Pretzel Hugs Recipe

Pretzels: These are small, crunchy, and salty snacks that form the base of this recipe. Hershey's Hugs: A type of chocolate candy that combines white and milk chocolate in a striped pattern. M&M's: Colorful candy-coated chocolates that add a pop of color and extra sweetness.

When placing the pretzels on the baking sheet, ensure they are evenly spaced to allow for uniform heating. This prevents the Hershey's Hugs from melting unevenly. Additionally, when pressing the M&M's into the softened Hugs, do so gently but firmly to avoid cracking the candy shell while ensuring it adheres well to the chocolate.

• pretzels - Substitute with mini pretzel sticks: Mini pretzel sticks provide the same salty crunch and are easier to handle for some people.

• pretzels - Substitute with waffle pretzels: Waffle pretzels offer a similar texture and shape, making them a good alternative for holding the toppings.

• hershey's hugs - Substitute with hershey's kisses: Hershey's kisses have a similar chocolate base and can be used interchangeably.

• hershey's hugs - Substitute with white chocolate chips: White chocolate chips provide a similar creamy texture and sweetness.

• m&m's - Substitute with reese's pieces: Reese's pieces offer a peanut butter flavor that complements the chocolate and pretzel combination.

• m&m's - Substitute with skittles: Skittles provide a fruity twist and a different texture, adding variety to the treat.

• Allow the pretzel hugs to cool completely on the baking sheet. This ensures that the chocolate sets properly and doesn't smudge or deform when handled.
• Once cooled, gently transfer the pretzel hugs to an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard works perfectly.
• For longer storage, place the airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the pretzel hugs fresh for up to two weeks.
• If you want to freeze them, first place the pretzel hugs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together.
• After the initial freeze, transfer the pretzel hugs to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of their freshness. Frozen pretzel hugs can be stored for up to three months.
• When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the pretzel hugs at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. They will taste just as delightful as when freshly made.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Arrange the leftover pretzel hugs in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  4. Place the baking sheet in the oven for about 3-5 minutes, just until the hershey's hugs start to soften.
  5. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a few pretzel hugs on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Check to see if the hershey's hugs are softening.
  3. If needed, continue microwaving in 5-second intervals until the hershey's hugs are soft but not melted.
  4. Let them cool for a minute 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 pretzel hugs in a single layer on the tray.
  4. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, watching closely to ensure the hershey's hugs soften but do not melt.
  5. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

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

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill a saucepan with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, ensuring it doesn't touch the water.
  3. Arrange the pretzel hugs in the bowl.
  4. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the hershey's hugs begin to soften.
  5. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly 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 pretzels in a single layer for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lines the baking sheet to prevent the pretzels and chocolate from sticking.

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

• Spatula: Helps to remove the pretzel hugs from the baking sheet once they have cooled.

• Cooling rack: Allows the pretzel hugs to cool completely before serving.

• Bowl: Used to hold the unwrapped Hershey's Hugs and M&M's for easy access during assembly.

Preheat while prepping: Save time by preheating your oven as you unwrap the Hershey's Hugs and arrange the pretzels on the baking sheet.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup quick and easy.

Unwrap in advance: Unwrap all the Hershey's Hugs before you start assembling to streamline the process.

Batch work: Arrange all the pretzels on the baking sheet first, then place the Hershey's Hugs on top, and finally press the M&M's after baking.

Cool quickly: Place the baking sheet in the fridge to cool the treats faster.