Oh my gosh, you guys – these Christmas pretzel treats are my absolute favorite holiday tradition! I still remember the first time my mom and I made them together when I was little. The whole house smelled like melted chocolate, and we ended up with more M&M’s in our mouths than on the pretzels (oops!). Now, every December, I whip up a batch of these sweet-and-salty festive delights – they’re ridiculously easy, totally addictive, and look so darn cute on cookie trays. Seriously, if you need a last-minute holiday treat that’ll have everyone reaching for more, this is it. Three ingredients, zero stress, and maximum Christmas cheer!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Pretzel Treats Festive Delights Recipe
Listen, I know holiday baking can get overwhelming – but this recipe? It’s your new best friend. Here’s why:
- Quick & Easy: Seriously, 15 minutes start to finish. Even if you burn the first batch (we’ve all been there), you can start over without crying.
- Kid-Friendly Magic: Little hands love pressing those M&M’s into the melty chocolate. Just don’t blame me when they “sample” half the toppings.
- Customizable: Swap colors for any holiday – pastel M&M’s for Easter? Yes please!
- Gift-Worthy: Toss them in cute bags with ribbon, and boom – instant edible presents that’ll make you look like a kitchen rockstar.
Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your holiday staple too!
Ingredients for Christmas Pretzel Treats Festive Delights
Okay, here’s the beautiful part – you only need three things to make these holiday wonders:
- 24 square pretzels (the waffle-style ones work best – they’re like little edible plates for our chocolate!)
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs, unwrapped (pro tip: do this first unless you want sticky fingers slowing you down)
- 24 red and green M&M’s (go for the holiday colors – they make these treats scream “Christmas!”)
That’s it! No fancy ingredients, no weird pantry items – just pure, simple deliciousness waiting to happen.
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Treats Festive Delights
Alright, let’s get to the fun part! Making these treats is so easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing it every Christmas. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfect pretzel delights in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first – preheat that oven to 170°F (75°C). I know it seems low, but trust me, we’re just warming the chocolate gently here. While that’s heating up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper – this is crucial unless you want chocolate cemented to your pan (been there, not fun). Arrange your pretzels in neat little rows, leaving some space between them. They’re like tiny edible landing pads waiting for their chocolate passengers!
Step 2: Add Chocolate
Now for the best part – unwrap all those Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs. Pro tip: do this while watching your favorite Christmas movie to make the time fly! Place one chocolate right in the center of each pretzel. Try to keep them centered – it makes the final product look so much prettier. And don’t worry if they’re not perfect, they’ll melt into place!
Step 3: Bake and Decorate
Pop your tray in the oven for just 4-5 minutes. Set a timer – chocolate goes from perfect to puddle real quick! When the Kisses look shiny and slightly softened (not completely melted), take them out immediately. Now comes the magic: gently press one M&M into the center of each chocolate. Don’t push too hard or you’ll squish the chocolate right off the pretzel (learned that one the hard way!). Let them cool completely before serving – the chocolate firms up beautifully.
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Pretzel Treats Festive Delights
After making these treats for years (and yes, making every mistake possible), here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Watch that oven! 170°F is plenty – any hotter and your chocolate will turn into a messy puddle instead of staying perfectly soft.
- Patience is key – let them cool completely before moving or storing, or you’ll end up with chocolate fingerprints everywhere.
- Splurge on good chocolate – generic brands sometimes don’t melt as smoothly. Trust me, it’s worth the extra dollar for perfect results!
Follow these tips and you’ll have treats that look as good as they taste – promise!
Variations for Christmas Pretzel Treats Festive Delights
Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try these fun twists:
- Peppermint Party: Swap M&M’s for crushed candy canes – that minty crunch is pure holiday magic!
- Reese’s Lovers: Use peanut butter cups instead of Kisses and peanut M&M’s for a nutty delight.
- White Chocolate Elegance: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled treats for extra festive flair.
- Year-Round Fun: Change up the M&M colors – pastels for Easter, orange/black for Halloween, you name it!
Seriously, these treats are like a blank canvas for your candy creativity!
Storing Your Christmas Pretzel Treats Festive Delights
Here’s the good news – these treats stay fresh for days! Just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature (no fridge needed). They’ll keep their crunch for about a week – if they last that long! One warning though – keep them away from humidity or they’ll get sticky. Learned that lesson the hard way when I left a batch near my steamy kitchen window!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Pretzel Treats Festive Delights
Now, let’s be real – we’re not eating these for their health benefits! But since you asked (or maybe just feel guilty after eating five in a row), here’s the scoop per treat:
- Calories: About 50 (but who’s counting during the holidays?)
- Sugar: 5g (that’s what makes them so irresistible!)
- Fat: 2g (mostly from that delicious chocolate)
Remember, these are estimates – actual values might vary slightly based on your specific ingredients. But honestly? When something tastes this good and brings this much joy, I say enjoy every bite and worry about the numbers later!
FAQs About Christmas Pretzel Treats Festive Delights
Can I use other chocolates? Absolutely! While Hershey’s Kisses are classic, I’ve had great success with Rolos (hello caramel surprise!) and even mini Reese’s cups. Just watch baking times – some chocolates melt faster than others. Dark chocolate works beautifully too if you prefer something less sweet. For more information on chocolate melting points, check out resources on food science.
How do I prevent sticking? Two words: parchment paper. It’s your best friend here! Also, make sure to let the treats cool completely before moving them. If you’re in a hurry, pop the whole tray in the fridge for 10 minutes – the chocolate sets up perfectly.
Can I make these ahead? You bet! These actually hold up great for 3-4 days when stored properly. I often make big batches for holiday parties – they’re one less thing to stress about day-of. Just keep them in an airtight container away from heat and humidity. If you are looking for tips on proper food storage, consulting guidelines from a food safety authority is always a good idea.
Share Your Christmas Pretzel Treats Festive Delights
I’d absolutely love to see your creations! Snap a pic of your pretzel treats and tag me – I’ll be your biggest cheerleader. Or better yet, make a double batch and share with neighbors (instant holiday hero status!). Happy baking, friends!
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Irresistible Christmas Pretzel Treats Recipe in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 24 treats 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and festive holiday treat that combines sweet and salty flavors. Perfect for Christmas gatherings or as edible gifts.
Ingredients
- 24 square pretzels
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs (unwrapped)
- 24 M&M’s candies (red and green for festive colors)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170°F (75°C).
- Place pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Top each pretzel with one Hershey’s Kiss or Hug.
- Bake for 4-5 minutes until the chocolate softens.
- Remove from the oven and press one M&M into the center of each Kiss.
- Let cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use different colored M&M’s for other holidays.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For a quicker option, microwave the Kisses for 5-10 seconds before placing on pretzels.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
Keywords: Christmas pretzel treats, holiday snacks, festive desserts, easy candy recipes