Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats Recipe
If you love a sweet-salty crunch, this Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats Recipe is the kind of quick, colorful treat that disappears from the platter before you can even set it down.
These little chocolate pretzel snacks are the classic “hugged” pretzel: a crisp pretzel base, a melty Hershey’s Hug in the center, and a bright M&M candy pressed on top. They’re the kind of holiday pretzel candy I’ve been making since my kids were in elementary school—perfect for Christmas pretzel treats, classroom parties, movie nights, and honestly, any random Tuesday that needs a bit of cheer.
I love that this pretzel hugs recipe is so easy, a child can help with most of the steps, but the final result still looks like something from a bakery display. It’s a simple, kid-friendly dessert that hits that sweet salty pretzel magic every single time.
Back when my two were teenagers, these m&m pretzel treats became “the thing” they always requested for their friends’ sleepovers. Now they’re grown, but they still expect a tin of these baked pretzel candy bites waiting on the counter when they come home for the holidays. Some traditions just stick—like melted chocolate to parchment paper.
Let’s talk through how to make this Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats Recipe, plus some fun twists, storage tips, and little tricks I’ve learned after too many batches to count.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: 10 minutes of hands-on time, and the oven is on for just a few short minutes.
- Minimal ingredients: Only 3 main ingredients, all easy to find at any grocery store.
- Sweet and salty balance: That perfect mix of sweet chocolate and salty pretzel crunch.
- Foolproof for beginners: If you can line up pretzels on a tray, you can make these m&m pretzel treats.
- Perfect for holidays and parties: Ideal Christmas pretzel treats, classroom snacks, and game-day nibbles.
- Kids can help: A very kids friendly dessert—let them unwrap Hugs and press on the M&Ms.
- Customizable: Change the M&M colors for different seasons, teams, or birthdays.
- Great for gifting: They pack well in treat bags, cookie tins, and party favor boxes.
- Make-ahead friendly: They store beautifully, so you can bake once and snack all week.
Ingredients
For this Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats Recipe, you only need a handful of pantry staples—but a few small choices can really improve flavor and texture.
- 60–70 small pretzel squares (also called “snap” or grid pretzels; about 1½ cups)
- 60–70 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, unwrapped
- I like the classic white chocolate with milk chocolate stripes, but the peppermint Hugs are fun in December.
- 60–70 M&M’s (plain, regular-size)
- Use red and green for holiday pretzel candy, pastels for Easter, team colors for game days, or classic rainbow anytime.
Optional, but nice:
- Coarse sea salt, for a tiny sprinkle if you want extra salty contrast
- Wax paper or parchment paper, to line the baking sheet and make cleanup easier
A few quick tips on ingredients:
- Pretzels: Square “snaps” give a nice, flat base and help the chocolate stay put. Mini twists will also work for a more rustic look, but they’re a bit tippier on the pan.
- Hershey’s Hugs: These melt faster than classic Kisses, which makes them wonderful for this pretzel hugs m&m version. You can use Kisses in a pinch; just expect an extra minute or two in the oven.
- M&M’s: Stick to regular (not peanut) for the best fit and texture. Peanut or peanut butter M&M’s tend to be too big and heavy for the soft chocolate center.
Directions
-
Preheat your oven and prep the pan.
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat. This helps keep the chocolate pretzel snacks from sticking and makes it easy to move them once they’re set. -
Lay out the pretzels.
Spread the pretzel squares in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Try to leave just a tiny bit of space between them so the chocolate has room to soften without merging into its neighbor. -
Top each pretzel with a Hug.
Place one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug in the center of each pretzel. If you’re baking with kids, this is a great “helper” job—just remind them this is a “one for the tray, none for your mouth…yet” situation. -
Warm them in the oven.
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and warm for 3–5 minutes.- You don’t want the Hugs fully melted or puddled.
- They’re ready when they look shiny and soft but still hold their basic shape.
- A good cue: the tip sags slightly when you nudge it gently with a toothpick or the edge of a pretzel.
-
Press on the M&M’s.
Carefully remove the tray from the oven and set it on a heat-safe surface. Immediately press one M&M into the center of each softened Hug.- Press just until the chocolate spreads slightly and fills the pretzel.
- Work at a steady pace; the chocolate will start to firm up as it cools.
-
Cool and set.
Let the pretzel hugs m&m treats cool on the counter until the chocolate is mostly set—about 20–30 minutes.
For faster setting, place the entire tray in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes. -
Enjoy or store.
Once the chocolate is firm to the touch, gently peel the treats off the parchment. Serve right away, or transfer to an airtight container for later.
Servings & Timing
- Yield: About 60–70 pretzel hugs M&M treats (depending on how many pretzels fit on your tray)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (mostly unwrapping Hugs and lining up pretzels)
- Bake Time: 3–5 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20–30 minutes (or 10–15 minutes in the fridge)
- Total Time: About 35–45 minutes, mostly unattended while they cool
For a small gathering, half the recipe is usually enough. For a big party snack recipe or holiday cookie platter, I recommend making the full tray—you’ll be surprised how fast they vanish.
Variations
You know what? This easy pretzel dessert is basically a blank canvas. Here are a few fun twists:
- Peppermint Holiday Version: Use peppermint Hershey’s Hugs and red/white M&M’s for extra-festive christmas pretzel treats.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Swap Hugs for dark chocolate Kisses and finish with mini red M&M’s for a rich, slightly less sweet bite.
- Caramel Pretzel Bites: Use Rolo candies instead of Hugs, then press a pecan half or M&M on top for a caramel twist.
