Christmas just doesn’t feel complete without a few simple treats that bring everyone together. These pretzel Christmas treats have been a go-to in my kitchen for years because they’re quick, fun, and always a crowd favorite. They’re salty, sweet, and just festive enough to brighten up any cookie platter. Best of all, the kids love jumping in to help decorate, which makes them just as fun to make as they are to eat.
I like keeping recipes around that let me enjoy the season instead of spending all my time in the kitchen. These treats are perfect for that. Whether you need something quick for a party or a fun edible gift, this is one recipe that never fails to bring smiles.
Pretzel Christmas Treats
These pretzel Christmas treats are quick and beginner-friendly, needing just 4 ingredients and about 10 minutes of hands-on time. They work just as well for a casual family night as they do on a fancy holiday platter, and you can easily change them up with different chocolates or sprinkles to fit the occasion. They’re also budget-friendly and easy to make in big batches, plus kid-friendly; little hands can help with every step, making the whole process even more fun, and they feel so proud when their creations end up on the holiday table.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Mini pretzels: Classic twists, snaps, or squares all work. Gluten-free pretzels make this recipe friendly for guests with dietary needs.
- Hershey’s Kisses: Milk chocolate, Hugs, or seasonal flavors like Candy Cane or Cookies & Cream. Avoid gooey centers; they melt too much. Use dairy-free chocolate if needed.
- M&Ms: Red and green for Christmas, or swap colors to fit other holidays. Mini M&Ms also work well if you want a smaller candy crunch.
- Holiday sprinkles: Use what you have: nonpareils, jimmies, or crushed candy canes for extra crunch.
How To Make Pretzel Christmas Treats
Assemble Base
Preheat your oven to 250°F (130°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
Place pretzels in neat rows on the baking sheet. Top each pretzel with a Hershey’s Kiss.
Melt Chocolate & Add Toppings
Bake for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the chocolate looks glossy and soft but still holds its shape. Hugs melt faster (2 to 3 minutes), so bake them on a separate tray if using both.
Remove from oven and quickly press an M&M onto each Kiss. Then, finish with a sprinkle of holiday sprinkles before the chocolate sets. Let them cool for 1 hour at room temperature or 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid humid environments.
They stay fresh up to a week in the fridge, making them perfect for gifting ahead of time.
Yes, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They keep for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Flavor Variations: Try Rolos for caramel, Peppermint Kisses for a minty version, or dark chocolate with sea salt.
Shapes & Styles: Pretzel snaps or squares are the easiest for kids to work with, but you can also dip pretzel rods in melted chocolate and decorate them with sprinkles. Another fun option is sandwiching two pretzels together with the chocolate in between.
Dietary Options: Gluten-free pretzels and dairy-free chocolate make this recipe allergen-friendly.
Gifting Idea: Package in clear cellophane bags with ribbon for neighbors, teachers, or stocking stuffers.
Hosting Tip: I like to prepare a big batch at the start of December and keep some tucked away for last-minute gifts. If you’re making several trays, rotate them through the fridge for fast setting so you always have a fresh batch ready.
Hospitality Challenge
There’s something deeply meaningful about walking across the street or down the hall with a small gift in hand, especially during the holidays. Delivering a batch of these pretzel Christmas treats to your neighbors, paired with a handwritten Christmas card, or along with other holiday treats such as these Christmas Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe, Festive Christmas Chex Mix, or Super Easy Christmas Cake Mix Cookies, is a simple yet powerful act of hospitality. It shows that you took the time to think of them personally, not just in a generic way, but with a homemade touch that carries warmth and care. In a season where people can feel rushed or even isolated, this small gesture can open doors to conversation, strengthen community bonds, and remind your neighbors that they’re not just people who live nearby; they’re valued and seen.
More Easy Christmas Recipes
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip
- Christmas Pudding Balls
- Christmas Pumpkin Hand Pies
- Easy Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
- Ultimate Cookie Mix in a Jar (With Free Printable Tags)
These pretzel Christmas treats are the perfect easy recipe to brighten up your holiday table or gift trays. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
4-Ingredient Pretzel Christmas Treats
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Ingredients
- 48 mini pretzels
- 48 Hershey’s Kisses, milk chocolate, Hugs, or your favorite variety
- 48 M&Ms, red and green
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
Instructions
Prep Your Pan
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (130 degrees Celsius).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Assemble the Base
- Place the mini pretzels on the baking sheet.48 mini pretzels
- Top each pretzel with one Hershey’s Kiss.48 Hershey’s Kisses
Melt the Chocolate
- Bake for 3 to 4 minutes, until the chocolate looks shiny and soft but still holds its shape.
- Watch closely—if left too long, the chocolate can over-melt.
Add the Toppings
- Remove the tray from the oven.
- Quickly press one M&M onto each Kiss, gently pressing down.48 M&Ms
- Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles before the chocolate sets.2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
Let Them Set
- Allow treats to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, or place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to speed things up.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers.
- Room temperature: up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: up to 1 week.
- Freezer: up to 2 months (thaw before serving).
Can this be made the night before
Absolutely, this is a great make-ahead treat. For Easter just change up the M&Ms for spring colores.
Will peanut M&M’s work?
Judith, great question. Yes peanut M&Ms work great. Also the peanut butter M&Ms too. Relly any small M&M will work great.
i made this following your recipe but when we tried to place the m&m on top, the kiss just crushed. where did i go wrong?
Hey Kim, It sounds like you were so close, and that little Kiss just wasn’t having it. When the M&M sinks or the Kiss collapses, it’s usually one of two things.
1. The chocolate got a little too melty.
Even one extra minute in the oven can take a Kiss from soft and glossy to molten puddle. When that happens, any pressure makes it collapse instead of gently settling under the M&M.
Quick fix:
Pull them out the moment the chocolate looks shiny but still holds its shape. It should look softened, not slouchy. Hugs melt even faster, so they sometimes need only 2 to 3 minutes.
2. The pressure was just a bit too firm.
If you press the M&M down with enthusiasm, the softened Kiss won’t hold up.
Quick fix:
Use the lightest touch, almost like you’re just setting the M&M on top instead of pushing it in.
Extra tip:
If your kitchen is warm, let the tray sit for 1 to 2 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the chocolate stabilize a bit before placing the M&M, so it won’t cave inward.
You didn’t do anything wrong. Truly. This is one of those tiny timing things that happens to every holiday baker at least once. The next batch will turn out picture perfect. If you want to send a photo of your next round, I’m cheering you on.