If you’re on the hunt for a quick, fun treat that’s both salty and sweet, you’re going to absolutely adore this Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe. I first tried these bite-sized goodies when I needed a simple dessert for a last-minute gathering, and boy, did they wow everyone! These little bites pack such a satisfying crunch with a hint of chocolatey goodness and a pop of color from the M&Ms—perfect for snack time, parties, or even just a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to make these with zero fuss and maximum deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at Its Best: With just three main ingredients and no baking skills needed, this is a perfect recipe for beginners or last-minute treats.
- Sweet and Salty Combo: The crunchy pretzels paired with melty chocolate and candy create a mouthwatering balance of flavors you’ll crave.
- Customizable Fun: You can swap the candy for seasonal colors or mix milk and white chocolate for variety.
- Perfect Party Treats: These bite-sized delights are festive, easy to serve, and always disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is. These simple flavors come together so magically, and knowing exactly what to look for in each ingredient can make all the difference.
- Waffle Pretzels: Their flat surface is perfect for holding the chocolate without it sliding off. I prefer these over regular pretzels for stability.
- Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs (unwrapped): I usually pick whichever is on sale but keep them unwrapped to avoid any bitter surprises in the chocolate.
- M&Ms: These add a pop of color and an extra candy crunch. I love switching to seasonal colors depending on the occasion.
Variations
I love how versatile this Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with colors, chocolate types, and even added a sprinkle of sea salt on top to kick things up a notch. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—it’s all about the fun!
- Use White Chocolate Kisses: I discovered this trick when I tried both milk and white chocolate separately—melting rates vary, so doing them in two batches works best to avoid frustration.
- Seasonal M&Ms: For holidays, swapping regular M&Ms for themed ones instantly makes these bites festive and special.
- Add Sea Salt: My family goes crazy for the extra salty-sweet contrast, so sprinkling a pinch just after baking really makes a difference.
- Peanut Butter Filling: Scoop a tiny dollop onto the pretzel before adding the kiss for a rich surprise inside.
How to Make Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to a low 200 degrees F. This gentle heat lets the chocolate soften but not melt completely, which is crucial for getting that glossy finish and perfect texture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep things from sticking and for easy cleanup—trust me, you’ll thank me later!
Step 2: Arrange Pretzels and Add Chocolate
Spread those waffle pretzels out in a single layer on your prepared sheet. Be sure they’re not touching because the chocolate needs space to soften evenly. Then, pop a Hershey’s Kiss or Hug right on top of each pretzel. Here’s a little trick I learned: use unwrapped chocolates to avoid waxy paper residues, and if you’re mixing chocolates (milk and white), bake them separately for better results.
Step 3: Bake Until Chocolate Is Glossy
Slide the pan into your oven and bake for just 4-5 minutes. Keep a close eye here—once that chocolate starts to look shiny and melty (not runny), it’s time to take it out. I used to over-bake these and end up with a mess, so precise timing is key!
Step 4: Add M&M and Chill
Right after pulling the tray out, gently press an M&M into the center of each melted kiss. This helps the candy stick beautifully as the chocolate cools. Then, transfer the whole batch to the fridge for about 20 minutes so the chocolate can harden back up. This chilling step is what keeps your bites perfectly intact and ready for munching.
Pro Tips for Making Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe
- Watch the Oven Closely: Because chocolate melts quickly, baking even a minute too long can ruin the texture—set a timer right away!
- Separate Chocolate Types: Milk and white chocolate melt at different speeds; doing them in batches reduced my stress and made cleanup easier.
- Use Flat Pretzels: The waffle pretzels hold the chocolate and M&M combo like a charm, preventing messy spills.
- Chill Before Serving: Skipping the fridge step often leads to melty bites that fall apart—20 minutes is all you need!
How to Serve Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with these bites, but if you want to dress them up, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top adds a festive flair. For the holidays, a sprinkle of crushed candy canes looks adorable and adds a minty twist.
Side Dishes
These Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. I’ve also served them alongside a simple fruit platter to balance out the sweetness. They shine as finger food at any casual get-together or holiday party.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like arranging the bites in a colorful pattern on a platter—think red and green M&Ms for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter. Another fun idea is placing them inside mini cupcake liners to keep each bite neat and easy to grab, especially great for kids’ parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that almost never happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve kept mine fresh this way for up to a week, and they still taste crisp and delicious—no sogginess here!
Freezing
I recommend freezing these bites if you want to prep ahead. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to a month; just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites, but if you prefer the chocolate slightly melty, pop a few in the microwave for about 5-7 seconds. Be cautious not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with melted candy and drippy messes!
FAQs
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Can I use regular pretzels instead of waffle-shaped ones?
You can, but waffle pretzels work best because their flat surface provides a more stable base for the chocolate and candy. Regular twisted pretzels don’t hold the toppings as securely, which can lead to a messier bite.
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Why should I use unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses?
Unwrapped kisses ensure that no waxy paper flavor gets into your treats. Plus, it speeds up the process since you’re not dealing with removing the wrappers afterward.
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Can I skip the chilling step?
Chilling is essential to let the chocolate set properly and keep everything intact. Skipping this can cause the chocolate to remain soft and the M&Ms to slip off easily.
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What if I want to double the recipe?
Feel free! Just bake the chocolates in batches so you don’t crowd the pan, and maintain the same precise timing for glossy, soft chocolate.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I absolutely love how this Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress guests or satisfy a sweet craving in minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, these bites are a fun, no-stress way to enjoy that perfect salty-sweet combo. Give them a try—your family and friends will be asking for the recipe before the tray is even empty!
Print
Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 80 bites 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hershey’s Kiss Pretzels are a delightful and easy-to-make sweet and salty treat perfect for holidays and parties. This simple recipe combines crunchy waffle pretzels, smooth melted Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs, and colorful M&Ms for a festive, bite-sized snack that requires minimal prep and baking time.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 80 waffle pretzels
- 80 Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs, unwrapped (about 14 oz)
- 80 M&Ms (any variety or holiday-themed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the pretzels: Spread the waffle pretzels out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are evenly spaced for uniform melting.
- Add the chocolate: Place one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss or Hug on top of each pretzel, centered carefully.
- Bake the pretzels with chocolate: Bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes, or until the chocolate is glossy and soft but not completely melted.
- Top with M&Ms: Immediately after removing from the oven, press one M&M gently into the center of each softened chocolate piece.
- Chill to set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate has fully hardened and set.
Notes
- White and milk chocolate melt at different rates, so if using both types, it is easier to melt them separately to avoid over or under melting.
- You can customize these treats with any variety or color of M&Ms to fit different holiday themes or occasions.
- Store these pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain crispness and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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