If you're looking for a festive treat that's as easy as it is adorable, these M&M Pretzel Hugs are your new go-to holiday favorite. They're made with just three ingredients: pretzels, Hershey's Kisses, and holiday M&M's!
These sweet and salty bites are perfect for cookie trays, classroom parties, edible gifts, or a quick baking project with the kids. They come together in minutes, require zero baking skills, and always disappear fast (so go ahead and make a double batch!).
I've been making these easy Christmas cookies for years, and they're one of the few recipes that everyone from toddlers to grandparents can help with. You don't need a mixer, fancy equipment, or even much time. Just a sheet pan, some seasonal candy, and a few spare minutes in the oven. And if you can get your hands on the seasonal pretzels, even better!
What Are M&M Pretzel Hugs?
M&M Pretzel Hugs are a simple, no-bake holiday treat made by melting a Hershey's Kiss onto a mini pretzel, then pressing an M&M into the soft chocolate. They're also known as Christmas pretzel hugs, holiday pretzel bites, or pretzel buttons. Whatever you call them, they're festive, fun, and SO delicious to eat!
These bite-sized treats deliver the perfect sweet-and-salty combo:
- The crunchy pretzel base adds just the right amount of salt.
- The melted chocolate kiss gives you a rich, creamy center.
- The M&M on top adds color, a pop of texture, and holiday charm.
- They're ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, and edible gifts, and since they require almost no prep or cleanup, they're perfect for kids to help make during Christmas break.
Ingredients You'll Need
These M&M Pretzel Hugs couldn't be easier! They only require three ingredients, all of which are easy to find during the holidays.
- Waffle Pretzels or Holiday-Shaped Pretzels: These flat pretzels are perfect for holding melted chocolate and pressing in the M&M. You can use square "Snaps," mini twists, or even festive shapes like stars or trees. The UTZ brand sells the festive shapes and I've seen them occasionally in stores, but you can also order bags of 6 or more directly from their site. Trader Joe's has also carried them around the holidays, so check there, too!
- Hershey's Kisses (12 oz bag): Any flavor works here! Classic milk chocolate is always a hit, but you can get creative with candy cane, cookies and creme, hot cocoa, caramel, or Hershey's Hugs (white chocolate + milk chocolate swirl).
- Holiday M&M's (plain or peanut butter): Use the red and green variety for a festive Christmas look. Peanut, peanut butter, or even crispy M&Ms all work, just make sure they're not too big to sit on the melted Kiss.
- Optional Substitutes & Add-Ins: Try Mini Reese's Cups, Rolos, Dove Promises, or Brach's Chocolate Stars in place of Hershey's Kisses. Swap M&M's for nuts, peppermint candies, or sprinkles if you want something different.
Step-by-Step Instructions
These festive little treats come together in minutes and are so pretty on a holiday cookie tray! Here's how to make them:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 170°F (or 200°F if your oven doesn't go that low). A low temp is key because you want the chocolate to soften, not melt completely.
- Arrange the pretzels: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Place the waffle pretzels (or holiday-shaped pretzels) in a single layer on the sheet, spacing them just slightly apart.
- Add the Hershey's Kisses: Unwrap your Hershey's Kisses and place one in the center of each pretzel.
- Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 6 minutes, or until the chocolate looks glossy and slightly soft but still holds its shape. Don't overbake! You're just warming the chocolate so it's soft enough to press.
- Press in the M&Ms: Immediately after removing the tray from the oven, press one M&M gently into the center of each Kiss. The chocolate should spread just slightly and anchor the M&M in place.
- Cool until set: Let the pretzel hugs cool at room temperature or transfer the tray to the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes until they're fully set.
- Serve or gift: Once the chocolate is firm, store them in an airtight container or package them in cellophane bags for easy edible gifts or your cookie trays.
Flavor & Color Variations
One of the best things about M&M Pretzel Hugs is how easy they are to customize. You can switch up the flavors or colors for different holidays or add sprinkles and different flavors!
