Name: Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

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!

A neat grid of square pretzels forms the base layer, each light brown and slightly crunchy in texture. On top of each pretzel is a round white chocolate disk with smooth surface, slightly melting into the pretzel edges. Thin, wavy lines of milk chocolate are drizzled over the white chocolate disks, adding a light brown striped texture. Each white chocolate disk is topped with a single, glossy candy coated chocolate piece, alternating between bright red and vivid green, each candy centered on the disk. The whole arrangement is shown on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe

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”!

A tray filled with many small snacks arranged in rows, each snack having three layers: the bottom is a shiny golden square pretzel, the middle is a smooth, white circular candy with brown swirls, and the top is a single round candy piece in red or green placed right in the center. The pretzels have tiny salt bits on the edges, the white candies look glossy with evenly spaced brown stripes, and the red and green candies are bright and shiny. The tray is lined with white parchment paper, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of a neat stack of square pretzels with a golden-brown finish, a small white ceramic bowl filled with red and green milk chocolate M&M's, a small white ceramic bowl holding unwrapped Hershey's Hugs chocolates—each with a glossy silver and milk chocolate swirl—placed beside them, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

pretzel M&M cookies - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use regular pretzels instead of square ones?

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.

What do I do if the chocolate melts too much in the oven?

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.

Can I make these cookies ahead for a party?

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.

Are there any good substitutions for the Hershey's Hugs?

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!