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These festive holiday pretzel bites have become my go-to December treat for parties, cookie exchanges, and homemade gift bags. The perfect blend of sweet and salty, they're as adorable as they are delicious with minimal effort required.
I started making these pretzel bites when my daughter was just three years old as a way to involve her in holiday preparations. Years later, they remain our tradition before every Christmas movie night.
Ingredients
- Pretzel Snaps: the square shape creates the perfect base and provides the essential salty crunch
- Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses: the peppermint flavor creates that classic holiday taste choose ones with their foil still bright and shiny
- Red and Green M&Ms: adds festive color and another layer of chocolate flavor select the holiday pack for the most vibrant colors
- Finely crushed candy canes: provides extra peppermint flavor and a beautiful sparkle crush them in a sealed bag for best results
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper which prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. Unwrap all your Hershey Kisses before starting so they're ready to go.
- Create Your Pretzel Base:
- Arrange pretzel snaps in neat rows on your prepared baking sheet leaving about half an inch between each one. Be sure they lie completely flat to create a stable foundation.
- Add The Kisses:
- Place one unwrapped Candy Cane Kiss in the center of each pretzel snap making sure it sits securely. Take care not to touch the chocolate too much with warm hands.
- Brief Oven Time:
- Bake for exactly 3 to 5 minutes until kisses are just slightly softened but still maintaining their shape. Watch carefully as they melt quickly and can lose their distinct form if left too long.
- Finishing Touches:
- Working quickly while the chocolate is still warm gently press one M&M onto the top of each kiss then immediately sprinkle with crushed candy cane pieces. Allow to cool completely until chocolate firms up again.
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The first time I made these with my daughter she insisted on arranging the M&Ms in patterns and it took us twice as long but created the most wonderful memory. Sometimes I still arrange them in tiny patterns just to remember that day.
Storage Solutions
These pretzel bites store beautifully in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause condensation that makes the pretzels lose their crunch. For gifting consider placing them in festive tins with parchment paper dividers.
Flavor Variations
While the candy cane kisses offer that perfect holiday peppermint taste you can easily customize these treats for different occasions or taste preferences. Try Hershey Hugs for a white and milk chocolate swirl caramel filled kisses for a decadent version or dark chocolate kisses for a less sweet option. Match your M&M colors to any holiday red and pink for Valentine's Day pastels for Easter or orange and brown for fall gatherings.
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Kid-Friendly Preparation
This recipe shines as a family activity because children can help with nearly every step. Let younger children arrange the pretzels on the baking sheet and unwrap kisses. Older kids can help with the oven monitoring and the pressing of M&Ms. The most exciting part for kids is usually the candy cane crushing which can be done safely by placing candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and using a rolling pin to crush them to desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different flavors of Hershey's Kisses?
Absolutely! While Candy Cane Kisses provide a festive peppermint flavor, you can substitute any Hershey's Kiss variety. Hugs, milk chocolate, caramel-filled, or other seasonal varieties all work beautifully for these treats.
- → How should I store these pretzel bites?
Once completely set and cooled, store the pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- → Why did my chocolate kisses lose their shape?
If your Kisses completely lost their shape, the baking time was likely too long. Aim for just 3-4 minutes in the oven - the Kisses should only soften while maintaining their overall form. Every oven varies slightly, so watch carefully during the first batch.
- → Can I make these without candy canes?
Yes! The crushed candy cane is optional and primarily adds color and extra peppermint flavor. You can omit it entirely or substitute with holiday sprinkles, colored sugar, or even finely chopped nuts for a different twist.
- → How far in advance can I make these for a party?
These pretzel bites can be prepared up to a week in advance of your event. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature away from heat sources. This makes them perfect for holiday preparation when time is limited.
- → Are there any alternatives to M&Ms for topping?
Certainly! While red and green M&Ms offer holiday colors, you could substitute with Reese's Pieces, mini chocolate chips, holiday-colored sprinkles, or even small candies like Nerds or mini marshmallows. Any small, decorative candy will work well.