If you’re looking to add a fun, festive, and utterly delicious snack to your holiday spread, these Pretzel Christmas Treats with M&Ms Recipe are an absolute must-make. Combining the salty crunch of pretzels with the creamy sweetness of Hershey’s Kisses and the colorful pop of red and green M&Ms, this treat is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. It’s a simple recipe that comes together quickly but delivers such charming holiday cheer — perfect for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or even a sweet gift wrapped up in a festive bag.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Pretzel Christmas Treats with M&Ms Recipe just right is all about simple, straightforward ingredients that each play an important role in the flavor and texture. From the crunchy pretzels to the melty chocolate and festive candy, these are the essentials to keep on hand.
- Mini pretzel twists or squares: These provide the perfect salty crunch base, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or hugs): The smooth, melty chocolate that softens just enough to nestle an M&M on top.
- Red and green M&M’s: These bring festive color and an extra layer of sweetness and crunch.
How to Make Pretzel Christmas Treats with M&Ms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature is key because you’re aiming to soften the chocolate without melting it entirely. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep everything from sticking and to make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Arrange the Pretzels
Place the mini pretzel twists or squares in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced evenly so your chocolates melt uniformly and you can easily top each with an M&M.
Step 3: Add Hershey’s Kisses
Unwrap each Hershey’s Kiss and place one gently on top of every pretzel. This is where the magic starts, as the chocolate begins to soften in the oven and melds with the crunchy pretzel beneath.
Step 4: Bake Gently
Bake the pretzels with Kisses for 4 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye here — you want the chocolate soft enough to press an M&M into, but not so melted it loses shape. This precise timing is what makes the Pretzel Christmas Treats with M&Ms Recipe come together perfectly.
Step 5: Add M&Ms
As soon as the chocolate looks soft, carefully press a red or green M&M into the center of each warm Kiss. The chocolate will hold the candy in place as it cools, creating that classic holiday look everyone loves.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Let your treats cool at room temperature so the chocolate hardens back up. If you’re in a hurry, popping them in the refrigerator speeds up the setting process without compromising texture.
Step 7: Store Properly
Once firm, transfer your Pretzel Christmas Treats with M&Ms Recipe to an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crunchy, ready to enjoy for days or to package as charming holiday gifts.
How to Serve Pretzel Christmas Treats with M&Ms Recipe
Garnishes
While these treats are delightful on their own, feel free to sprinkle with a little edible glitter or extra mini candies for added sparkle during holiday parties. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also mimic a snowy effect that’s just too cute to resist.
Side Dishes
Serve these Pretzel Christmas Treats with M&Ms Recipe alongside a mug of hot cocoa or some warm spiced cider to elevate the wintry snack experience. They also pair wonderfully with a cheese platter, balancing salty and sweet in one festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful touch, arrange these bites in the shape of a Christmas tree on a festive platter, or place them in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons for gifting. Their cheerful colors make them perfect for holiday gift exchanges or as stocking stuffers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Pretzel Christmas Treats with M&Ms Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure they stay away from warm spots to avoid softening the chocolate prematurely.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats fresh longer, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Since these are meant to be enjoyed as a cool treat, reheating isn’t usually necessary. But if you want to soften the chocolate a bit, briefly microwave a few seconds at a time on low power—just watch closely to prevent melting.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pretzels for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mini twists or squares work best for holding the kisses, you can also try mini rods or even standard-sized pretzels if you like a larger treat. Just keep in mind the size will affect the final shape and texture.
What if I don’t have red and green M&Ms?
No problem at all! You can use any color M&Ms you have on hand or substitute with other small festive candies like cinnamon red hots or mini jelly beans for a different twist.
Can I use dark or white chocolate kisses instead?
Definitely! Though milk chocolate is classic, using dark or white chocolate Kisses can add a unique flavor and look. Each variation brings its own charm to the Pretzel Christmas Treats with M&Ms Recipe.
How long does it take for the treats to set?
At room temperature, expect about 15 to 20 minutes for the chocolate to harden properly. Refrigerating can reduce this to around 5 to 10 minutes, which is great if you’re short on time.
Are these treats allergy-friendly?
These treats contain gluten (from pretzels) and milk (from chocolate), so they are not suitable for those with gluten or dairy allergies. However, you can find gluten-free pretzels and dairy-free chocolates if you want to adapt the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Pretzel Christmas Treats with M&Ms Recipe is one of those recipes you’ll return to every holiday season because it’s so easy, fun, and perfect for sharing. The blend of salty, sweet, and festive colors makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. I encourage you to give these a try and watch how quickly they disappear at your next holiday gathering!
Print
Pretzel Christmas Treats with M&Ms Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 75 treats
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Pretzel Christmas Treats, combining salty mini pretzels with smooth Hershey’s Kisses and colorful red and green M&M’s. This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and preparation, perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 bag mini pretzel twists or squares (about 75 pieces)
- 1 bag Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or hugs, about 75 pieces)
- 1 bag red and green M&M’s (enough to cover each pretzel)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Pretzels: Place the mini pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced for even warming.
- Add Hershey’s Kisses: Unwrap each Hershey’s Kiss and gently place one on top of each pretzel, positioning them firmly but carefully.
- Warm the Chocolate: Bake in the preheated oven for 4–5 minutes. Heat just until the chocolate softens but is not fully melted to maintain shape and ease of pressing.
- Press M&M’s: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately press one red or green M&M into the center of each softened Kiss, creating a colorful, festive treat.
- Cool the Treats: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature until set, or refrigerate for quicker firming of the chocolate.
- Store: Once firm, store the pretzel treats in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness.
Notes
- Use mini pretzels for bite-sized treats that are easy to eat and share.
- Be careful not to overheat the chocolate; just soften it for the best texture.
- For faster setting, place the treats in the refrigerator after pressing the M&M’s.
- These treats can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
- Variations: Substitute the red and green M&M’s for other colored candies to match different holidays or themes.