Chocolate Variations
- Hershey's Hugs (white + milk chocolate swirl)
- Candy Cane Kisses for a peppermint twist
- Caramel Kisses for gooey centers
- Cookies and Creme, Hot Cocoa, or Almond Kisses
- Try Mini Reese's Cups, Rolos, or Dove Promises
M&M Variations
Holiday M&Ms (red and green) for Christmas
Pink, red & white for Valentine's Day
Pastels for Easter or spring parties
Red, white & blue for the 4th of July
Orange & brown for Halloween or Thanksgiving
Try Peanut Butter M&Ms, Peanut, Crispy, or Caramel (just be sure they're not too big for the chocolate base)
Topping Ideas
- Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles, crushed peppermint candies, or colored sanding sugar
- Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate once they've cooled
- Top with a toasted pecan and use caramel kisses for a "turtle" version
These little treats are perfect for customizing based on your favorite flavors or the holiday you're celebrating. Once you make one version, you'll want to try them all!
How to Store
Room Temperature
- Once cooled and fully set, transfer to an airtight container.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from heat or sunlight to prevent the chocolate from softening or blooming.
- Layer with wax or parchment paper if stacking in a container to keep the tops looking perfect.
Freezing
- Place cooled pretzel hugs in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- Layer with parchment or wax paper if needed.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead
These are a great make-ahead Christmas cookie. You can prep them weeks in advance and either store them at room temp or freeze until needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of chocolate besides Hershey's Kisses?
Definitely! Rolos, Mini Reese's Cups, Dove Promises, and Brach's Chocolate Stars all work well. Just make sure the chocolate will soften (not melt completely) when heated.
Can I use peanut butter or peanut M&Ms?
Peanut, peanut butter, caramel, and even crispy M&Ms work great. Just make sure the M&M size isn't too large to press into the softened chocolate.
Do I need to use waffle pretzels?
Waffle (square) pretzels are easiest to work with, but mini twists or holiday-shaped pretzels also work. Just try to use flat pretzels so the chocolate sits evenly.
Do I need to refrigerate M&M Pretzel Hugs?
As long as your kitchen is cool and dry, room temperature storage is just fine. If your home is warm or you want the chocolate to set quickly, pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes after assembling.
Can I freeze M&M Pretzel Hugs?
Yes, these freeze really well. Store them in an airtight container, layered with wax paper, for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make M&M Pretzel Hugs ahead of time?
These are perfect for making ahead! They stay fresh for 2-3 weeks at room temperature and can be frozen for up to 3 months. They're great for gifting or prepping cookie trays in advance.
Where can I find holiday-shaped pretzels?
Check your local stores around the holidays. If you're not able to find them, you can order in bulk through the UTZ brand's website. I've also seen them at Trader Joe's.
I don't know about you, but I love no-bake holiday recipes (anything to make the season as stress-free as possible)! Here are a few of my favorite no-bake holiday treats:
These homemade chocolate truffles are rich, creamy, and perfect for gifting, while dipped strawberries in chocolate add a touch of elegance to any dessert tray. For something else that's festive and fun to make with the kids, dipped pretzel sticks are always a hit, and meringue Christmas trees are light, sweet, and so cute on a cookie platter. If you're into peppermint flavor, don't miss my classic holiday bark, and for the grown-ups, these easy rum truffles are a boozy, bite-sized treat that disappears fast!
Easy Christmas Cookies with Holiday Pretzels
These really are the easiest Christmas cookies you can make! They're always a hit and will fly off of your cookie tray. Give some as homemade gifts, too!
Ingredients
- 1 bag waffle or holiday-shaped pretzels
- 1 bag holiday M&M’s plain or peanut butter chocolate candies
- 1 12-oz bag Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 170 degrees.
- Open the bags of pretzels and remove all the unbroken pretzels.
- Place them on waxed paper-lined cookie sheets in a single layer.
- Unwrap Hershey’s Kisses, place one on each pretzel, repeat for an entire cookie sheet.
- Place cookie sheet in the preheated oven and “bake” for six minutes.
- Immediately upon removing from the oven, place one M-n-M on top of semi-melted Hershey’s Kiss.
- Place entire cookie sheet in refrigerator until cookies are set.
- Place in cute holiday bags or on a cookie tray for your guests to enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 72 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 33Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
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Edwina says
I was looking for a quick and easy recipe to make with the kids and we found these. They were delicious. It was so nice to be able to do something quicker than rolling out cookie dough which can take forever with kids helping! Now that we know they're a success we're going to make them again this week. Thanks for the great idea.
Julie Henriksen says
It is the 2. of June and I am loving these images 🙂
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Julie!
