Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Introduction
Christmas Pretzel Hugs are a delightful holiday treat that combines salty pretzels with sweet, melty chocolate and festive red and green candies. They are quick to make and perfect for gifting or snacking during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 12 ounce bag of Hershey’s Hugs
- 60 square snap pretzels
- 11 ounce bag of red and green chocolate candies (such as M&M’s)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the pretzels in a single layer on the sheet.
- Step 3: Place one Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven until the Hershey’s Hugs are just starting to soften but still hold their shape, about 4 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove the cookie sheet from the oven. Immediately press one red or green chocolate candy onto the center of each melted Hug, gently pushing it down to help spread the chocolate.
- Step 6: Let the treats set at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, or place them in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to speed up the setting process.
Tips & Variations
- For extra festive flavor, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before the chocolate sets.
- Use different colored chocolate candies to match your holiday theme or occasion.
- If you prefer a softer pretzel base, try using a round pretzel shape instead of square snaps.
Storage
Store your Christmas Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your kitchen is warm, keep them in the refrigerator to prevent melting. Allow refrigerated treats to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of Hershey’s Hugs?
Yes, you can substitute with milk or white chocolate chips, but keep an eye on the melting time as it may vary slightly.
How long will these treats stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they remain fresh for up to one week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.
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Christmas Pretzel Hugs Recipe
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes including setting time (additional 30-60 minutes if setting at room temperature)
- Yield: 60 pretzel hugs 1x
Description
A festive and easy-to-make holiday treat combining classic pretzels with Hershey’s Hugs and colorful red and green chocolate candies, perfect for Christmas celebrations and gifting.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 60 square snap pretzels
- 12 ounce bag of Hershey’s Hugs
- 11 ounce bag of red and green chocolate candies (such as M&Ms)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for gently melting the chocolate without losing its shape.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking, then lay the pretzels in a single layer ensuring they do not overlap.
- Add Hershey’s Hugs: Place one Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel square, centrally positioned.
- Bake the Pretzels: Bake in the preheated oven for about 4 minutes, or until the Hugs are soft and just on the verge of melting but still holding their shape.
- Top with Chocolate Candies: Immediately remove the pretzels from the oven and press one red or green chocolate candy into the center of each softened Hug, gently pushing down to spread the chocolate.
- Set the Treats: Allow the pretzels to set until the chocolates harden again; this takes 30 to 60 minutes at room temperature or about 10 to 15 minutes if refrigerated.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to avoid sticking and ease cleanup.
- Be careful not to over-bake the Hugs; they should be soft but maintain their shape for the candies to adhere properly.
- Refrigerating the finished treats speeds up the setting time if you are short on time.
- This treat is perfect for gifting or holiday dessert tables and can be customized with different colored candies for other occasions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas Pretzel Hugs, holiday treats, easy Christmas desserts, Hershey’s Hugs recipe, festive snacks, bite-sized desserts
