If you’re looking for the perfect festive snack that combines salty crunch and sweet delight, these Christmas Pretzel Bites with Chocolate and M&M’s are absolute magic. Imagine crispy mini pretzels topped with melty chocolate kisses and colorful Christmas-themed M&M’s that burst with holiday cheer in every bite. They are incredibly simple to make yet incredibly addictive, making them the ideal treat to share at holiday parties or to sneak a few whenever you need a joyful pick-me-up during the busy season. Whether you’re gifting them, snacking on them yourself, or setting them out for guests, these Christmas Pretzel Bites with Chocolate and M&M’s capture the spirit of the season in a deliciously fun way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this festive treat, you won’t need a long list of fancy ingredients—just a few essentials that come together to create that irresistible sweet-and-salty combo. Each item plays its part perfectly, blending texture, flavor, and color to make these bites stand out.
- Mini pretzels: The crunchy, salty base that provides the perfect contrast to the sweet toppings.
- Chocolate kiss candies: These melt just right to create a smooth, creamy layer that holds the M&M’s firmly in place.
- Christmas M&M’s: Not only do they add festive flavor with their chocolate centers, but their bright red and green colors bring a playful holiday vibe.
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Bites with Chocolate and M&M’s
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature is key to gently softening the chocolate kisses without melting the pretzels themselves. It’s a delicate balance but so worth the effort.
Step 2: Arrange the Pretzels
Grab a baking sheet and arrange your mini pretzels in neat rows. Having them spaced out just a little bit makes sure they each get an even amount of heat and chocolate melting—no overcrowding here!
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Kisses
Place one chocolate kiss directly on top of each pretzel. These sweet little kisses will melt down beautifully, creating the mouthwatering chocolate layer that makes these bites so irresistible.
Step 4: Heat and Soften
Pop the tray into the oven and heat for about 3 to 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the goal is to soften the chocolate kisses until they just begin to melt, turning glossy and smooth but not completely melted to the point of losing shape.
Step 5: Press the M&M’s In
As soon as you take the pretzels out of the oven, press one Christmas M&M into the center of each softened chocolate kiss. This step locks in the colorful candy and adds a delightful festive crunch right on top.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Let the pretzel bites cool completely at room temperature. This hardens the chocolate again, so the treats hold their shape perfectly and are ready to serve or package up for gifting.
How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Bites with Chocolate and M&M’s
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fine sea salt or crushed peppermint candy on top just before serving can elevate the flavor profile even more, adding an extra layer of holiday magic. You can also dust with a little powdered sugar for a snowy effect that feels extra festive.
Side Dishes
These bites shine on their own but also play nicely alongside a hot cup of cocoa or spiced apple cider. They’re a wonderful little companion to soups or salads at holiday brunches, bringing a sweet-and-salty surprise that guests will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Christmas Pretzel Bites with Chocolate and M&M’s in clear glass jars tied with colorful ribbons for a stunning gift idea. You can also put them on festive platters lined with red and green paper doilies or serve them in mini holiday-themed cupcake liners to amp up the holiday spirit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to three days, making it easy to snack on them throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
You can freeze Christmas Pretzel Bites with Chocolate and M&M’s for up to a month. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a sealed container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature—no ovens or microwaves needed!
Reheating
If you want to refresh the melty chocolate look before serving, place the bites in a 250°F oven for 2–3 minutes. This will soften the chocolate just a bit without melting the pretzels, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven charm.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate instead of chocolate kisses?
Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips or even small squares of your favorite chocolate bar can work well. Just ensure they’re similar in size so they melt evenly on the pretzels.
What if I don’t have Christmas M&M’s? Can I use regular ones?
You can definitely use regular M&M’s if you want. The festive colors just add to the holiday vibe, but the classic candy flavor works perfectly any time of year.
Are these pretzel bites gluten-free?
Most mini pretzels contain gluten, so these treats are not gluten-free unless you use certified gluten-free pretzels. Double-check your pretzel packaging if you need a gluten-free option.
Can kids help make Christmas Pretzel Bites with Chocolate and M&M’s?
Yes! This recipe is super kid-friendly. Kids can arrange the pretzels, place the chocolate kisses, and press in the M&M’s. Just make sure an adult handles the oven part.
How long does it take for the chocolate to set?
It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature for the chocolate to harden and hold the M&M’s securely. You can speed this up by placing them in the fridge for 5–10 minutes if you’re short on time.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with these Christmas Pretzel Bites with Chocolate and M&M’s. They’re the kind of treat that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a holiday party, gifting friends and family, or just indulging your own sweet tooth, these bites are sure to bring smiles and festive cheer. So go ahead, make them your new holiday tradition—you’ll be so glad you did!
PrintChristmas Pretzel Bites with Chocolate and M&M’s
Christmas Pretzel Bites with Chocolate and M&M’s are a delightful sweet-and-salty holiday snack, perfect for festive gatherings. These easy-to-make bite-sized treats combine the crunch of mini pretzels with the creamy sweetness of melted chocolate kisses, topped off with colorful Christmas-themed M&M’s for a cheerful finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 pretzel bites
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Mini pretzels – 1 bag (about 10 oz or 285 grams)
- Chocolate kiss candies – 24 pieces
- Christmas M&M’s – 24 pieces
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to ensure it is ready for gently melting the chocolate without burning it.
- Arrange Pretzels: Lay out the mini pretzels in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out for even heating.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Place one chocolate kiss candy on top of each pretzel, centering it carefully so it melts evenly.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and heat for 3–4 minutes, just until the chocolate kisses soften and become slightly melted but not liquid.
- Add M&M’s: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and immediately press one Christmas M&M into the center of each softened chocolate kiss to create a festive look and add extra sweetness and texture.
- Cool and Set: Allow the pretzel bites to cool at room temperature until the chocolate hardens and sets completely. You can also place them in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to speed this process.
Notes
- Use festive holiday M&M’s or any mini candy-coated chocolates for a seasonal touch.
- Make sure to watch the chocolate closely while melting to avoid burning or over-melting.
- These treats are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- For a fun variation, try using peanut butter cups instead of chocolate kisses, melted slightly before adding the M&M’s.