As the holiday season rolls in, the kitchen becomes a hub of delightful aromas and precious memories waiting to be created. One afternoon, while toying with some snacks in my pantry, I stumbled upon a bag of mint M&Ms and an unopened package of Hershey’s Hugs. That moment was the start of a sweet adventure, leading to one of my favorite festive treats: Mint M&Ms Christmas Pretzels with Hugs.
Imagine the satisfying crunch of perfectly baked pretzels topped with smooth, melty chocolate, and a burst of refreshing mint flavor—this combination has the power to transform your ordinary snack table into a festive treat. Not only is this recipe a breeze to whip up in just 14 minutes, but the kids will also love getting involved for this snack. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Let me show you how easy it is to put together this crowd-pleasing delight that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Mint M&ms Christmas Pretzels with Hugs
- This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring only 14 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect last-minute treat.
- The delightful combination of crunchy pretzels, smooth Hershey’s Hugs, and refreshing mint M&Ms creates an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- These festive pretzels are not only delicious but also visually stunning, adding a beautiful pop of color to your holiday table.
- Plus, they are a hit with both kids and adults, making them an ideal crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering.
Mint M&Ms Christmas Pretzels Ingredients
• Gather the essentials for a festive delight!
For the Pretzels
- Round Pretzels – 48 pieces for that crunchy base everyone loves.
- Hershey’s Hugs – 48 unwrapped, providing a sweet chocolatey center to melt into.
For the Topping
- Mint M&M’s – 48 to add a refreshing burst of flavor and color to your Mint M&Ms Christmas Pretzels.
With these simple ingredients, you’re just moments away from creating a festive masterpiece that brings joy to any holiday occasion!
How to Make Mint M&Ms Christmas Pretzels with Hugs
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Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C). This low heat will ensure the chocolate melts perfectly without burning.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your pretzels from sticking and make cleanup a breeze afterward.
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Distribute 48 round pretzels evenly on the pan. Make sure to space them out so there’s plenty of room for the delicious toppings!
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Unwrap 48 Hershey’s Hugs. This fun step is perfect for getting the kids involved, making the process even more enjoyable!
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Place the unwrapped Hershey’s Hugs in the center of each pretzel. Get ready for that chocolatey goodness to melt into the pretzel’s crunchy embrace!
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Bake in the oven for 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the chocolate to soften but not melt completely.
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Press a Mint M&M into the center of each melted Hershey’s Hug as soon as you remove the pan from the oven. This adds a lovely burst of minty flavor!
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Let cool until the Hershey’s Hugs have hardened. This will create a delightful bite of creamy chocolate goodness atop your pretzel.
Optional: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Mint M&Ms Christmas Pretzels Variations
Feel free to mix things up and make this recipe your own—each variation brings a delightful twist!
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Nutty Crunch: Add a sprinkle of crushed almonds or walnuts on top before baking for added texture and flavor. The nutty profile beautifully complements the sweetness of the chocolate.
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Dark Chocolate Joy: Swap out Hershey’s Hugs for dark chocolate kisses to embrace a richer, more sophisticated taste. The contrast of dark chocolate and mint is simply divine!
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a sprinkle of cayenne pepper atop the pretzels before baking to introduce a subtle spiciness that pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness. A little heat goes a long way in enhancing the flavors.
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Holiday Sprinkles: After pressing down the Mint M&Ms, top with festive sprinkles for an even more joyful presentation. Bright colors bring an extra dose of celebration for your holiday gatherings.
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Flavor Infusion: Use peppermint extract mixed into the melted chocolate for a boost of mint flavor—be sure to adjust the quantity to taste! This will enhance the minty freshness even more.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for an elegant touch that adds a creamy contrast to the mint and chocolate pairing. This sophisticated detail will impress your guests!
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Cereal Crunch: Incorporate crushed pretzel sticks or Rice Krispies into the mixture before baking for an extra crunch that makes each bite delightful and interesting. You’ll love the surprise in every mouthful!
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Vegan Treat: Use dairy-free chocolate and pretzels to create a vegan version of these festive delights! It’s just as delicious, allowing everyone to indulge in the holiday spirit.
How to Store and Freeze Mint M&Ms Christmas Pretzels with Hugs
Room Temperature: Store the pretzels in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their crispiness and freshness.
Fridge: If the weather is warm, keep the pretzels in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, these festive treats can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper in between layers to avoid sticking.
