The delightful aroma of melting chocolate and the sweet crunch of pretzels collide in a symphony of flavor that is simply irresistible. Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a festive experience that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine the sound of laughter as friends and family gather around, eagerly reaching for these delicious morsels. For more inspiration, check out this Coconut Macaroon Nests recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use gluten-free pretzels for Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies?
- How do I prevent the chocolate from burning?
- Can I freeze Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every holiday season, I whip up these cookies, and they never fail to get rave reviews. The combination of salty pretzels, creamy chocolate, and colorful M&Ms creates a delightful explosion of flavors that brings back memories of cozy nights spent baking with loved ones. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties or simply for indulging yourself when you need a little pick-me-up.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies are incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy bakers or last-minute gifts
- Their unique blend of sweet and salty flavors makes them irresistibly delicious
- Visually appealing with their colorful toppings, they add festive cheer to any dessert table
- Enjoy them at holiday gatherings or as a fun family baking project
I remember the first time I made these cookies; my kids couldn’t stop giggling as they unwrapped the candy kisses.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Small Pretzels: Choose square or traditional shapes for a delightful crunch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Chocolate Hugs (or Kisses): These melt beautifully and add a creamy richness; opt for milk chocolate for classic flavor.
- M&Ms: Use festive colors during the holidays to make your cookies pop visually while adding extra sweetness.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: This prevents sticking and ensures an easy cleanup after baking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and helps those pretzels stay nice and crunchy.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. This will keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Arrange the Pretzels: Place small pretzels in rows on the baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out enough so each cookie can shine without crowding.
Add Chocolate Hugs: Unwrap your chocolate hugs or kisses and place one on top of each pretzel carefully. The goal is to have them nestled right into that salty embrace.
Bake Away!: Pop those trays into your preheated oven for about 4-5 minutes until you see the chocolate start to soften but not melt completely. You want them gooey yet firm enough to hold their shape.
Add M&Ms: As soon as you pull them out, gently press an M&M into each melted hug; watch how it sinks in like a happy little friend finding its cozy spot!
Cool & Enjoy!: Let your cookies cool on the tray for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. They’ll firm up as they cool; try not to eat them all at once!
These Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies are not only fun to make but also an absolute delight to share! Their sweet-salty magic will leave everyone craving more—trust me!
You Must Know
- These Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and salty
- They’re fun to make, and the kids will love helping out
- The warm chocolate aroma wafting through your kitchen will surely spread holiday cheer!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange pretzels on a baking sheet, top with chocolate, and bake until just softened. Then, press in M&Ms for a festive look!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up the chocolate by using dark or white chocolate instead of milk chocolate. You can also experiment with different colored M&Ms for various occasions!
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If they last that long, reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain their chewy texture. For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Cookies recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use mini pretzels for bite-sized treats; they’re perfect for those who want just a taste
- Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can lead to hard cookies
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing them to prevent sogginess
The first time I made these cookies, my nephew declared them better than any Christmas gift! Their delightful crunch combined with the sweetness melted my heart and made me their biggest fan.
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pretzels for Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pretzels work perfectly and taste just as delicious.
How do I prevent the chocolate from burning?
Keep an eye on the chocolate while baking; it only takes a couple of minutes to soften.
Can I freeze Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re properly wrapped in plastic wrap.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies! This delightful treat combines salty pretzels, creamy chocolate hugs, and colorful M&Ms to create a deliciously unique dessert. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family baking session, these cookies are not only easy to make but also visually stunning. Experience the joy of sharing this sweet-salty delight that will leave everyone wanting more!
Ingredients
- 2 cups small pretzels (about 80 pretzels)
- 1 cup chocolate hugs or kisses (approximately 30 pieces)
- 1 cup M&Ms (festive colors preferred)
- Nonstick cooking spray (for baking sheet)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the pretzels in rows on the baking sheet, ensuring enough space between them.
- Unwrap the chocolate hugs or kisses and place one on each pretzel.
- Bake for 4-5 minutes until chocolate is softened but not fully melted.
- Remove from the oven and gently press an M&M into each chocolate hug.
- Allow cookies to cool on the tray for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
