Pretzel Hugs are incredibly simple to make with minimal prep and no special equipment. They’re kid-friendly, fun to assemble, and bake in just a few minutes. The combination of crunchy pretzels, creamy chocolate, and a pop of candy coating creates a texture and flavor combo that’s completely addictive. You can customize the colors and flavors, making them great for gifts, party favors, or dessert platters.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Mini pretzel twists or squares
Hershey’s Hugs (or Kisses)
M&M’s (seasonal colors or your favorite variety)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange pretzels in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Unwrap the Hershey’s Hugs and place one on top of each pretzel.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 4–6 minutes, just until the Hugs are soft but not melted.
Remove from the oven and immediately press an M&M into the center of each softened Hug.
Allow the Pretzel Hugs to cool completely at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator to set faster.
Flavor Swaps: Use Hershey’s Kisses, caramel-filled chocolates, or flavored Hugs for a twist.
Nutty Addition: Press a pecan half instead of an M&M for a turtle-inspired version.
Holiday Themes: Use red and green M&Ms for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or team colors for game day.
Dark Chocolate: Swap in dark chocolate Kisses for a richer flavor profile.
Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Try a Reese’s Mini in place of the Hug and top with a peanut butter M&M.
Storage/Reheating
Store Pretzel Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate to prevent melting.
Do not reheat. These treats are meant to be served at room temperature or chilled.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pretzel?
Yes, mini pretzel twists or squares (like snaps) work best because they give a stable base for the chocolate and candy.
How long do they need to cool?
They usually set in about 30 minutes at room temperature or 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
Can I use Hershey’s Kisses instead of Hugs?
Absolutely! Kisses are a great alternative, especially if you want a stronger chocolate flavor.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is all you need. No greasing required.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, these are great to make ahead. They store well for several days and are ideal for gifting or party prep.
What if the chocolate melts too much?
Keep a close eye on them in the oven. The goal is for the Hugs to soften but not lose their shape—usually 4–6 minutes is perfect.
Are Pretzel Hugs gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can use gluten-free pretzels and check the labels on your candies to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can kids help make these?
Yes! Kids can help place the candies and press the M&Ms in—just make sure an adult handles the oven part.
What occasions are these good for?
They’re perfect for holidays, birthday parties, potlucks, teacher gifts, and snack tables.
Can I freeze Pretzel Hugs?
It’s not recommended, as freezing may alter the texture of the chocolate and cause discoloration.
Conclusion
Pretzel Hugs are an easy, fun, and delicious treat that everyone loves. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch for any occasion. Whether you keep them classic or customize them for a theme, these sweet-and-salty bites are guaranteed to disappear fast. Keep this recipe handy—you’ll find endless reasons to make them all year long.
Pretzel Hugs are quick, bite-sized sweet-and-salty treats made with mini pretzels, Hershey’s Hugs, and M&M’s. Perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday snacking, they’re fun to make and easy to customize with seasonal colors and flavors.
Ingredients
40 mini pretzel twists or squares
40 Hershey’s Hugs (or Kisses)
40 M&M’s (seasonal or classic)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Unwrap Hershey’s Hugs and place one on top of each pretzel.
Bake for 4–6 minutes, until the Hugs are softened but not melted.
Remove from oven and immediately press one M&M into the center of each softened Hug.
Allow to cool at room temperature or place in the refrigerator until fully set (15–30 minutes).
Once firm, store in an airtight container or serve.
Notes
Use colored M&M’s to match any holiday or theme.Substitute Hugs with Kisses or flavored chocolates.Press a pecan half instead of an M&M for a turtle-inspired version.Refrigerate if your kitchen is warm to prevent melting.Kids can help assemble—but adults should handle the oven.
