Easy Pretzel Bites

These easy Christmas pretzel bites are one of my go-to treats for the holiday season. They’re salty, sweet, crunchy, and festive—everything I want in a bite-sized snack. Made with mini pretzels, Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs, M&Ms, and sprinkles, they come together in just minutes and disappear just as quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how ridiculously easy these are to make. I don’t need to bake anything from scratch, there are only a few ingredients, and they look like I spent way more time on them than I actually did. They’re perfect for holiday cookie platters, classroom parties, edible gifts, or just something fun to snack on while watching Christmas movies. The combination of sweet chocolate, salty pretzels, and crunchy candy is completely addictive.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 48 mini gluten-free pretzel twists
• 48 Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs (any variety)
• 48 red and green M&Ms
• 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Pan
I preheat the oven to 250°F (130°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Then I arrange the pretzels in a single layer, making sure none are touching.

Step 2: Add the Chocolate
I place one Hershey’s Kiss or Hug on top of each pretzel. I try to center them so the chocolate melts evenly.

Step 3: Warm in the Oven
I carefully place the tray in the oven and bake for 3–4 minutes, just until the chocolate looks glossy and slightly softened. I watch closely—if they melt too much, they’ll lose their shape. Hugs tend to melt a little faster than regular Kisses, so sometimes I bake them on a separate tray.

Step 4: Decorate Quickly
Once out of the oven, I work fast. I gently press an M&M into the center of each soft Kiss, pushing down just enough to flatten it. Then I immediately sprinkle on the holiday sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft.

Step 5: Let Them Set
I let the pretzels cool at room temperature for about an hour, or I pop the tray in the fridge for 20 minutes to speed up the hardening process.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 48 pretzel bites.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 3–4 minutes
• Cooling Time: 20–60 minutes
• Total Time: About 30–60 minutes

Variations

• Flavor variety: I use different Kisses like caramel, mint truffle, or almond for a fun twist.
• Color themes: I swap the red and green M&Ms for pastel ones at Easter or pink/red for Valentine’s Day.
• Nutty twist: I press a pecan half instead of an M&M for a more grown-up version.
• Pretzel shape swap: I’ve made these with mini pretzel squares or pretzel snaps, and they work just as well.
• Drizzle finish: After setting, I drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the tops for a more decorative look.

Storage/Reheating

I store the pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. After that, the pretzels start to lose their crunch. For longer storage, I refrigerate them, but even then, I try to eat them within 5–6 days. I don’t recommend freezing them, as the texture of the pretzels and chocolate can change.

FAQs

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, I usually make them a day or two ahead for parties or gift bags. They store well at room temperature for several days.

What’s the best type of Hershey’s Kiss to use?

I prefer the classic milk chocolate Kisses because they hold their shape best, but Hugs melt faster and taste amazing too. I just watch the oven closely if using different varieties.

Can I use regular pretzels instead of gluten-free?

Absolutely. I use whatever mini pretzels I have on hand—just make sure they’re all the same size for even baking.

How do I keep the chocolate from melting too much?

I only bake them until the chocolate looks glossy but still holds its shape. I also work quickly when adding the M&Ms and sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

Can I use a different candy instead of M&Ms?

Yes, I’ve tried Rolos, Reese’s Pieces, and even mini peanut butter cups. As long as they’re small and press easily into the soft chocolate, they’ll work.

Conclusion

These Christmas pretzel bites are the easiest holiday treat I make every year, and everyone always asks for the recipe. They’re festive, fun to decorate, and seriously addictive. I love how versatile they are—I can switch up the colors, candies, and even the season. Whether I’m making a batch for a holiday party or handing them out as homemade gifts, they’re always a hit.

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