Name: Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 24 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: pretzels; Hershey' Kisses Hugs; M&Ms

This Pretzel Hugs Delight recipe is an easy, fun, and sweet treat that everyone will love. It combines the saltiness of pretzels with the richness of Hershey's Hugs and the vibrant colors of M&Ms. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just because.

Photos of Pretzel Hugs Recipe

The ingredients needed for this recipe are quite common and can be found in most supermarkets. However, be aware that you'll need Hershey's Hugs, which are a specific type of Hershey's Kisses. They are a blend of white and milk chocolate and are shaped like a teardrop. They are usually located in the candy aisle. Also, be sure to pick up some M&Ms. They add a pop of color and additional sweetness to this dessert.

Ingredients for Pretzel Hugs Delight

Pretzels: These serve as the base of the treat, providing a salty and crunchy contrast to the sweet toppings.

Hershey's Kisses Hugs: These are a blend of white and milk chocolate that melt perfectly on the pretzels.

M&Ms: These are used as the finishing touch on the pretzels, adding color and an additional layer of sweetness.

One reader, Derby Harmon says:

This pretzel hugs delight recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet and salty is absolutely divine. The recipe is so easy to follow, and the end result is a delicious treat that everyone loves. I highly recommend trying it out for a delightful snack or dessert.

Derby Harmon

Techniques Required for Pretzel Hugs Delight Recipe

How to melt the chocolate: Melting the chocolate hugs in the oven until they begin to soften and melt, usually takes about 4 minutes at 250 degrees F.

How to press the M&Ms onto the pretzel hugs: Gently press an M&M onto each softened chocolate hug, allowing the chocolate to flatten out and adhere to the pretzel. If the chocolate does not flatten out, return the pretzel hugs to the oven for an additional 30 seconds.

How to set the chocolate: After pressing the M&Ms onto the pretzel hugs, allow them to cool completely. Then, let the chocolate set for about 10 minutes in the refrigerator.

Pretzel Hugs

An easy sweet-salty holiday treat, these incredibly delicious Pretzel Hugs require only 3 ingredients and finish in less than half an hour!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 4 minutes

Chill Time: 10 minutes

Total: 24 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

pretzels,circle or square-shaped
Hershey’ Kisses Hugs
M&Ms

Instructions

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Align pretzels on the sheet. Unwrap Hugs and place one on each pretzel. Stick in the oven for about 4 minutes or until the hug begins to melt. While the Hugs are melting in the oven, prepare the M&Ms.
Remove pretzel hugs from the oven and gently press an M&M down on each one. The Hug should flatten out when the M&M is pressed on it. If it is not flattening out, place the pretzel hugs back in the oven for about 30 more seconds.
Let the pretzel hugs cool completely, and let the chocolate set for about 10 minutes in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Pretzel Hugs Delight

To ensure your pretzel hugs have a consistent look and taste, try to use Hershey's Kisses Hugs and M&M's that are similar in size. This will ensure that each piece has the right balance of sweet and salty flavors. Also, when pressing the M&M's into the melted chocolate, do so gently to avoid breaking the pretzel. Lastly, cooling them in the refrigerator not only helps the chocolate set faster but also keeps the pretzels crisp.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Delightful Recipe

Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and utensils before starting the recipe to avoid any last-minute rush.

Use a double boiler: Melt the chocolate for the pretzel hugs using a double boiler to ensure a smooth and even consistency without the risk of burning.

Organize your workspace: Keep your work area clean and organized to streamline the process and minimize any potential mess or confusion.

Multi-task: While the pretzel hugs are cooling, use that time to clean up your workspace or prepare another recipe to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Use pre-cut parchment paper: Save time on cutting parchment paper by using pre-cut sheets, making it easier to line your baking sheet quickly and efficiently.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe instructions to avoid any mistakes or time-consuming errors, ensuring a smooth and efficient cooking process.

Invest in quality tools: Quality kitchen tools and equipment can make the cooking process more efficient and enjoyable, saving time and effort in the long run.

Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and dishes as you cook to minimize clutter and save time on cleaning up after the recipe is complete.

Substitute Ingredients For Pretzel Hugs Recipe

pretzels - Substitute with mini pretzel twists: Mini pretzel twists can be used as a substitute for pretzels in this recipe, providing a similar salty and crunchy texture.
Hershey's kisses hugs - Substitute with white chocolate chips: White chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for Hershey's kisses hugs, providing a creamy and sweet flavor to the recipe.
M&Ms - Substitute with chocolate-covered sunflower seeds: Chocolate-covered sunflower seeds can be used as a substitute for M&Ms, providing a similar colorful and chocolatey addition to the recipe.

Best Way to Present Pretzel Hugs Delight

Elevate the pretzel base: Start by using a high-quality pretzel as the base for this delightful treat. Consider using artisanal or homemade pretzels for an elevated touch.
Artful placement: Carefully arrange the pretzel hugs on a pristine white platter, ensuring each piece is positioned with precision and attention to detail.
Garnish with finesse: Add a sprinkle of edible gold dust or cocoa powder to the platter for a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a contrasting element such as a delicate sugar lace or crystallized ginger to add texture and visual interest to the presentation.
Personalized plating: Consider using individual mini serving boards or customized plating to showcase each pretzel hug as a standalone masterpiece.
Sensory experience: Enhance the presentation with a subtle aromatic mist or floral arrangement to engage all the senses and create a memorable dining experience.
Elevate with elegance: Incorporate fine dining utensils and linen napkins to elevate the overall presentation and convey a sense of refined dining.

