugs:
- Caramel Pretzel Hugs: Add a small caramel candy on top of the pretzel before placing the Hershey’s Hug. Once melted, the caramel will create a gooey, sweet layer under the chocolate.
- Mint Chocolate Pretzel Hugs: Use mint-flavored Hershey’s Hugs or Kisses for a refreshing mint-chocolate twist. These are perfect for the holidays or any time you want a cool, minty flavor.
- Peanut Butter Pretzel Hugs: Add a dollop of peanut butter on the pretzel before placing the Hershey’s Hug for a rich, peanut butter-chocolate combo.
- Spicy Pretzel Hugs: For a spicy kick, sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon or chili powder on the pretzel before adding the Hershey’s Hug. The heat complements the sweetness beautifully!
Conclusion
M&M Pretzel Hugs are the ultimate sweet and salty treat, perfect for any occasion. They’re simple to make, quick to prepare, and guaranteed to please your taste buds. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a special party, or just for snacking, these treats are always a hit. With their crunchy pretzel base, creamy chocolate topping, and colorful M&M finish, they’re a snack everyone will love!
FAQ
1. Can I use other types of pretzels?
Yes, you can use other types of pretzels, like mini twists or pretzel sticks. Just make sure they’re small enough to be topped with the Hershey’s Hug and M&M.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Pretzel Hugs can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing.
3. Can I freeze M&M Pretzel Hugs?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until firm, and then transfer them to an airtight container. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
4. Can I use any other chocolate besides Hershey’s Hugs?
Yes! While Hershey’s Hugs are great for this recipe, you can also use Hershey’s Kisses or other small chocolate candies that will melt easily. Just choose your favorite chocolate for a different flavor.