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

Crunchy pretzels, melty Hershey's Hugs, and colorful M&Ms all come together in this delightful bite-sized treat that’s impossible to resist. The Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe is simply perfect for snack time, parties, or any moment you want a little sweet and salty magic.

The image shows a grid of small treats arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Each treat has three layers: the bottom is a square, light brown pretzel with a slightly rough texture, followed by a melted white chocolate layer that fills the pretzel shape and is decorated with thin, diagonal milk chocolate stripes. On top of the white chocolate, a single red or green candy is placed in the center, alternating colors evenly across the grid. The candies are shiny and round, standing out against the smooth, creamy white chocolate base 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

Honestly, I’ve made these Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs more times than I can count. They’re one of those treats that feels like a party in every bite — salty, sweet, crunchy, and just the right amount of gooey. Plus, it only takes a handful of simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish!

Easy to make: Just three ingredients and a few minutes in the oven are all you need.
Perfect for sharing: They make adorable party favors or snack table eye candy.
Customizable colors: Use M&Ms for any season or celebration, making it so fun to personalize.
Great for kids and adults: Everyone loves the mix of crunchy pretzels, melty chocolate, and candy coating.

The image shows a baking tray lined with white parchment paper holding multiple rows of small treats. Each treat has three layers: the bottom is a square, crunchy pretzel with a light brown color and visible salt grains; the middle layer is a white, round chocolate piece with smooth edges and dark brown chocolate swirls on top; the top layer is one red or green candy piece placed in the center with a shiny texture and a small white letter printed on it. The treats are neatly arranged in straight lines across the tray, which rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients work together in such a simple but perfect way — the salty pretzel balances the creamy chocolate, with the M&M adding a pop of color and a little extra crunch. When you shop, look for square pretzels, not butter snaps, because they hold up best under the warm chocolate hug.

Flat lay of a neat pile of square pretzels with golden brown edges, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shiny unwrapped silver-and-white Hershey's Hugs chocolates, a small white ceramic bowl containing glossy red and green milk chocolate M&M's, all arranged symmetrically 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 shape nicely catches the melting Hug chocolate so it spreads evenly without slipping off.
Hershey's Hugs Chocolates: These have a creamy, swirled milk and white chocolate flavor that melts beautifully when warmed.
Milk Chocolate M&Ms: Choose festive colors for a seasonal touch or just go with classic rainbow—the candy shell adds a satisfying snap.

📝

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 best things about the Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love swapping out M&M colors based on holidays or using peanut butter hugs for a fun twist. Feel free to get creative and find your favorite combos!

Variation: I’ve tried peppermint M&Ms at Christmas, which add a refreshing crunch — a nice surprise with the sweet chocolate.
Diet-friendly Swap: For a slightly healthier option, try dark chocolate hugs and skip the candy coating, or use yogurt-covered raisins instead.
Seasonal Flair: Use pastel colored M&Ms for Easter or bright ones for summer parties.
Difficulty Level: This recipe is perfect for kids to help with — just be careful with the oven timing and hot trays!

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

Step 1: Prep and Line Your Baking Sheet

First, I preheat my oven to 200°F — low enough to soften the chocolate without melting it completely. Then, I line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat to keep those pretzels from sticking. I find this helps keep the cleanup easy and ensures each treat stays perfect.

Step 2: Arrange Pretzels and Add Hershey's Hugs

Place the square pretzels in a single layer on the prepared sheet, making sure each isn’t crowded so the Hugs can melt evenly. Then, unwrapping each Hug can be meditative — I usually enlist a kitchen helper for this part — and place one chocolate on top of each pretzel.

Step 3: Bake Until Shiny and Soft

Pop the tray in the oven for 4–5 minutes. You’ll want to watch closely — the chocolate should get shiny and soft, not totally melted. This step is key because if it melts too much, the pretzels won't hold the chocolate well, and the M&M won't stick properly later.

Step 4: Top with M&Ms and Press Gently

Once out of the oven, immediately place one M&M in the center of each soft Hug and gently press down. It’s satisfying to see the Hug spread just enough to hug the candy without spilling over the edges. A gentle touch here makes all the difference!

Step 5: Chill and Set

I usually pop the whole tray in the freezer or fridge for 5–15 minutes, just until the chocolate sets solid. This helps the treats keep their shape and makes them easier to handle when you’re ready to serve or package them.

Step 6: Store and Enjoy!

Transfer your finished Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs to an airtight container, and store them in a cool place. They keep well for several days, but trust me — they never last that long around here!

Top Tip

From my many rounds of making the Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that really improve your results and save stress. These little pointers make a world of difference!

Watch the Oven Time: The magic window is about 4 to 5 minutes—any longer and the chocolate loses shape.
Use Square Pretzels: Their shape holds the chocolate better, stopping it from sliding off.
Press M&Ms Gently: Too much pressure will crack the pretzel; too light and the M&M won't stick.
Chill to Set: Don’t skip the fridge or freezer step—setting the chocolate is key to neat, easy-to-handle treats.

How to Serve Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe

Garnishes

I like to serve these with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for an extra burst of flavor—if I’m feeling fancy! Sometimes I'll swap regular M&Ms with holiday-themed ones to brighten up the display.

Side Dishes

These bites pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. At parties, I set them out alongside bowls of mixed nuts and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve arranged them on a festive platter in patterns or placed each in mini cupcake liners for easy grabbing. They also make darling little gift box treats—just tie with a cute ribbon and you’ve got an instant crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs in an airtight container at room temperature if my kitchen stays cool. If it’s warm, the fridge is best to keep the chocolate firm and prevent melting or stickiness.

Freezing

They freeze wonderfully! Just flash freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag to avoid sticking. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes—still delicious and perfect.

Reheating

Since they’re best enjoyed at room temp or cool, I usually just let them sit out for a bit after refrigeration. If you want a softer chocolate hug, a few seconds in a low-temp oven or microwave (careful, though) can help—but watch closely to avoid melting everything.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of pretzels in this Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe?

It’s best to use square pretzels as recommended because their shape holds the chocolate well, helping the Hug spread evenly and the M&M stay in place. Butter snap pretzels are thinner and may not support the chocolate without breaking.

How do I know when the Hershey's Hugs are ready in the oven?

Look for the chocolate to become shiny and soft but not fully melted or dripping. This usually takes 4 to 5 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The chocolate should still hold its shape so the M&M can stick properly.

Can I make Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make these a day or two ahead. Store them in an airtight container in a cool place or the fridge. They even freeze well, which is great if you want to prep for a party early.

What kind of M&Ms work best for this recipe?

Milk chocolate M&Ms are classic and melt-resistant with their candy shell, making them perfect. You can choose seasonal colors or special editions, but stick with the standard size rather than minis to match the Hug size and pretzel perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Pretzel M&M Chocolate Hugs Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together so many simple pleasures: sweet, salty, colorful, and fun. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just your own afternoon snack, they’re sure to brighten your day. Grab the ingredients, and give this little treat a try — I promise you’ll love the joy in every bite as much as I do!