This holiday dessert is a crowd favorite always and forever and I’m so excited to share it with you! One of my favorite things about these gluten free pretzel hugs is that to make them gluten free you just simply swap in gluten free pretzels for regular, that’s it! So if you aren’t gluten free, just sub in regular pretzels to this recipe and you’re set.
My mom and I started making pretzel hugs about 10 years or so ago after having them at a party and I’ve loved them ever since. I love giving these as gifts or bringing them to holiday parties because they are always a hit but are SO easy to make!
First, gather your ingredients. I love making these around Valentine’s Day with the Valentine’s M&Ms, Halloween with the Halloween M&Ms etc so don’t feel limited to making them for Christmas!
Second, unwrap lots and lots of the Hershey hugs so you can grab and go.
Next, line up all your pretzels on the baking sheet. I recommend not using the imperfect pretzels/pretzel halves…you can store them for a snack later, or eat them as you go!
Then, set a hug right in the center of each pretzel before placing in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the hugs are shiny and soft looking, but not melted fully down. Remove from the oven and press a M&M into the center of each hug and ta da! You have the best dessert ever! I recommend sliding the parchment paper (with the pretzel hugs still on them) carefully onto a shelf in the fridge or freezer for 5-10 minutes or until completely firm before transferring to a storage container.
Gluten Free Pretzel Hugs
A super easy holiday treat that is the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Ingredients
- 2 x 8 oz. bags gluten free mini pretzels
- 4 x 10.6 oz. bags Hershey hugs
- 1 x 10 oz. bag holiday M&Ms (green and red)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 200o F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Unwrap 1-2 bags of the Hershey hugs and place in a bowl. Set aside.
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Place pretzels on the parchment paper with at least 1" or 2" between each.
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Place a Hershey's Hug in the center of each pretzel.
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Carefully put in the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the hugs are shiny and a bit deflated but not totally melted.
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Remove from oven and carefully place a M&M in the center of each hug and press down to spread the hug.
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Transfer parchment paper to a cooling rack or shelf in the fridge or freezer and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Enjoy! It's recommended that leftover be kept in the fridge in an airtight container.
A few notes:
I prefer use Hershey hugs for these, but you could use the milk chocolate traditional ones. The cook time may need to be adjusted slightly, just keep an eye on them!
Depending on your oven you may find that they need to cook a little less/more so I recommend starting with less time for the first batch and you can always add on until you figure out what works for your oven.
Want more gluten free holiday recipes? Check out my Gluten Free Holiday Cookie Round Up.
Did you try this recipe? Make any substitutions? Let us know how they turned out in the comments below! Happy Baking!
