Festive Chocolate Pretzel Rings Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Delight

Sweet, salty, and utterly irresistible, these festive chocolate pretzel rings with kisses spark joy during holiday celebrations.

Melted chocolate kisses create a delectable center for these delightful treats.

Crisp pretzels provide the perfect base for this simple yet crowd-pleasing snack.

Colorful M&Ms add a playful crunch and festive touch to each bite-sized morsel.

Kids and adults alike will adore these easy-to-make chocolate rings that come together in minutes.

The combination of chocolate, pretzels, and candy creates a mouthwatering treat that screams holiday cheer.

Whip up a batch and watch these delectable rings disappear in record time.

Why Pretzel Rings Are Snack Perfection

• Super simple recipe that takes minimal effort, perfect for busy cooks wanting a delightful sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Easily swap M&M colors to match seasonal themes or party color schemes, making these pretzel rings versatile for various celebrations.
• Engaging activity for children to help in the kitchen, allowing them to press M&Ms and arrange pretzels while learning basic baking skills.
• Stress-free dessert option that requires few ingredients and minimal technical cooking knowledge, ideal for last-minute gatherings or unexpected guests.

Pretzel Ring Party Snack Ingredients

• Pretzels: Salty, crunchy rings that provide a perfect base for this festive treat.
• Hershey's Hugs: Creamy, swirled white and milk chocolate kisses that melt smoothly on the pretzels.
• M&Ms: Colorful chocolate candies that add a fun crunch and festive look to the dessert.

• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easy.

• Holiday-Colored M&Ms: Seasonal candies that can make the treat more festive and colorful.

Tools for Sweet Pretzel Ring Snacks

• Baking Sheet: Flat metal pan for even cooking and easy transfer.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Oven: For melting chocolate and creating perfect treats.
• Refrigerator: To quickly set and harden the chocolates.
• Spatula or Tongs: Optional tool for carefully placing M&M's and moving pretzels.

How to Make Pretzel Rings Easy

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Slide the oven rack to the middle position and set the temperature to 275°F.

The gentle heat will help melt the chocolates perfectly without burning.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Surface

Grab a baking sheet and line it completely with parchment paper.

This will prevent any sticky mess and make cleanup a breeze.

Spread out the pretzels in neat, single rows so they’re ready for chocolate magic.

Step 3: Position the Chocolate Hugs

Carefully place a Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel.

Make sure they sit centered and stable, ready to transform into gooey deliciousness.

Step 4: Melt with Precision

Slip the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Watch closely for 2-3 minutes as the chocolate softens and becomes glossy.

The goal is a slightly melted, but not completely liquid texture.

Step 5: Add Colorful Candy Accents

Pull the sheet from the oven.

Working quickly, press an M&M into the center of each melted chocolate.

Position the candies so the ‘m’ side faces down for a polished look.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator.

Let the treats cool and solidify for 10-20 minutes until the chocolate is firm and shiny.

Tips for Pretzel Rings Success

• Heat chocolate gently for 2-3 minutes to avoid burning, watching carefully to achieve smooth, glossy texture.
• Place 'M' side down on M&Ms for a clean, professional-looking holiday treat that impresses guests.
• Refrigerate for exactly 10-20 minutes to ensure chocolates set firmly without becoming too hard or brittle.
• Use fresh Hershey's Hugs and colorful M&Ms for vibrant, appetizing holiday appearance and rich flavor.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up, preventing pretzels from sticking to baking sheet.

Twists on Pretzel Rings for Parties

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Pretzel Rings: Replace traditional pretzels with gluten-free pretzels for individuals with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious recipe.
• Vegan Chocolate Delight: Swap Hershey's Hugs with dairy-free chocolate kisses and use vegan chocolate M&Ms to create a plant-based version of the treat.
• Nut-Free Holiday Snack: Substitute regular M&Ms with nut-free candy alternatives for those with nut allergies, keeping the festive chocolate ring design.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free chocolate kisses and dark chocolate M&Ms to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the classic holiday flavor profile.

Fun Ways to Serve Pretzel Rings

• Festive Gathering Platter: Arrange these chocolate pretzel rings on a holiday-themed platter, creating a colorful and appetizing display for family and friends to enjoy.
• Sweet Party Favor: Package individual rings in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, perfect for holiday gifts or cookie exchange events.
• Dessert Pairing Delight: Serve alongside hot cocoa or peppermint tea to complement the sweet and salty flavor combination of these treats.
• Kids' Decorating Station: Let children help press M&Ms into melted chocolates, turning the recipe into a fun family activity that creates delicious memories.

Storing Sweet Pretzel Rings Right

• Place chocolate pretzel rings in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Carefully layer treats in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between rows. Freeze for maximum 3 weeks, ensuring complete seal to prevent freezer burn.
• Store in a cool, dry place inside a sealed container away from direct sunlight. Consume within 3 days for best texture and flavor.
• Gently warm at 200°F for 1-2 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow treats to return to room temperature naturally to maintain chocolate's smooth consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chocolate instead of Hershey's Hugs?

Yes, you can substitute with Rolos, regular Hershey’s Kisses, or other chocolate candies that melt easily.

• What if my chocolate doesn't melt evenly?

Ensure your oven temperature is precise and watch closely. Remove from oven as soon as the chocolate starts to look soft and glossy.

• How do I prevent the M&Ms from sliding off the chocolate?

Press the M&Ms gently but firmly into the partially melted chocolate while it’s still warm. This helps them stick securely.

• Are these treats kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! Kids can help arrange pretzels, place chocolates, and press M&Ms, making it a fun holiday activity for the whole family.

Festive Chocolate Pretzel Rings with Kisses and M&Ms Perfect Holiday Treat! Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 80 1x

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Description

Festive chocolate pretzel rings blend sweet and salty flavors into a holiday classic dessert. Holiday bakers quickly create these simple snacks by melting chocolate kisses on pretzels and topping with colorful M&Ms for cheerful seasonal charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pretzels:

• 80 pretzel rings

Chocolate:

• 80 Hershey’s Hugs

Decorative Topping:

• 80 M&Ms (red and green)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by setting the temperature to 275°F for gentle melting of chocolate.
2. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and meticulously arrange pretzels in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
3. Position a Hershey’s Hug precisely in the center of each pretzel ring.
4. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and allow chocolates to soften for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Remove the tray and immediately press an M&M into the center of each partially melted chocolate, strategically positioning the ‘m’ side downward for an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
6. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and let the treats chill for 10-20 minutes until the chocolates solidify completely.
7. Once hardened, gently remove the pretzel rings from the parchment paper and serve or store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

• Soften Chocolate Gently to prevent burning by using low oven temperature and watching carefully during melting process.
• Use Parchment Paper for easy cleanup and to prevent pretzels from sticking to baking sheet.
• Select Holiday-Themed M&Ms for extra festive look and seasonal color coordination.
• Make Gluten-Free Version by substituting regular pretzels with gluten-free pretzel rings for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 80
• Calories: 57
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 2.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg