Here’s an even more detailed step-by-step guide for making Pretzel Hugs to ensure they come out perfectly every time!
❤️💚 Pretzel Hugs Recipe 💚❤️
This recipe makes approximately 24 Pretzel Hugs, but feel free to adjust quantities based on how many you’d like to make!
Ingredients:
- 24 Mini Pretzels – Mini pretzel twists or squares work best for this recipe as they provide a sturdy base.
- 24 Hershey’s Hugs – These are milk and white chocolate striped chocolates that melt evenly. (Feel free to use Hershey’s Kisses for different flavors!)
- 24 Red & Green M&M’s – Choose holiday-themed colors like red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for spring holidays. You could also use a mix of regular M&M’s for a colorful, anytime treat.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Baking Area:
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (90°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent sticking and make transferring the treats easier.
- Set Up the Pretzels:
- Spread your mini pretzels in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Make sure there’s a bit of space between each one so the Hugs don’t accidentally touch as they soften in the oven.
- Add the Hershey’s Hugs:
- Unwrap each Hershey’s Hug and place one in the center of each pretzel. The Hug should sit snugly in the middle, with the pointed end up, so that it can soften evenly.
- Bake the Pretzel Hugs:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 4–5 minutes. Watch the Hugs closely; they should look soft and glossy but not melted completely. (Overheating may cause the chocolate to lose its shape and make it difficult to press the M&M on top.)
- Adding the M&M’s:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven carefully. The Hugs will be soft, so try not to jostle the baking sheet too much.
- While the Hugs are still warm, gently press one M&M (with the “M” side down) into the center of each Hug. The M&M should sink just enough to hold in place but shouldn’t sink all the way through. This step needs to be done quickly before the chocolate begins to harden.
- Setting the Chocolate:
- Allow the Pretzel Hugs to cool and set completely. You can leave them to cool at room temperature (about 30 minutes to 1 hour), or place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to speed up the process. You can also use the freezer for about 5 minutes if you’re in a hurry.
- Serve and Store:
- Once set, your Pretzel Hugs are ready to enjoy! Serve them on a festive plate or store them in an airtight container.
- Storage: Pretzel Hugs will keep at room temperature for about a week in a cool, dry area, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks if you’d like them to stay extra fresh.
Extra Tips:
- Experiment with Flavors: Try using different Hershey’s Kisses flavors like caramel, dark chocolate, or cookies & cream.
- Holiday Color Themes: Adapt M&M colors to fit various holidays. For example, use pastels for Easter, red and pink for Valentine’s Day, or orange and brown for Halloween.
- Double Layer: For extra chocolate, stack two Hugs on top of each other on each pretzel and press them down with the M&M.
This sweet, salty, and crunchy treat is always a hit at parties, holiday gatherings, and as a fun family snack. Enjoy making them and even more, enjoy the smiles they bring! 🍫🥨