Name: Hershey Kiss Pretzels Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 24 square pretzels; 12 Hershey Kisses, unwrapped; 12 Hershey Hugs, unwrapped; 24 Christmas M&Ms

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If you’re looking for a sweet and salty snack that’s as festive as it is delicious, the Hershey Kiss Pretzels Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the crunchy saltiness of pretzels with the creamy melt of Hershey’s Kisses and Hugs chocolates, finished off with colorful Christmas M&Ms, this treat is not only visually delightful but incredibly addictive. It’s so easy to make, it’s perfect for last-minute parties, holiday gifting, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth with a little bit of flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black speckled baking tray lined with a crumpled white parchment paper, resting on a white marbled surface. On the tray, 25 small square pretzels are arranged in a 5 by 5 grid. Each pretzel has one of two types of toppings: half of them are topped with a swirl of white and brown chocolate with a green M&M candy in the center, while the other half have a dollop of milk chocolate with either a red or green M&M candy placed neatly on top. The layers are clearly visible with the twisted lines of chocolate contrasting against the square pretzels and shiny smooth candy centered on each piece. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze for this Hershey Kiss Pretzels Recipe, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of taste and texture. These simple components come together to create a snack that is both charming and irresistible.

24 square pretzels: Their perfect saltiness and sturdy shape hold the chocolate and M&Ms beautifully.
12 Hershey Kisses (unwrapped): Classic milk chocolate kisses melt perfectly to create a luscious base.
12 Hershey Hugs (unwrapped): White and milk chocolate swirled, adding a lovely visual contrast and creamy sweetness.
24 Christmas M&Ms: These colorful candies add a festive pop of color and a sweet candy crunch that elevates each bite.

How to Make Hershey Kiss Pretzels Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Starting off, preheat your oven to a mild 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a snap. This gentle heat is just right to soften the chocolates without burning them.

Step 2: Arrange Pretzels and Top with Chocolates

Lay out your square pretzels in a single layer on the parchment-lined pan. Alternate between placing a Hershey Kiss and a Hershey Hug on top of each pretzel to create variety and visual appeal. This step ensures every bite has that perfect chocolate-to-pretzel ratio.

Step 3: Bake Until Chocolates Soften

Pop the tray in the oven and allow the chocolates to bake for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the goal is to soften the chocolate just enough so it’s pliable but not melted into a puddle. This gentle warming makes the next step of adding M&Ms a breeze.

Step 4: Press in the M&Ms

Once removed from the oven, let the pretzels sit for about one minute to cool slightly. Then, gently press one Christmas M&M into the center of each softened chocolate. This little touch adds a fun burst of color and an extra bit of crunch.

Step 5: Allow the Chocolate to Set

After decorating, let your treats sit at room temperature until the chocolate firms up again—about 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re impatient like me, refrigerate them for 15 minutes to speed this up. This setting step is what holds everything together perfectly for eating or packing.

How to Serve Hershey Kiss Pretzels Recipe

The image shows a close-up of small snack squares made of three layers. The bottom layer is a golden-brown, square pretzel with a shiny, slightly rough texture and salt crystals on top. The middle layer alternates between smooth milk chocolate discs and white marshmallow circles with brown chocolate stripes. The top layer features colorful M&M candies, mostly red ones on the marshmallow squares and a mix of red and green on the chocolate discs. The snacks are laid out in a neat grid on a white marbled surface, filling the frame with even lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the Hershey Kiss Pretzels shine on their own, you can sprinkle a tiny pinch of festive-colored sanding sugar or edible glitter on top before the chocolate sets for an extra special sparkle. A light dusting of crushed peppermint after setting also adds a refreshing holiday flair.

Side Dishes

These pretzels pair wonderfully with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a creamy eggnog, enhancing that cozy holiday vibe. You might also serve them alongside a cheese board where sweet meets savory and creates an unexpected delight for your guests’ tastebuds.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes all the difference—try arranging your Hershey Kiss Pretzels Recipe on a festive platter lined with holly leaves or in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for charming edible gifts. For parties, display them in cupcake liners to keep pieces separated and easy to grab. They’re as much fun to look at as to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight. This will keep the pretzels crunchy and the chocolate from sweating for up to a week, making them perfect for snacking throughout the holidays.

Freezing

You can freeze Hershey Kiss Pretzels, but take care to layer them between sheets of wax paper or parchment to avoid sticking. Stored in a sealed freezer-safe container, they’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

Reheating

If you want to refresh their melty goodness after storage, gently warm them in a low oven (around 200 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes. This reawakens the chocolate without making the pretzels soggy. Just be sure to watch them closely so the chocolate softens but does not fully melt away.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pretzels for this Hershey Kiss Pretzels Recipe?

Square pretzels work best because they provide a stable base for the chocolate and M&Ms. Using traditional pretzel twists might create balancing issues, causing the chocolate to slide off. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try and see how it goes!

Is it necessary to unwrapped the chocolates before baking?

Absolutely. Wrappers would melt and ruin your treats. Always unwrap the Hershey Kisses and Hugs before placing them on the pretzels to ensure the chocolate melts properly and combines with the salty base.

What if I don’t have Christmas M&Ms? Can I substitute?

Definitely! Any small, colorful candy-coated chocolate or even mini chocolate chips can work nicely. The M&Ms add festive colors and a slight crunch, but feel free to customize based on what you have on hand or your preferred flavor combinations.

How do I prevent the chocolate from over-melting?

Baking at 200 degrees Fahrenheit is key to gently softening the chocolate without causing it to become a puddle. Keep your eyes on the oven and check at the 3-minute mark so you don’t overheat. The texture should be soft enough to press the M&Ms in, but not runny.

Can I make these Hershey Kiss Pretzels Recipe for other occasions?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Swap out the seasonal M&Ms for colors and themes that match birthdays, baby showers, or any festive event. The combination of salty and sweet is always a crowd-pleaser no matter the celebration.

Final Thoughts

The Hershey Kiss Pretzels Recipe is such a delightful treat that brings together the best of sweet, salty, and colorful in just minutes. It’s a recipe that’s simple to make, fun to share, and guaranteed to brighten any gathering. Trust me, once you try it, these charming little bites will become a staple in your snack rotation and holiday celebrations—don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy every delicious moment!