Pretzels with Hershey Kisses are a simple, fun to make, and perfect for everything from holiday trays to everyday snacking. With just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes in the oven, you get a bite‑size treat that’s crunchy, creamy, and completely satisfying.
I love to give snacks as gifts. These pretzels are a favorite. Along with my White Chocolate Popcorn Mix and my Cinnamon Sugar Coated Pecans.
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Why this Pretzel Hershey Kisses Recipe is a Keeper
This m&m pretzel snack recipe is pure nostalgic comfort, plus it’s super quick and easy to make.
- Quick and Easy Snack: These pretzel treats can be made in just 30 minutes, making them an ideal option for those impromptu cravings or last-minute gatherings.
- Easy Ingredients: This recipe requires only three ingredients so you won’t need to spend time hunting for specialty items or spending hours in the kitchen.
- Family Friendly: Kids can help and will love the sweet and salty combination of flavors in these chocolatey pretzels. They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or simply as a satisfying snack.
Why Did my Milk Chocolate Kisses Burn?
If your chocolate burnt, the oven temperature was too high and you may have left them in for too long. Next time, be sure to only have your oven set to about 200 degrees. They should only be slightly melted.
Pro Tip to Make these Pretzel Kiss
Chill the tray after pressing toppings to set quickly and avoid smudges.
Ingredient Notes to Make Pretzel Hershey Kiss
You only need a few simple ingredients to make yummy pretzels, and many may already be around your kitchen.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Pretzels: I like to use pretzel snaps, but you can also use the rings or circles for a different look. You could potentially even do mini pretzel twists.
- Chocolate: Milk chocolate Kisses, or dark chocolate Kisses, are the perfect size for this Hershey pretzel snack.
Variations and Substitutions for Chocolate Pretzel Treats
This pretzels recipe is super flexible. Switch it up to make it work for you.
- Rolo Chocolate Candies: (for a caramel center)The classic “Rolo Pretzel Turtle.” Use a pecan on top.
- Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Gives a great peanut butter/chocolate variation.
- Kisses: White Chocolate Kisses (Hershey’s Hugs) create a nice color contrast, especially with red and green M&M’s. You can even use the candy cane Kisses. Try different m&m flavors.
- Topping: Instead of an M&M candy, press a half-pecan on top of the melted chocolate for a “turtle” vibe.
- Sprinkles: Press immediately after the chocolate is melted for a festive touch.
How to Make Hershey Kiss Pretzels
This is one of the best easy treats ever. Hershey Kiss pretzels with M&Ms come together in 2 steps, and is perfect for birthday parties or holiday get-togethers.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Arrange Pretzels and Chocolate: Place pretzels in a single layer on a baking sheet. Unwrap all of the Hershey Kisses. Place one chocolate candy on top each pretzel.
- Bake and Add M&Ms: Place the pan in the oven until the Hershey Kisses melt slightly and get glossy. Remove from oven and promptly place an M&M on top of each Kiss. Let cool before enjoying.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Easy Dessert
Since this pretzel M&M recipe is already super easy, there are only a couple things you can do ahead of time.
- Zero Sugar Kisses: Opt for zero-sugar Hershey’s Kisses to create a treat that’s just as delicious without the added sugar.
- Pretzel Crisps: If you’re seeking a different texture for your Pretzel Kisses, consider using pretzel crisps in place of traditional pretzels or waffle pretzels.
- Hershey Hugs: Not just chocolate kisses, mix up the chocolate pieces for more variety. Even white chocolate kisses or dark chocolate for a cute salty and sweet treat.
- Nuts: Try topping with a pecan or other nut or even mini marshmallows. Any combination of sweet and salty is great.
Alternate Cooking Methods for this Sweet Treat
Make these chocolate pretzel bites another way by using your toaster oven.
- Toaster Oven: Perfect for making a small, quick batch. Use a small piece of parchment paper or a silicone tray and heat for about 4 minutes or until the Kisses begin to melt. Then press a candy on top of each pretzel.
- Microwave (Not Recommended): While technically possible, it’s hard to control the heat. The chocolate often melts unevenly or burns before the pretzel gets warm enough to adhere well. The oven method is strongly preferred for the best texture and appearance.
How to Store and Use Leftover Pretzel Hugs
- Storage: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You could even store them in a mason jar.
- Use Leftovers: The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, there usually aren’t many “leftovers.” If you have any, they make a great snack to pack in a lunch box or for a mid-day energy boost.
Common Questions About These Pretzel Bites
The best way to prevent cracking is to heat and cool chocolate slowly.
As long as your pretzels are bite size, it doesn’t really matter which kind you use.
Tips for Making Pretzels with Kisses and M&Ms
- The Pressing Technique: Use a flat-bottomed glass or a spoon to gently press down the M&M or pecan onto the melted Kiss. This flattens the chocolate perfectly and ensures the topping is secure.
- Don’t Overbake: Set a timer for 3 minutes and check. You want the Kisses to look glossy and soft, not completely melted into a puddle. They will fully flatten when you press the topping on.
- Use Parchment Slings: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper that has an overhang (a “sling”). Once the cookies are cooled but not completely set, you can lift the entire batch off the sheet with the sling, making cleanup a breeze.
- Serve With: Serve with Shortbread Maraschino Cherry Cookies, Chex Mix Muddy Buddies or Grinch Fudge.
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Pretzels with Hershey Kisses
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 24 Snyder Of Hanover’s Snap Pretzels
- 24 Hershey Kisses
- 24 M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 215℉.
- Spread the pretzels out evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer.
- Take off the wrapping from each Hershey Kiss and position the chocolate in the middle of every pretzel.
- Place in the oven and allow to bake for 6-8 minutes until the kisses start to melt (they will turn glossy and slightly change shape), then take out of the oven.
- Place one M&M promptly and with caution on top of the melted Hershey kiss.
- Make sure to let it cool completely before serving.
Christina’s Notes
- Candy Bar Pieces: For a twist on the classic, use chopped pieces of your favorite candy bar pieces in place of kisses. Snickers, Milky Way, or even peanut butter cups can add a delicious surprise of texture and flavor.
- Rolos for Caramel Flavor: To infuse a rich caramel note into your treats, swap hershey kisses for rolos. The combination of caramel and chocolate will be an instant hit.
- M&M Variety: Elevate the visual appeal and taste of your pretzel candies by using different flavors of M&M’s. Mixing and matching M&M flavors can lead to endless combinations.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.