Name: Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 70 square pretzels (do NOT use butter snaps); 70 Hershey's Hugs chocolates (from nearly 1 full 12 oz package), unwrapped; 70 milk chocolate M&M's (preferably red and green for Christmas)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the sweet and salty combo in these little bites of joy. The Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe is a delightful twist on classic holiday treats, blending crunchy pretzels, melty Hershey's Hugs, and colorful M&Ms into perfect little cookies you'll want to make again and again.

A neat grid of square pretzels forms the base layer, each light brown and slightly crunchy in texture. On top of each pretzel is a round white chocolate disk with smooth surface, slightly melting into the pretzel edges. Thin, wavy lines of milk chocolate are drizzled over the white chocolate disks, adding a light brown striped texture. Each white chocolate disk is topped with a single, glossy candy coated chocolate piece, alternating between bright red and vivid green, each candy centered on the disk. The whole arrangement is shown on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember pulling these out of the oven for the first time, how the warmth of the Hershey’s Hugs just melted enough to hold the M&M perfectly. It’s such a fun, easy recipe that instantly feels festive and makes a great gift or snack.

Incredible Balance: The mix of salty pretzel and sweet chocolate hits every craving spot effortlessly.
Super Simple: Just three ingredients and a few minutes in the oven—no complicated baking skills needed.
Customizable Colors: Swap M&Ms for holiday-themed colors or your favorite candy to suit any occasion.
Perfect For Gifting: They look adorable packed up in treat bags and are always a crowd-pleaser.

A tray filled with many small snacks arranged in rows, each snack having three layers: the bottom is a shiny golden square pretzel, the middle is a smooth, white circular candy with brown swirls, and the top is a single round candy piece in red or green placed right in the center. The pretzels have tiny salt bits on the edges, the white candies look glossy with evenly spaced brown stripes, and the red and green candies are bright and shiny. The tray is lined with white parchment paper, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe plays a starring role, creating a harmonious sweet-salty bite. When shopping, I always pick pretzels that are flat and sturdy enough to hold the chocolate and M&M without bending. Here's a quick rundown of why these ingredients make magic:

Flat lay of a neat stack of square pretzels with a golden-brown finish, a small white ceramic bowl filled with red and green milk chocolate M&M's, a small white ceramic bowl holding unwrapped Hershey's Hugs chocolates—each with a glossy silver and milk chocolate swirl—placed beside them, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pretzels: Use flat square pretzels to create the perfect base that holds the chocolate and candy without breaking.
Hershey's Hugs Chocolates: These minty but mild white and milk chocolate swirls melt gently, giving a smooth coating to hold the M&M.
Milk Chocolate M&Ms: Pick colorful ones to brighten your cookies and add a punch of chocolate and crunch on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to switch up the M&M colors depending on the season. It’s such an easy way to dress these up for holidays or birthdays, and you can even try peanut or peanut butter M&Ms for extra flavor. Don't be shy about getting creative here!

Variation: One year I added a sprinkle of sea salt atop the Hershey’s Hug right before placing the M&M, creating an extra salty-sweet combo that was addictive.
Dietary Twist: Use allergy-friendly or vegan chocolates for a version everyone can enjoy.
Seasonal Theme: Try pastel M&Ms around Easter or orange and black for Halloween to make your treats festive all year round.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up and Prep Your Base

First, preheat your oven to a low 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature is key because you want the chocolate to soften just enough to be malleable, not melt completely. Line your cookie sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Arrange Pretzels and Add Hugs

Lay out your square pretzels in a single layer on the baking sheet—not overlapping, so each one gets an even heat. Place one Hershey’s Hug chocolate piece on top of each pretzel. This is where the magic happens!

Step 3: Bake and Watch Closely

Pop the sheet into your preheated oven for 4 to 5 minutes. At around 4 minutes, check frequently—the chocolate should be glossy and soft but still holding its shape. That’s the sweet spot; too long and the chocolate melts right off the pretzel, which you want to avoid.

Step 4: Press M&Ms and Cool

Remove the tray, and while the Hug chocolates are still soft, place one M&M on each pretzel and gently press it down. This spreads the Hug slightly, bonding the cookie together. Then, chill the whole tray in the fridge or freezer for 5 to 15 minutes until the chocolate sets firmly.

Top Tip

I learned that the key to the perfect Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe is patience and watching the chocolate’s texture. Too hot, and the Hug will slide off, too cool and it won’t spread nicely—that glossy, soft look is your cue.

Chocolate Softening: Stick strictly to the 200°F oven and watch the chocolate closely for a shiny, soft finish.
Press Gently: Push the M&M just enough to spread the Hug, but not too hard or the pretzel will break.
Chill Time: Don’t skip cooling the cookies, or the Hug won’t solidify perfectly, making them messy to handle.
Use Flat Pretzels: Avoid butter snaps or any curved pretzels—they won’t hold the chocolate and candy well.

How to Serve Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe

Pretzel M&M Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple here, but sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate before adding the M&M for that extra flavor pop. You can also dip the pretzels in colored sugar or even drizzle some white chocolate for a fancy twist.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or cocoa, making them perfect for a holiday spread or cozy afternoon snack table. I also like to have some fresh fruit nearby to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to share these is arranging them in a festive tin with some fresh pine sprigs around the edges for the holidays. For parties, stacking them in clear jars tied with colorful ribbons instantly ups their gift appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I often layer them with parchment paper to keep the M&Ms from sticking or smudging the chocolate.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time for a crowd, they freeze beautifully. I place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They last up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temp.

Reheating

I don’t usually reheat these, but if the chocolate feels a bit firm after freezing, a few minutes at room temperature soften them just right—no oven needed, so the pretzel stays crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular Hershey’s Kisses instead of Hershey’s Hugs?

You can substitute Hershey’s Kisses, but Hugs are preferred because their minty swirl flavor adds a subtle extra dimension to the cookies. If you use Kisses, expect a straightforward milk chocolate flavor.

What’s the best way to prevent pretzels from breaking when pressing M&Ms?

Press gently and steadily when placing M&Ms on the softened chocolate. Applying too much pressure quickly can snap the pretzel, so take your time and let the chocolate do the work of holding everything together.

How long do Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to one week. Beyond that, the pretzel may lose crunch and the chocolate might bloom or get sticky.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out regular pretzels for your favorite gluten-free flat pretzels. Ensure all other ingredients you use are also gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for sensitive eaters.

Final Thoughts

These Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe have become a staple in my holiday baking lineup because they’re simple, festive, and downright irresistible. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do—they’re the kind of treat that brings out everyone’s smiles and makes your kitchen feel cozy and fun. Give it a try, and I promise this little recipe will quickly become one you return to year after year!