Reheating: If desired, allow the pretzels to come to room temperature before enjoying. You can gently warm them in the oven for a few minutes to restore the chocolate’s meltiness.
What to Serve with Mint M&Ms Christmas Pretzels with Hugs?
The holiday season is a time for joy, laughter, and, of course, indulging in festive treats that bring loved ones together.
- Hot Cocoa: A rich cup of hot cocoa adds warmth and balances the sweetness, creating a nostalgic holiday experience.
- Peppermint Bark: The flavors of chocolate and mint complement the pretzels, enhancing the festive spirit with a crunchy and chewy contrast.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh, crisp fruits like apples and pears provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chocolate, adding a bright touch to your spread.
- Cheese Board: A cheese board with creamy brie and savory crackers offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory, keeping the palate intrigued.
- Holiday Punch: Serve a light and fruity holiday punch to refresh the senses, making every nibble of pretzels even more enjoyable.
- Nut Mix: A mix of roasted nuts brings in a delightful crunch and salty contrast, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the treats on your table.
- Gingerbread Cookies: The spiced warmth of gingerbread pairs beautifully with the minty pretzels for a cozy dessert option that everyone will adore.
- Eggnog: A classic holiday drink that’s creamy and delicious, adding a rich flavor that beautifully enhances your festive treats.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a cooling touch that complements the peppermint flavors and makes for a delightful dessert pairing.
Make Ahead Options
These Mint M&Ms Christmas Pretzels with Hugs are perfect for meal prep, making your holiday gatherings stress-free! You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance by baking the pretzels until the Hershey’s Hugs are perfectly melted, then letting them cool completely. After that, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and crunchy. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the Mint M&Ms to the center of each pretzel right before indulging for maximum flavor and freshness. This way, you’ll have a delightful treat ready to dazzle your guests without any last-minute fuss!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Mint M&Ms Christmas Pretzels with Hugs, always preheat your oven to ensure even melting of the chocolate without burning.
- When placing the pretzels on the baking sheet, give them enough space to prevent them from sticking together as they bake.
- Be cautious not to overbake; four minutes should be just enough for the chocolate to soften while retaining its shape.
- Allow your pretzels to cool completely before serving to ensure the chocolate firms up and creates a delightful texture contrast.
Mint M&Ms Christmas Pretzels with Hugs Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right pretzels for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for round pretzels that are uniform in size to ensure even melting of the Hershey’s Hugs. Choose pretzels that are fresh and crispy, as they’ll provide the best crunch and texture to contrast with the melted chocolate.
How should I store these pretzels and for how long?
You can store the Mint M&Ms Christmas Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re in a warmer climate or during the summer months, I recommend moving them to the fridge, where they can last for 2 weeks. Just make sure to seal the container well to keep them fresh!
Can I freeze Mint M&Ms Christmas Pretzels with Hugs?
Certainly! These sweet treats can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper in between each layer to prevent them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy them, allow them to thaw in the fridge, or bring them to room temperature before munching away!
What should I do if the chocolate doesn’t melt properly?
No worries! If the chocolate doesn’t melt as expected, it might have been in the oven too long or the temperature was too high. To troubleshoot, try again with a full preheat at 250°F and limit the baking to just 4 minutes, keeping a close eye. The chocolate should be soft enough to press in an M&M without losing its shape.
Are these pretzels safe for people with nut allergies?
Very! The Mint M&Ms Christmas Pretzels with Hugs are nut-free as long as you choose the right products. However, always check the packaging of your ingredients, especially the Hershey’s Hugs and M&Ms, to ensure they’re made in a peanut-free facility and confirm no cross-contamination has occurred.
Mint M&ms Christmas Pretzels with Hugs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C). This low heat will ensure the chocolate melts perfectly without burning.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your pretzels from sticking and make cleanup a breeze afterward.
- Distribute 48 round pretzels evenly on the pan. Make sure to space them out so there’s plenty of room for the delicious toppings!
- Unwrap 48 Hershey's Hugs.
- Place the unwrapped Hershey's Hugs in the center of each pretzel.
- Bake in the oven for 4 minutes.
- Press a Mint M&M into the center of each melted Hershey's Hug as soon as you remove the pan from the oven.
- Let cool until the Hershey's Hugs have hardened.
- Optional: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for an elegant touch.
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