Kelli says
I made these today with my four year old daughter. It was so great because she could help with all the steps from unwrapping the kisses, to placing the m&ms. She loved it and they are so yummy! We used regular mini pretzels and used both chocolate and candy cane flavored kisses. We were able to crank out tons in no time! Thanks!!
the wicked noodle says
This comment made my day, thanks Kelli! I love making these with my girls, too, it's become a holiday tradition. And they're sooo good, aren't they? Addictive! I hope you and your daughter have your best holiday yet. Cheers 🙂
Gail says
Can you freeze these How do you store them and how long do they keep?
the wicked noodle says
I haven't frozen them but I don't see why you couldn't. My only hesitation might be the chocolate, it might not look as good after being frozen although it shouldn't change the flavor. Be sure to wrap them VERY tightly or fill a freezer safe container and don't leave much space. You could also try wrapping one tightly and freezing it for a few hours then seeing how it changes just the one (you don't want to lose a whole batch)! For regular storage, leave at room temp and store in an air-tight container. They'll keep for as long as pretzels keep, so as long as the pretzels are still fresh everything else will be good, too. Let me know if you have any other questions, happy to help. Have a wonderful holiday season, Gail!!
Suzie says
Try
karen fenner says
cant wait to try these, they are so cute
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Karen! Please let me know if you do.
Holly says
We have made some similar to these but I love the star prezels. You have so many wonderful cookie recipes. We would love it if you would link some up to our Cookies For Santa Virtual Cookbook here:
Thanks so much for sharing all of these wonderful cookies. Holly
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Holly!
Ashley - Baker by Nature says
How did I miss this adorable cookie recipe?! My nieces are going to LOVE making these!!!
Lucia says
You can bake on wax paper??
the wicked noodle says
You're not actually "baking" anything; you're simply melting the chocolate.
Pamela Beliveau says
this year's christmas cookies
Alexis says
Made this for the first time today, and everyone loved them! Thanks very much for this easy and wonderful recipe.
Lauren says
These cookies are simple but really festive. I have recently been looking up Christmas Dessert Recipes which I know my seem crazy but Thanksgiving is just around the corner so before we know it, Christmas will be here too. I work with Better Recipes so I am constantly reviewing recipes but the Holiday season is my favorite so I'm always looking for recipes. I especially like this recipe because it can be prepared within a matter of minutes and would be great for one of my kids class holiday party.
Terecita says
I just tried these! I put them on square pretzels cause I couldn't find any star ones. But they turned out delish!! What a great, simple recipe. Perfect for doing with kids! 🙂 Thank you for sharing it!!
Carrie says
These are wonderful! You can also use Rollos. They give it a nice carmel sweet and salty taste. Merry Christmas!
Carrie
Cookie says
I've made these a couple of years ago when my girlfriends came over, except I used the regular shaped pretzels. I also used the regular Hershey's Kisses and also the striped ones. They were super easy and a total hit!
meaghan (chic cookie says
my 2 year old has been obsessed with "helping" me in the kitchen lately (ie, standing on a chair spooning flour into bowls because that's the extent of her skills). But this is one we can definitely do together, so I'll give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
SippitySup says
These are very clever and sure to be a hit! GREG
Karly says
We make these every year using round pretzels...never seen the star shapes before!
BethieofVA says
Too cute, I have seen something similar with Rolos!!
chocolate shavings says
Beautiful!
Lesley Lifting Life says
Those are adorable and so easy! Thanks for sharing : )
the wicked noodle says
I should also note that the UTZ pretzels come in a bag with stars, bells and christmas trees. I only made the cookies with the stars, not the bells or trees, because I thought the chocolate might seep through since the "holes" were much bigger. That will happen with regular shaped pretzels, too, which is why you want either the stars or something waffle shaped. This would also be fun over Easter with pastel colored m&m's, too! 🙂
Julia says
Where did you find the star pretzels? These are the cutest mock Christmas cookies! I like chcolate dipped pretzels, and what a fun, festive alternative. These are going on my Christmas baking list. I found your blog through twitter.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Jenn!
Julia...I found the pretzels at the grocery store the other day - they're the UTZ brand. If you can't find them in your store you can order them here: .
I found this "cookie" recipe somewhere a few years ago and I make it EVERY Christmas now! This year my little girls helped with it and it was so fun. It's a great recipe, especially when you're short on time and just want to mass produce. 😉
So glad you found my blog!! Thanks for visiting and commenting. 🙂
jenn (Bread + Butter says
Neat. I've never seen star shaped pretzels before. I need to keep an eye for those.