I still remember the first time I made these Christmas pretzel bites—my whole kitchen smelled like warm chocolate, toasted pretzels, and pure holiday joy. I had Christmas music playing, the tree lights were glowing, and as the Hershey Kisses softened in the oven, the aroma made me feel like a kid again. When I pressed those bright red and green M&M’s into the melted chocolate, I couldn’t help smiling. They’re simple, but they bring so much cheer, and now I make them every December without fail.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it gives you maximum festive payoff with almost no effort, and I say that as someone who has tried dozens of holiday treats over the years. From my perspective, these little bites are fun, colorful, customizable, and perfect when you need something quick but still want to wow your friends, family, or coworkers.
Ingredients
- 60 square pretzels (also called pretzel snaps)
- 60 Hershey Kisses (any flavor works)
- 60 red and green M&M’s
- 3 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles
I’ve tried making these with both the square “snap” pretzels and the traditional twist pretzels, and trust me—the square ones hold the chocolate much better and look nicer. You can swap in Rolo candies if you prefer caramel, or use peanut butter M&M’s for a little extra flair. The sprinkles are optional but they add such a festive crunch that I rarely skip them now.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
- Small bowls (for sorting toppings)
- Spatula
I always line my baking sheet with parchment paper because it makes cleanup incredibly easy and keeps the chocolate from sticking. A spatula is great for lifting the pretzel bites once they cool, especially if you’re transporting them to a tin or gift bag. You don’t need any fancy tools—just reliable basics that make the process smooth and fun.
Step-by-Step Instructions
When I make Christmas pretzel bites, I start by laying out all my pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. It seems like such a simple step, but I’ve learned that taking a moment to space them evenly helps everything melt uniformly. I also unwrap all the Hershey Kisses ahead of time because doing it while the oven is running makes me feel rushed, and these little treats are much more enjoyable when you take your time.(See the next page below to continue…)