Name: Holiday Pretzel Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: mini pretzels; Hershey's Kisses (unwrapped); M&M candies

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Holiday Pretzel Bites ~

Sweet-and-salty treats with just 3 simple ingredients.

Perfect for parties, gifting, or holiday snacking!

Table of Contents

A Christmas Candy Tradition

These easy treats, also known as “reindeer noses,” are a fun Christmas tradition in our house. Every December, we make a big batch to pass out as friend and neighbor gifts. They’re so easy to make that even the youngest helpers can get involved. It’s a fun way to share some holiday cheer in the kitchen.

The combination of salty pretzels, creamy sweet chocolate, and colorful M&Ms makes these bites irresistible. Plus, they’re quick to whip up and perfect for holiday parties, cookie trays, or last-minute holiday gifts.

I like this recipe for its simple ingredients, minimal prep, and sweet-and-salty flavor combo that everyone loves. Christmas Pretzel Bites are one of the easiest holiday treats and a fun way to spread cheer throughout the holiday season. These little treats are also easy to customize by swapping the colors and candies to match any celebration!

Ingredients for Holiday Pretzel Bites

Mini Pretzels: The salty base that holds everything together.
Hershey’s Kisses: Classic milk chocolate works best, but try other flavors for variety.
M&Ms: The final touch of sweetness and a pop of holiday color.

How to Make Holiday Pretzel Bites

STEP ONE: Preheat the Oven. Preheat the oven to 170°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

STEP TWO: Prepare the Pretzels. Arrange mini pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

STEP THREE: Add the Kisses. Place a Hershey’s Kiss on top of each pretzel.

STEP FOUR: Bake. Warm in the oven for 5 minutes, just until the chocolate softens.

STEP FIVE: Top with M&Ms. Press an M&M candy gently into each softened Kiss. Let cool until the chocolate sets.

Variations

These little pretzel bites are super easy to make your own! Here are some ideas to make them fit any occasion:

Holiday Colors: Customize your pretzel bites for different holidays! Use red and green M&Ms for Christmas, pink and red for Valentine’s Day, pastel colors for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
Team Spirit: Pick M&Ms in your favorite sports team’s colors for Super Bowl Sunday.
Different Candies: Try Rolos instead of Kisses for a caramel-filled treat. You can also use creamy white chocolate Kisses or peanut butter cups for a twist.
Toppings: Add festive sprinkles or a drizzle of melted chocolate after they’ve cooled for extra flair.

Quick Tips for Success

Unwrapping Help: Get kids involved in unwrapping the Kisses and pressing the M&Ms into the softened chocolate.
Don’t Overbake: The Kisses should be soft but not melted, so keep an eye on the oven.
Cool Completely: Let the pretzel bites cool on the baking sheet until the chocolate firms up, or transfer them to the fridge for faster setting.

FAQs

Can I use different shapes of pretzels? Absolutely! Traditional mini twists work great, but square pretzels make a nice base and hold the chocolate more evenly.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! These chocolate pretzel bites keep well in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for gifting or prepping for your next holiday party.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate? Of course! Dark chocolate adds a richer flavor and works beautifully in this recipe.
How can I package these for gifts? Place cooled and set holiday pretzels in a decorative tin or wrap them in little cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon.
What’s the best way to melt the chocolate evenly? The low oven temperature helps soften the Kisses without fully melting them, so they hold their shape. 5 minutes is all it takes!
Can these be made vegan? Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate and vegan-friendly M&M-style candies.

Storage

Store Holiday Pretzel Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To prevent sticking, place parchment paper between layers if stacking them.

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