Now that Thanksgiving is over, I am just EAGER to start celebrating Christmas. (Although who are we kidding – I’ve had my decorations up since Halloween 😜). I have a million Christmas-themed treats I want to make, yet so little time. This year, to get the holiday season started, I made Pretzel M&M Hugs!
I’m sure many of you are no stranger to these addicting little treats. Pretzel M&M Hugs are a classic, easy dessert – three ingredients, one pan – need I say more? Although these are insanely straightforward to make, there are a few tricks I have learned through the years on how to make them well (a.k.a. how to make them beautiful.)
Lucky for you guys, I am passing these hacks onto you J
PRETZEL M&M HUGS HACKS
The first trick is to cook the Pretzel M&M Hugs at a low temperature. We’re talking really low. I used to cook Pretzel M&M Hugs at 350, figuring at the higher temperature, the chocolate would melt faster. This resulted in a semi melted hug with a slightly burnt, hardened tip, making it virtually impossible to put M&M’s in the center of the chocolate. After a little research, I realized the secret is to drop the temp to 200 degrees for 5 minutes. This makes it dramatically easier to place M&M’s on top of the Hug when you take the batch out of the oven.
The second trick is to put the Pretzel M&M Hugs into the freezer ASAP. This will allow the chocolate to solidify in shape so you don’t ruin your masterpiece. Both of these tips lead to a much prettier presentation. And as we always say, we eat with our eyes first – so if it looks better, it TASTES BETTER.
Easy Treat for any occasion
Pretzel Hugs are such an easy treat to share with loved ones this holiday season. Make a big batch, wrap them in pretty saran wrap with a bow, and boom – you have a thoughtful, yet virtually effortless and inexpensive treat for co-workers, your child’s classroom, or a family/friends gathering.
I make these year round and simply swap M&M colors for different occasions.
– Thanksgiving (orange, yellow, brown)
– Christmas (red and green)
– Valentines Day (red, white, pink)
– Superbowl (team colors!)
Save this recipe to Pinterest to make later!
Pretzel M&M Hugs
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 70 square pretzels
- 70 Hershey's hugs (typically this is how many in one 12 oz package! – buy two if you want more)
- 70 M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200° F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or (my favorite – no slipping!) AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat. Cover baking sheet with one layer of square pretzels.
- Cover each pretzel with one unwrapped Hershey's hug.
- Bake in oven for 5 minutes (or until the chocolate is shiny, but still holding shape)
- Remove tray from oven and place on M&M on the center of each hug, and press down.
- Place tray in the freezer and allow to rest until chocolate solidifies.
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