- Birthday Party Mix: Use colorful rainbow M&M’s, then add sprinkles on the soft chocolate before it sets.
- Peanut Butter Style: Use Hershey’s Kisses with almonds or a peanut butter-filled chocolate candy, then press a mini peanut butter cup half on top.
- Color-Themed Treats: Match M&M colors to your favorite sports team or school colors for game-day chocolate pretzel snacks.
Storage & Reheating
These baked pretzel candy bites hold up really well, which makes them perfect for planning ahead.
-
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight or warm spots so the chocolate doesn’t soften. -
Refrigerator:
If your kitchen runs warm, you can refrigerate them for 2 weeks. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving so the chocolate softens just slightly. -
Freezer:
For long-term storage, freeze in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter, still in the container, to avoid condensation forming on the chocolate. -
Make-Ahead Tip:
I often make a double batch of this pretzel hugs recipe a week before Christmas, freeze half, and pull them out as I need extra treats for neighbors, teachers, or last-minute guests.
There’s no real reheating here, since they’re meant to be cool and set—but a sneaky 5-second zap in the microwave on a single piece gives you a lovely, just-softened middle, almost like a mini molten candy.
Notes
A few things I’ve learned over a couple of decades of making these:
-
Watch the oven like a hawk.
Every oven runs a little different. Start checking at 3 minutes. Overheated Hugs lose their stripes and turn grainy instead of smooth. -
Don’t crowd the pan too much.
If the pretzels are touching, the chocolate may run together as it softens. Leave tiny gaps for cleaner edges. -
Use fresh pretzels.
Stale pretzels make stale-tasting chocolate pretzel snacks—no way around it. They should be crisp and salty straight out of the bag. -
Unwrap the Hugs in advance.
If you’re making a huge batch, sit down at the table, turn on a show or a podcast, and unwrap all your Hugs first. It turns a chore into a little break. -
Test one tray first.
If it’s your first time, bake just a half-tray, note the exact minutes that give you soft, shiny Hugs, and use that as your reference point for future batches. -
Mix shapes if you like.
Sometimes I use half square pretzels and half mini twists on the same pan—kids love picking which shape they want.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular Hershey’s Kisses instead of Hugs?
Yes, you can use Kisses, but they’re a bit firmer and usually need an extra 1–2 minutes in the oven to soften enough for the M&M to press in.
2. How do I keep the chocolate from getting chalky or burned?
Keep the oven low (around 200°F) and watch closely; pull the tray as soon as the chocolate looks shiny and slightly soft, even if it still holds its shape.
3. My M&Ms are cracking when I press them—what should I do?
That usually means the chocolate isn’t soft enough. Warm the tray a little longer next time, and press gently instead of pushing hard.
4. Can I make this Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats Recipe gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free pretzel brand (like Snyder’s gluten-free snaps) and double-check your candy labels to ensure everything is certified gluten-free.
5. Do these travel well for shipping holiday boxes?
They do. Pack them in a snug tin or container with parchment between layers. Avoid shipping during very hot weather so the chocolate doesn’t melt.
6. Are these safe for school parties with nut allergies?
Use plain pretzels, plain M&M’s, and standard Hugs, then check all labels for “processed with nuts” warnings. Every school policy is different, so it’s always good to ask first.
7. Can kids actually help make these?
Absolutely. Little ones can place pretzels on the tray and add M&M’s (once the pan is safely off the heat), while older kids can help unwrap Hugs and time the oven.
8. Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes—just use multiple baking sheets or bake in batches. Don’t stack pretzels too close; you still want that single layer on each pan.
Conclusion
This Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats Recipe is one of those simple, reliable recipes that slips right into your family traditions—sweet and salty, colorful, and easy enough to whip up even on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re filling cookie tins for neighbors, planning christmas pretzel treats for a school party, or just craving a quick chocolatey snack, these little bites deliver every time.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went—share your favorite variation or color combination in the comments. And if you’re in a pretzel mood, you might also enjoy my [Chocolate Pretzel Bark] or [Rolo Pretzel Turtles] for even more fun sweet-salty treats.
Pretzel Hugs M&M Treats
Ingredients
- 60-70 small pretzel squares also called snap or grid pretzels; about 1½ cups
- 60-70 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates unwrapped; classic white chocolate with milk chocolate stripes or peppermint for holidays
- 60-70 plain M&M’s regular size; choose colors for holidays, seasons, or team themes
- coarse sea salt optional, for a light sprinkle on top
- parchment paper or silicone baking mat for lining the baking sheet
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and to make it easier to move the treats once they’re set.
- Spread the pretzel squares in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a tiny bit of space between each pretzel so the chocolate can soften without merging together.
- Place one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug in the center of each pretzel square. Try to keep them as upright and centered as possible.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and warm for 3–5 minutes. The Hugs should look shiny and soft but still hold their basic shape. They are ready when the tip sags slightly if nudged gently; do not let them fully melt into puddles.
- Remove the tray from the oven and place it on a heat-safe surface. Immediately press one M&M into the center of each softened Hug, pushing just until the chocolate spreads slightly and fills the pretzel. Work steadily, as the chocolate will begin to firm up as it cools.
- If desired, lightly sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt over the warm chocolate for extra sweet-salty contrast.
- Let the pretzel Hugs M&M treats cool on the counter until the chocolate is mostly set, about 20–30 minutes. For faster setting, place the entire tray in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes until the chocolate is firm to the touch.
- Once fully set, gently peel the treats off the parchment or baking mat. Serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container for storage.
