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 from red and green Christmas package

There’s something instantly nostalgic and delightful about the crunch of a pretzel paired with melty chocolate and a pop of candy color. That’s exactly what makes this Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe a fun treat to whip up, especially when you want a quick sweet snack that’s both festive and easy. Trust me, these little bites are absolutely addictive!

The image shows a grid of small treats arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Each treat has three layers: the bottom is a square, light brown pretzel with a slightly rough texture, followed by a melted white chocolate layer that fills the pretzel shape and is decorated with thin, diagonal milk chocolate stripes. On top of the white chocolate, a single red or green candy is placed in the center, alternating colors evenly across the grid. The candies are shiny and round, standing out against the smooth, creamy white chocolate base 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 adore how effortless these Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies are to make, yet they look so festive and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. They’re perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in when you want something sweet with a little salty crunch.

Simple Ingredients: Only three main ingredients, so no complicated shopping or prep.
Quick to Make: The entire process takes under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute treats.
Customizable: You can switch up the M&M colors or chocolate types to suit any season or celebration.
Perfect Texture: A satisfying combo of salty crunch and creamy melted chocolate that hits all the right spots.

The image shows a baking tray lined with white parchment paper holding multiple rows of small treats. Each treat has three layers: the bottom is a square, crunchy pretzel with a light brown color and visible salt grains; the middle layer is a white, round chocolate piece with smooth edges and dark brown chocolate swirls on top; the top layer is one red or green candy piece placed in the center with a shiny texture and a small white letter printed on it. The treats are neatly arranged in straight lines across the tray, which rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe plays a starring role in creating that irresistible mix of sweet, salty, and melty goodness. Here’s why I never skip or substitute the key players:

Flat lay of a neat pile of square pretzels with golden brown edges, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shiny unwrapped silver-and-white Hershey's Hugs chocolates, a small white ceramic bowl containing glossy red and green milk chocolate M&M's, all arranged symmetrically 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

Square Pretzels: The perfect size and shape to hold a chocolate Hug and M&M; avoid butter snaps as they’re too soft and melt too easily.
Hershey’s Hugs Chocolates: These creamy swirled chocolates soften just right in the oven, creating the classic “hug” effect.
Milk Chocolate M&M’s: I love using festive colors like red and green to make these extra special for holidays, but any color works for a fun look and extra crunch.

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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

This recipe is a gift because it’s so easy to tweak — whether you want to swap the chocolate for white chocolate hugs or toss in peanut butter cups for a richer spin. I often mix up the M&M colors depending on the season or party theme.

Variation: Once, I tried caramel-filled Hugs instead of plain chocolate — the gooey caramel inside made these even more decadent and indulgent.
Dietary Tip: If you want a dairy-free version, look for vegan chocolate hugs and M&Ms, just be sure your pretzels are vegan-friendly too.
Seasonal Flavors: For Halloween, I swap out the M&Ms for orange and black colors and use pumpkin-spiced hugs if available.

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

Step 1: Prep and Arrange Your Base

I start by preheating my oven to 200 degrees — low heat is key here to soften, not melt, the chocolate. I line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat liner to prevent sticking. Then, I carefully place each square pretzel in a single layer on the sheet. Taking a moment here ensures the treats bake evenly and look neat.

Step 2: Add the Hershey’s Hugs and Bake

Next, I plop one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug right on each pretzel. Then, into the oven for 4 to 5 minutes. You want the chocolate to get shiny and soft — it will look melty but still hold its shape. Keep a close eye during these last minutes to avoid it melting into a puddle. This step is where the magic happens!

Step 3: Top With an M&M and Chill

After carefully pulling the tray out, I quickly press an M&M into the center of the soft Hug — just gently enough to spread the chocolate underneath without squishing it out too much. Then, I pop the whole tray into the fridge or freezer for 5 to 15 minutes to let everything set. This chilling step locks in that perfect combination of softened chocolate and crunchy pretzel.

Top Tip

From baking these Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few handy tricks that really up your success rate and make the process smoother:

Watch Your Oven Closely: The chocolate can go from perfectly softened to melting mess in under a minute, so set a timer and don’t walk away while baking.
Use a Silpat or Parchment: It’s worth the extra step to line your cookie sheet — the cookies release easily and clean-up is a breeze.
Press M&Ms Gently: If you press too hard, the chocolate can squish out and mess up the look — a light touch spreads the Hug beautifully.
Chill Long Enough: Don’t rush this! Allow time for the chocolate to fully set so your cookies hold together when you pick them up.

How to Serve Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe

Pretzel M&M Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple – the colorful M&Ms are the star after all. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top before baking to amplify the saltiness, and for special occasions, a dash of edible glitter adds some fun sparkle.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For a party spread, I love stacking them alongside fruit platters or nuts to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I arrange these cookies in a festive tin lined with holiday napkins or treat bags tied with ribbon. Another fun idea is making mini “cookie bouquets” by attaching popsicle sticks to the backs and placing them in a decorated planter – kids especially love this!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if my kitchen is warm. They stay crisp and fresh for about a week, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freezing works great. Just layer the cookies between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for 20-30 minutes – they won’t lose their crunch.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best served chilled or at room temp, I usually don’t reheat them. If you prefer warm chocolate, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens the Hug again, but watch closely so the pretzel doesn’t get soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pretzels for this recipe?

Square pretzels work best because they create a perfect little base to hold the Hug chocolate and M&M without sliding off. Butter snaps or round pretzels tend to be too soft or uneven and don’t hold the toppings as well.

What should the oven temperature be for baking these cookies?

Keep your oven at a low temperature, around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the Hershey’s Hugs to soften just enough without melting completely, so they still hold their shape for that classic "hug" effect.

How long do these cookies last once prepared?

Stored in an airtight container, Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If you want them crispier longer, refrigeration helps maintain their texture.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make these Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies a day or two ahead. Store them airtight at room temperature or in the fridge. They also freeze well for longer storage—just thaw before serving.

Final Thoughts

Making these Pretzel M&M Hug Cookies Recipe always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen—bright, colorful, and irresistible. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a quick treat to brighten your day. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite cookie to share with friends and family!