Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe

Pretzel squares: These are small, square-shaped pretzels that provide a salty crunch to the recipe.

Hershey's Hugs: A type of chocolate kiss with a white and milk chocolate swirl, adding a creamy sweetness.

Candy corn: A classic Halloween candy with a tri-color design, offering a chewy texture and sweet flavor.

To ensure your pretzel squares remain crisp and your Hershey's Hugs melt evenly, make sure to preheat your oven to exactly 200°F (93°C). This low temperature allows the chocolate to soften without fully melting, creating the perfect base for pressing in the candy corn. Additionally, using parchment paper on your baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

• pretzel squares - Substitute with mini pretzel twists: Mini pretzel twists provide a similar salty crunch and can hold the toppings just as well.

• pretzel squares - Substitute with wafer crackers: Wafer crackers offer a different texture but can still serve as a sturdy base for the toppings.

• hershey's hugs - Substitute with milk chocolate kisses: Milk chocolate kisses have a similar shape and melt in the same way, providing a comparable taste and texture.

• hershey's hugs - Substitute with white chocolate chips: White chocolate chips can be used for a similar creamy sweetness, though the shape will differ.

• candy corn - Substitute with m&ms: M&Ms offer a similar pop of color and sweetness, making them a good visual and taste substitute.

• candy corn - Substitute with gummy bears: Gummy bears provide a chewy texture and a variety of colors, adding a fun twist to the recipe.

• To keep your candy corn pretzel hugs fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from becoming stale or absorbing any unwanted odors from other foods in your pantry.

• If you plan to enjoy them within a week, simply place the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can cause the chocolate to melt and lose its shape.

• For longer storage, you can refrigerate the candy corn pretzel hugs. Place the airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving, as the chocolate can become quite hard when chilled.

• If you want to keep them for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Arrange the candy corn pretzel hugs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. This initial freezing step ensures they won't stick together.

• Once they are frozen solid, transfer the candy corn pretzel hugs to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date, so you know how long they've been stored. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delightful taste and texture.

• When you're ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will bring back their perfect, slightly chewy texture.

• Remember, whether storing or freezing, always handle your candy corn pretzel hugs with clean, dry hands to maintain their quality and prevent any contamination.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Arrange the candy corn pretzel hugs in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  4. Place the baking sheet in the oven and heat for about 3-5 minutes, just until the hershey's hugs are soft but not completely melted.
  5. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a microwave-safe plate with a piece of parchment paper.
  2. Arrange the candy corn pretzel hugs on the plate in a single layer.
  3. Microwave on medium power for about 10-15 seconds. Check to see if the hershey's hugs are soft. If not, continue to microwave in 5-second intervals.
  4. Allow them to cool for a minute or two before enjoying.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 250°F (121°C).
  2. Line the toaster oven tray with parchment paper.
  3. Place the candy corn pretzel hugs on the tray in a single layer.
  4. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, until the hershey's hugs are soft but not melted.
  5. Remove from the toaster oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 250°F (121°C).
  2. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
  3. Arrange the candy corn pretzel hugs in a single layer in the basket.
  4. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to ensure the hershey's hugs are soft but not melted.
  5. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill the bottom of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the candy corn pretzel hugs in the top part of the double boiler.
  3. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the hershey's hugs are soft but not melted.
  4. Remove from heat and allow them to cool before serving.

• Oven: Used to preheat to 200°F (93°C) and bake the pretzel hugs until the Hershey's Hugs are soft.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to arrange the pretzel squares in a single layer for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lines the baking sheet to prevent the pretzel hugs from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when handling the hot baking sheet from the oven.

• Cooling rack: Allows the pretzel hugs to cool completely after baking, ensuring they set properly.

• Spatula: Helps to transfer the pretzel hugs from the baking sheet to the cooling rack without disturbing their shape.

Preheat efficiently: Preheat the oven while gathering your ingredients to save time.

Use parchment paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Unwrap in advance: Unwrap all hershey's hugs before starting to streamline the process.

Batch process: Arrange all pretzel squares on the baking sheet before adding the hugs.

Quick cooling: Place the baking sheet in the fridge to cool the candy corn pretzel hugs faster.