There’s something magical about mixing salty crunch with sweet chocolate that just hits the spot every time. That’s exactly what you get with the Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe — a delightful little treat that’s as festive as it is addictive. They’re like bite-sized celebrations for your taste buds!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe is one of those simple yet genius ideas that never fail to impress. I remember making these during the holidays and watching everyone’s faces light up as they bit into that perfect combo of salty, melty chocolate and colorful candy goodness.
- Perfect Balance: The salty crunch of the pretzel pairs beautifully with the smooth Hershey’s Hugs and vibrant M&M’s, creating a flavor explosion.
- Super Easy to Make: Just three ingredients and about 25 minutes from start to finish—you can’t beat that!
- Great for Gifting: These cookies look festive and feel homemade, perfect for holiday treat bags or last-minute gifts.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Your friends and family will devour these faster than you can say “cookie”!
Ingredients & Why They Work
It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can come together to create such a memorable treat. Each component has its role, and understanding why helps when shopping or adapting the recipe.
- Square Pretzels: These hold the chocolate perfectly and provide a sturdy, salty base; avoid butter snaps because they’re too soft and won’t hold up.
- Hershey’s Hugs Chocolates: These creamy chocolates melt easily but retain their shape just enough – the secret to that lovely spread.
- Milk Chocolate M&M’s: The fun pop of color and extra chocolate kick—they add charm and extra sweetness on top.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love about the Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe is how flexible it is. You can play around to make it perfect for your taste or occasion without losing any of the magic.
- Variation: I once swapped the classic milk chocolate M&M’s for peanut butter ones, which added a creamy nuttiness that everyone raved about.
- Seasonal Touch: Change M&M colors to match holidays—orange and black for Halloween, pastels for Easter—and it instantly feels festive.
- Dietary Swap: Try dairy-free chocolate hugs and vegan pretzels if you need a plant-based alternative; just be sure to check that the chocolates stay firm when warmed.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 200°F (that’s low and slow). Line a cookie sheet with a Silpat mat or parchment paper to keep things tidy and prevent sticking — I’ve found this tip saves so much cleanup hassle later.
Step 2: Arrange Pretzels and Add Hershey’s Hugs
Lay out your square pretzels evenly in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t touching to help the chocolate melt evenly. Next, place one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug on each pretzel—this is the star, so handle gently!
Step 3: Warm and Soften the Chocolate
Slide the tray into the oven for about 4 to 5 minutes. Watch closely—the chocolate should look shiny and soft but not fully melted. If you let it melt too much, the shape disappears, and the cookie won’t have that perfect hug look.
Step 4: Add the M&M’s and Set
Pull the tray out carefully—it's hot! Quickly place one M&M in the center of each softened Hug. Press down gently to spread the chocolate slightly around it. Then pop them in the fridge or freezer for 5 to 15 minutes until set.
Step 5: Store and Enjoy
Transfer your Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies to an airtight container once set. They’re best enjoyed within a few days, but don’t be surprised if they disappear much faster!
Top Tip
From my experience, a couple of tricks can make your Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe flawless every time. These tips helped me avoid common pitfalls and get the best texture and look.
- Use Square Pretzels: Their flat surface holds the chocolate perfectly and keeps M&M’s sitting nicely on top.
- Watch Your Oven Time: Chocolate can go from perfect to melting mess in seconds at this low temp, so keep your eye on it.
- Press Gently: When you add the M&M, press lightly so the chocolate spreads evenly without oozing over the edges.
- Cool Thoroughly: Letting the cookies fully set in the fridge helps them hold their shape and makes them less sticky to handle.
How to Serve Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple and let the cookies shine, but a sprinkle of coarse sea salt before baking adds an extra burst of flavor that’s wonderful. Sometimes I dust a little powdered sugar if I’m aiming for a snowy look around the holidays.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a big mug of hot cocoa or your favorite coffee. I also like serving them alongside fresh fruit or a cheese board for holiday dessert spreads—it balances sweet, salty, and savory perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love arranging these on a festive platter with red and green napkins or packaging them in clear treat bags tied with ribbon for gifting. You could also stack them in a mason jar for a charming homemade gift that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies keep best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. I’ve learned that avoiding moisture is key to keeping pretzels crisp and chocolate intact.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead, freeze the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze and thaw beautifully, so you can enjoy fresh-tasting treats on demand.
Reheating
I usually let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before nibbling. If you like the chocolate just a touch melty, pop them in a warm (not hot) oven for a minute or two, but watch carefully—they melt fast!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Square pretzels are best because their flat surface supports the chocolate and M&M's perfectly. Regular pretzels might not hold the toppings as well and could lead to messier results.
If the chocolate over-melts and becomes too runny, the cookies won't hold their shape nicely. Try reducing the baking time in your next batch by 30 seconds to one minute and watch closely the entire time.
Absolutely! They keep well stored at room temperature for 3-4 days and can be frozen for longer storage. Just make sure to set them completely before packing to maintain their shape.
Hershey’s Hugs melt just right and have a great flavor, but if you can't find them, try other white or milk chocolate kisses or wafers that melt well and hold shape when softened. Avoid varieties with nuts to prevent interference with texture.
Final Thoughts
This Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so quick, fun, and satisfying. It’s a foolproof way to bring smiles, whether for a holiday gathering, a kid’s treat, or even just a cozy night in. I hope after making these, they become one of your go-to sweet-and-salty favorites too!
Print
Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 70 pretzels
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A festive and simple snack featuring crunchy pretzels topped with creamy Hershey's Hugs chocolates and colorful Milk Chocolate M&M's. Perfect for holiday parties or quick treats, these Pretzel M&M Hugs combine salty and sweet flavors in a delightful bite-sized snack.
Ingredients
Snacks
- 70 square pretzels (do NOT use butter snaps)
- 70 Hershey's Hugs chocolates, unwrapped (nearly 1 full 12 oz package)
- 70 Milk Chocolate M&M's, preferably red and green Christmas package
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and line a cookie sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Pretzels and Add Chocolate: Place the 70 pretzels in a single layer on the prepared cookie sheet. Top each pretzel with one unwrapped Hershey's Hug chocolate square.
- Bake the Chocolates: Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes until the Hershey's Hugs chocolates are shiny and soft but still maintain their shape, not melting completely.
- Add M&M's: Remove the cookie sheet from the oven carefully. Immediately place one Milk Chocolate M&M on top of each softened Hug chocolate, then press down gently on the M&M to spread the chocolate evenly.
- Set the Candy: Transfer the cookie sheet to the freezer or refrigerator and allow the chocolates to set and harden for 15 minutes.
- Store: After the chocolate has fully set, store the Pretzel M&M Hugs in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Notes
- Do not use butter snaps pretzels as they do not hold up well with the melting chocolate.
- Watch closely during baking to avoid melting the chocolates completely—they should be soft and shiny but still hold their shape.
- Press the M&M gently to spread the Hug chocolate for better adhesion.
- Chilling time can be lengthened up to 30 minutes if the environment is warm to ensure proper setting.
- These treats can be made ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel hug
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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