Essential Tools for Making This Sweet Snack

Oven: Used for baking and heating food.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking and roasting in the oven.
Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans.
Silicone baking mat: A reusable non-stick baking surface made from silicone.
Mixing bowl: Used for mixing ingredients together.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting and turning food.
Refrigerator: Used for cooling and setting the chocolate.

Storing and Freezing Tips for Pretzel Hugs Delight

Let the pretzel hugs cool completely and allow the chocolate to set before storing. This will ensure that the chocolate doesn't smudge or melt when you store them.
Store the cooled pretzel hugs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure to separate layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pretzel hugs for up to 2 months. Here's how:
- Place the cooled pretzel hugs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for about 1 hour, or until solid.
- Transfer the frozen pretzel hugs to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
To thaw frozen pretzel hugs, simply remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Do not refrigerate them, as this can cause condensation to form on the surface of the chocolate.
If you plan to pack the pretzel hugs in a gift box or bag, make sure to use a sturdy container and cushion them with tissue paper or crinkle paper to prevent them from breaking during transport.

Interesting Trivia About Pretzel Hugs Delight

Pretzel Hugs Delight is a popular treat during the holiday season, especially around Christmas. The combination of sweet chocolate hugs and salty pretzels creates a delightful flavor and texture contrast that is loved by many. It's a simple and quick recipe that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, making it a perfect snack for gatherings and parties. Plus, it's a fun and easy recipe to make with kids, allowing them to get creative with different colored M&M toppings.

Is Making Pretzel Hugs Delight at Home Cost-Effective?

This pretzel hugs delight recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a budget-friendly treat. The combination of pretzels, Hershey's Kisses Hugs, and M&Ms creates a delightful sweet and salty flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5-$7, making it an economical choice for a homemade dessert. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is This Delightful Treat Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for pretzel hugs delight is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The main ingredients are pretzels, Hershey's Kisses Hugs, and M&Ms, all of which are high in sugar and processed carbohydrates
The recipe lacks any nutritional value, as it does not include any fruits, vegetables, or whole grains
The combination of sugar and processed carbohydrates can lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, which may contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed regularly

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use whole grain pretzels instead of regular pretzels to increase the fiber content
Replace the Hershey's Kisses Hugs with dark chocolate, which contains less sugar and more antioxidants
Swap out the M&Ms for dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, to add some natural sweetness and nutrients
Incorporate a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to provide healthy fats and protein
Moderation is key – enjoy this treat occasionally and in small portions, rather than making it a regular snack

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the pretzel hugs delight. However, it's important to remember that even with these modifications, this recipe should still be considered a treat and consumed in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet.

Editor's Opinion on Pretzel Hugs Delight Recipe

This recipe for Pretzel Hugs Delight is a delightful and simple treat that combines the salty crunch of pretzels with the sweet creaminess of Hershey's Hugs and the colorful pop of M&M's. The combination of flavors and textures creates a perfect balance that will surely satisfy any sweet tooth. The recipe is easy to follow and the end result is a visually appealing and delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether it's for a party or just a sweet snack, these Pretzel Hugs Delight are sure to be a hit!

Enhance Your Pretzel Hugs Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan cheese

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears drizzled with a balsamic glaze and sprinkled with toasted almonds

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a honey-lime dressing

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Pretzel Hugs Delight

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: Combine ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices to create a delicious filling for bell peppers. Top with cheese and bake until peppers are tender.

Citrus Grilled Chicken Salad: Marinate chicken in a zesty citrus dressing, then grill until cooked through. Serve over a bed of mixed greens, sliced oranges, and avocado for a refreshing and satisfying salad.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Mix chia seeds with coconut milk and diced mango for a tropical twist on traditional chia pudding. Let it sit in the refrigerator until the chia seeds have absorbed the liquid and the pudding has thickened.

Appetizers and Main Dishes That Go Well With This Sweet Treat

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a mouthwatering blend of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs to stuff into tender mushroom caps. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delectable appetizer.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Grate fresh zucchini and mix with a savory batter, then fry until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of tangy dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer option.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy and savory pasta dish that combines tender chicken with rich alfredo sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked fettuccine. This classic Italian favorite is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of a beef stir fry, featuring tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. This quick and easy dish is packed with delicious umami flavors and is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Why trust this Pretzel Hugs Recipe:

This recipe is a delightful treat that combines the satisfying crunch of pretzels with the creamy sweetness of Hershey's Kisses Hugs and the colorful pop of M&Ms. The combination of sweet and salty flavors creates a perfect balance that will surely please your taste buds. The simple preparation and minimal ingredients make it an easy and enjoyable recipe for anyone to try. Trust the classic combination of chocolate and pretzels to deliver a delicious and irresistible snack that's perfect for any occasion.

Share your thoughts and experiences with making Pretzel Hugs in the Baking and Desserts forum section. Join the discussion and let us know if you have any tips or variations to this delightful recipe!

FAQ:

Can I use regular Hershey's kisses instead of hugs?

Yes, you can definitely use regular Hershey's kisses instead of hugs for this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Can I use a different type of pretzel for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any type of pretzel that you prefer. Whether it's mini pretzels, pretzel twists, or pretzel rods, feel free to get creative with your choice of pretzels.

How should I store the pretzel hugs delight?

Once the chocolate has set, you can store the pretzel hugs delight in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for several days, but they are so delicious that they probably won't last that long!

Can I use other types of chocolate candies instead of M&Ms?

Yes, you can definitely use other types of chocolate candies instead of M&Ms. Get creative and try using different types of candies to add your own personal touch to the recipe.

Can I make these pretzel hugs in advance for a party?

Absolutely! These pretzel hugs are perfect for making in advance for a party. Just store them in an airtight container once the chocolate has set, and they will be ready to impress your guests when the party starts.