Pretzel Hugs: An Easy Holiday Treat

If you're looking for a super easy, sweet and salty treat to make this holiday season, keep reading. Whether making these for your child's holiday party at school, an informal gathering at your BFF's house, or as a special gift for your UPS driver or mail carrier - everyone will love these. Meet the "Pretzel Hug". I have seen these referred to by many other names online, but I'll just go with Pretzel Hug. It's easy for me to remember! 

The ingredient list is simple: Hershey's Kisses (1 or 2 bags, depending on how many you'd like to make) and Snyder's Pretzel Snaps. You'll also need a cookie sheet and waxed or parchment paper to line the pan. 


Directions: (so easy, a child could do this)

(1) Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. 


(2) Unwrap the Hershey's Kisses. I used the Candy Cane ones, I've seen other recipes call for the Hugs. I'm sure they would be great, no matter which version of the Kisses you decide to use. (Personally, I thought the Candy Cane ones would be pretty for the holidays). 

(3) Line baking sheet with waxed or parchment paper. If you don't have either, use a non stick baking sheet. 


(4) Place pretzels in a straight line across baking sheet. Top each pretzel with a Hershey's Kiss. (Note in second picture below, I took the picture after I started topping the pretzels when they came out of the oven. Oops. My mistake, but this gives you an idea of what the pretzels should look like right before they go into the oven, just ignore that top right side!)

(5) After you've topped each pretzel with a Kiss (Hug, Candy Cane, whatever!) - pop into the oven for 2 minutes. Be careful not to over bake as they will "bleed" through the back side of the pretzel. Two minutes is more than enough. The top of the Kiss should be slightly melted once they're removed from the oven. 


(6) Let stand for approx. 1 minute on top of stove, this will continue the softening process without the full heat. 


(7) Top each Kiss with another pretzel, being sure to push down gently, this will "stick" them together. They should now look like this:

(8) Place baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (not in the freezer - they will get as hard as hockey pucks if you do!). This allows the pretzels to cool and set up. Trust me, you will want to try one almost immediately! 


(9) Once they are cooled, place on a decorative tray and enjoy! If you'd like to gift these, you could easily place in a clear plastic bag and tie with a holiday ribbon. The gift version would look even better if you have a personalized gift tag. 

If you are wondering about my platter, it's from the Southern Living At Home line and is called the "Dress Me Up" glass platter. I believe SLAH was purchased by Willow House - does anyone know? Not sure, one of my friends used to be a consultant but retired from the business after going back to work full time. 


I used a holiday ribbon in colors of red and green to "dress up" the platter. I was rather disappointed that some of my other ribbons weren't quite long enough for the project...

More information about the recipe: I used only 1 bag of Candy Cane Kisses and approx. a half bag of pretzels, and that yielded 60 Pretzel Hugs. If you are making this to take to a party, school function or to gift, I recommend using at least two bags of Kisses. (You should have enough pretzels by only using the one pound bag). I've also heard of people using Rolo candies and topping with a half of a pecan instead of another pretzel. Yeah, I'll probably try that this holiday season. If I do, I'll share with you! 


Many thanks to Pinterest - and a link below to the original Pin which lead me to the recipe and motivation! Be sure to check out the Cookies and Cups blog HERE - you will find so many great things to try! 

Source: cookiesandcups.com via Lori on Pinterest

What do you think? Have you ever had Pretzel Hugs, or have you made these? Any ideas for another version? It's so easy - you will love it!