Name: Pretzel M&M Hugs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 70 square pretzels (do NOT use butter snaps); 70 Hershey's Hugs chocolates, unwrapped (nearly 1 full 12 oz package); 70 Milk Chocolate M&M's (red and green Christmas package recommended)

There’s something magically sweet and salty about these little bites, and that’s why I’m excited to share the **Pretzel M&M Hugs Recipe** with you. They’re tiny, festive, and perfect for any occasion — plus, they come together faster than you’d expect!

A neat grid of square pretzels forms the base layer, each light brown and slightly crunchy in texture. On top of each pretzel is a round white chocolate disk with smooth surface, slightly melting into the pretzel edges. Thin, wavy lines of milk chocolate are drizzled over the white chocolate disks, adding a light brown striped texture. Each white chocolate disk is topped with a single, glossy candy coated chocolate piece, alternating between bright red and vivid green, each candy centered on the disk. The whole arrangement is shown on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pretzel M&M Hugs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pretzel M&M Hugs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pretzel M&M Hugs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these Pretzel M&M Hugs more times than I can count, especially around the holidays. What’s irresistible is how the melted Hug chocolate pairs with the crunch of the pretzel and the vibrant burst of the M&M. It’s pure simple delight in every bite.

Speedy and Easy: From start to finish, these take just 25 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Perfect Sweet & Salty Balance: The combination of salty pretzels, smooth Hug chocolates, and colorful M&Ms hits all the right flavor notes.
Customizable for Any Occasion: Swap out M&Ms for seasonal colors or different chocolates to match your celebration’s vibe.
Kid- and Crowd-Friendly: Everyone loves these little nibbles — kid-safe, sharing-ready, and easy to stash in lunch boxes or party trays.

A tray filled with many small snacks arranged in rows, each snack having three layers: the bottom is a shiny golden square pretzel, the middle is a smooth, white circular candy with brown swirls, and the top is a single round candy piece in red or green placed right in the center. The pretzels have tiny salt bits on the edges, the white candies look glossy with evenly spaced brown stripes, and the red and green candies are bright and shiny. The tray is lined with white parchment paper, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Pretzel M&M Hugs Recipe plays a crucial role, creating that magical blend you can’t get enough of. Plus, these ingredients are pantry or store staples, saving you prep hassle and extra shopping trips.

Flat lay of a neat stack of square pretzels with a golden-brown finish, a small white ceramic bowl filled with red and green milk chocolate M&M's, a small white ceramic bowl holding unwrapped Hershey's Hugs chocolates—each with a glossy silver and milk chocolate swirl—placed beside them, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Square Pretzels: Their flat shape holds the Hug chocolate perfectly without slipping off, unlike round pretzels.
Hershey’s Hugs Chocolates: Made of creamy white and milk chocolate swirls, these soften beautifully in the oven for that irresistible melt.
Milk Chocolate M&M’s: They add a burst of color and that smooth chocolate center that complements the Hug perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of making the Pretzel M&M Hugs Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I love swapping out colors for holidays — red and green M&Ms at Christmas, pastels for Easter, or just your favorite candy colors anytime.

Variation: Once, I used peanut butter M&Ms and swapped the Hershey’s Hugs for peanut butter Kisses — the combo was a big hit at my party!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pretzel M&M Hugs Recipe

Step 1: Arrange and Prep

First things first: preheat your oven to 200°F. Line a cookie sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper — it prevents the chocolate from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Lay the square pretzels out in a single layer so they don’t overlap — that way, each one gets its own perfect Hug chocolate.

Step 2: Top Pretzels with Hugs and Bake

Place one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug on each pretzel. Then, bake them in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes — keep a close eye here! You want the chocolates to look soft and shiny but not melted into a puddle. This is the sweet spot where the Hug starts to soften enough to press without losing its shape.

Step 3: Add M&Ms and Set

Right when you pull the tray out, quickly press one Milk Chocolate M&M right into the center of each softened Hug. Press gently — you want the chocolate to spread just a bit around the candy, creating a nicely melded bite. Then, pop the whole tray into the fridge or freezer for 5 to 15 minutes so the chocolate can firm up again.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned the keys to perfect Pretzel M&M Hugs are timing and temperature. Here’s what I keep in mind to get that flawless chew and snap every time:

Chocolate Melting Point: Don’t go over 5 minutes in the oven — the Hugs should be softened, not runny, so they hold their shape when you press the M&M.
Use Flat Pretzels: Trust me, trying this with round or twisted pretzels just doesn't work the same. The flat base is crucial to hold the chocolates in place.
Quick M&M Placement: Be ready to press the M&Ms as soon as you take out the tray, so the chocolate is still warm and flexible.
Set Them Properly: Let the treats chill completely before moving them. This prevents smudging or breaking the delicate chocolate layer.

How to Serve Pretzel M&M Hugs Recipe

Garnishes

I love how these treats speak for themselves, so I usually keep garnishes simple — a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking can be a nice touch if you want to dial up the saltiness. For holiday flair, you could dust with edible glitter or place on a festive serving platter.

Side Dishes

They make a fantastic companion to warm drinks like hot cocoa or mulled cider — perfect for chilly evenings. At parties, I pair them with bowls of nuts or popcorn for a snack mix that keeps guests happy and munching.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, I’ve arranged these Pretzel M&M Hugs onto cookie sticks to create edible 'lollipops' — kids loved them at birthday parties! Another idea is layering them in a clear jar with holiday ribbons for gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once chilled, I store leftover Pretzel M&M Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. They stay crisp and fresh for several days — but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

Freezing works beautifully if you want to prep in advance. Just layer these treats in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature so the chocolate softens back perfectly.

Reheating

I usually skip reheating since these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. But if you want softer chocolate again, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can revive that melty goodness without melting it too much—just watch it closely!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pretzels for this recipe?

I highly recommend sticking to square, flat pretzels for the best results. Butter snap pretzels or round pretzels tend to let the chocolates slide off when melted.

Why do the chocolates need to be baked at such a low temperature?

Baking at 200°F gently softens the Hug chocolates without melting them into a puddle. This lets you press the M&M into the Hug so they bond nicely and keep their shape.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can make Pretzel M&M Hugs a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. That makes them a perfect go-to for holiday gatherings or last-minute treats.

What’s the best way to press the M&M into the Hug?

Right after the Hug has softened in the oven, press the M&M gently but firmly into the center. Don’t press too hard to avoid cracking the pretzel. Timing is key here – do it immediately when the chocolate is soft for a smooth spread.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I keep coming back to this Pretzel M&M Hugs Recipe because it’s simple, cheerful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re crafting a sweet gift or just want a fun snack, these are my go-to little treats. Grab your ingredients and give it a try — you’ll love how quickly these come together, and so will anyone lucky enough to get a taste!