Name: Pretzel M&M Chocolate 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 (from nearly 1 full 12 oz package), unwrapped; 70 Milk Chocolate M&M's (used red and green Christmas package)

There's just something irresistibly fun about the combo of sweet, salty, and a little chocolatey magic in every bite. That’s exactly why I adore the Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe—it’s simple, festive, and always a crowd-pleaser that never fails to brighten up snack time or holiday gatherings.

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 Chocolate Hugs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

What really hooks me on this Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe is how easy it is to make while delivering big flavor with minimal effort. It's the kind of treat that feels homemade but requires almost zero baking skills or fancy equipment.

Perfect balance of flavors: The salty pretzels, creamy white and milk chocolate, plus colorful candy make every bite a little party in your mouth.
Simple prep: You don’t have to fuss over dough or complicated steps; this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
Great for gifting or parties: These bite-sized delights make charming favors or snacks that guests can’t resist.
Customizable and fun: Use seasonal M&Ms or even swap chocolates depending on your mood and the occasion.

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

What’s really clever about the Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe is that it relies on just a few key ingredients—but each plays a unique role to make this snack truly addictive. Plus, they’re easy to find in stores year-round.

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: Use the classic square pretzels—not butter snaps—to give a sturdy salty base that holds up well when melted chocolate is involved.
Hershey's Hugs chocolates: These are the star for the melty center; their creamy white and milk chocolate swirl softens perfectly without losing shape.
Milk Chocolate M&M's: I love picking festive colors like red and green for holidays, but any colors work—the M&M adds a pop of personality and that rich milk chocolate pop.

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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

I love switching up the colors or even types of candy I use with the Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe—it keeps things fresh and fun. You could even swap the M&Ms for peanut butter or peanut M&Ms if you want a twist!

Variation: Once, I swapped red and green M&Ms for pastel colors and gave these treats out at a spring party—everyone loved the seasonal vibe and they were just as delicious.
Dietary tweak: For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pretzels; just make sure they hold together similarly when baking.
Make it spicy: For something different, sprinkle a tiny pinch of chili powder on the chocolate before it sets—you get a subtle kick that’s surprisingly addictive.

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating the oven to 200°F (93°C). I always line my cookie sheet with a Silpat because it prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy—but parchment paper works just as well. Arrange your square pretzels in a single layer, giving each enough space so they don’t crowd one another.

Step 2: Add Hershey’s Hugs and Bake

Pop an unwrapped Hershey's Hug chocolate right onto the center of each pretzel. Slide the tray into the oven and bake them for 4 to 5 minutes. You want the chocolate to look glossy and soften up, but don’t wait until it fully melts and loses its shape—this is key to successful hugs!

Step 3: Top with M&M's and Shape

When the chocolates are soft, remove the tray from the oven. Quickly but carefully place one Milk Chocolate M&M right in the center of each Hug. Press down gently on the M&M to spread the melted chocolate around—it creates this perfectly smooth, colorful top that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Step 4: Chill Until Set

Pop the whole tray into the refrigerator or freezer for about 5 to 15 minutes. This helps the chocolate harden and “set,” so your little snacks hold together beautifully without smudging or melting on your fingers.

Step 5: Store and Enjoy

Once chilled, transfer your Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs to an airtight container. They keep well at room temperature for a day or two, or longer if stored in a cool spot.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe dozens of times, and trust me, those few minutes in the oven are crucial. Here’s what I’ve learned to make your batch perfect every time.

Watch the clock: If chocolates melt too much, the M&M won’t sit properly; aim for that shiny softness but not full meltdown.
Handle with care: Use a spatula to move the tray into and out of the oven gently, so pretzels and softened chocolate don’t shift or stick.
Press gently: When placing the M&M, just a slight press is needed—you want to spread chocolate but avoid cracking the candy shell.
Don’t skip chilling: The set time is your friend—rushing this will make the final treats messy or sticky.

How to Serve Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe

Garnishes

I usually skip extra garnishes because these pretty little treats stand on their own, but for parties, I sometimes sprinkle finely crushed peppermint on top right after placing the M&M for a festive crunch and aroma.

Side Dishes

These Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. I’ve also served them alongside fresh fruit and cheese platters for a little sweet-and-savory fun.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to arrange these treats on festive platters lined with doilies or colorful tissue paper. They also look super cute tucked into clear treat bags tied with ribbon—perfect for gifting or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days if my kitchen isn’t too warm. Beyond that, I recommend refrigeration to keep the chocolate firm and avoid sticky fingers.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag without issue. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving so the chocolate doesn’t get too soft or crumbly.

Reheating

Usually, I don’t reheat these because they’re best enjoyed at room temp or chilled. But if you want softer chocolate, a few seconds in the microwave on low power works—just watch them carefully!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use puffed pretzels or other shapes instead of square ones?

Square pretzels are best because they provide a flat, sturdy base for the Hug chocolates to sit on and melt evenly. Other shapes, like twists or rounds, might cause the chocolate to slide off or not set properly.

Why shouldn’t I use butter snap pretzels for this recipe?

Butter snap pretzels have a softer, more delicate texture and can become soggy or break apart under the melting chocolate. The recipe works best with crisp, sturdy square pretzels that hold their shape during baking and chilling.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Absolutely! You can assemble and chill the Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs a day or two before your event. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

What’s the key to getting the chocolate perfect when baking?

The key is low heat and watching closely. Bake at 200°F just until the Hershey's Hugs look shiny and softened but not fully melted. This ensures the chocolate spreads nicely when you add the M&M without becoming a gooey mess.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe is such a quick, joyful creation that I find myself making it every holiday season and when friends come over unexpectedly. It’s a delightful way to share a little sweet-and-salty happiness with minimal fuss. I can’t recommend it enough—grab those pretzels and chocolates and give it a try. You’ll love how easy it is to impress!