The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re anything like me, your kitchen is about to become the North Pole of deliciousness. Imagine a plate of Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies, with their sweet and salty charm that combines the crunch of pretzels and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of chocolate. Melt-in-your-mouth Shortbread Cookies Cookies and Cream Cookies These cookies will dance around your taste buds like sugarplum fairies at a festive party.
Every bite is a cozy hug for your senses, reminiscent of childhood memories spent baking with my grandma. The aroma of melting chocolate and buttery pretzels wafting through the house always brings back those warm feelings of holiday cheer. Whether it’s for a cookie exchange or just to indulge in while binge-watching holiday movies, these delightful treats promise to elevate your festivities to a whole new level.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies are incredibly easy to make, perfect for any skill level in the kitchen.
- The delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors creates an irresistible treat that everyone will adore.
- Visually stunning with their festive colors, they make an impressive addition to any dessert table.
- Ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just because you deserve something sweet!
Ingredients for Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Mini Pretzels: Choose small pretzels that hold their shape well; they provide the perfect crunch and base for our cookies.
- Hershey’s Kisses: Milk chocolate kisses are traditional, but feel free to mix it up with caramel or peanut butter varieties.
- M&Ms: Use festive-colored M&Ms for a pop of color that enhances the holiday spirit in each cookie.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps achieve that delightful cookie texture we know and love.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar contributes moisture and a rich flavor profile; don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key here; it makes the dough smooth and easy to work with.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookie dough; sift it for a light texture.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent ensures our cookies rise perfectly in the oven.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking—because nobody wants a cookie disaster on their hands!
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy. It should feel like you’re whipping up clouds—light and airy!
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Add flour and baking soda into the mixture slowly until combined. Don’t forget to scrape down those sides; we want every bit of dough involved in this magical journey.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
Place mini pretzels on your prepared baking sheets spaced evenly apart. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto each pretzel as if you’re making tiny little cookie pillows.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Kisses
Bake in preheated oven for about five minutes. Remove from oven, then immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into each cookie center. Let them melt just enough—think cozy winter blanket vibes!
Step 6: Top with M&Ms
Finish off by placing M&Ms on top of the melted kisses while they are still soft. Let these beauties cool completely on wire racks before indulging.
Transfer to plates and prepare yourself for compliments from friends and family who will marvel at your baking prowess!
Now that you have mastered these wonderful Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies, get ready for a taste sensation that will have everyone coming back for seconds—or maybe thirds! With their delightful combination of textures and flavors, these cookies are destined to become a holiday favorite year after year. Happy baking! For more inspiration, check out this Delightful Easter MM Cookies recipe.
You Must Know
- These Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies are not just adorable; they’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for holiday gifting.
- With their sweet and salty combination, you’ll find them disappearing faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!” The festive colors also add a cheerful touch to any dessert platter.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve crunchy pretzels with melted chocolate hugs, start by preheating your oven. Lay out the pretzels on a baking sheet, place a chocolate hug on each, and bake just until the chocolate melts. Allow them to cool and set before enjoying!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the chocolate hugs for other candies! You can use M&Ms or even caramel squares if you’re feeling adventurous. Add sprinkles on top for an extra burst of holiday cheer or a sprinkle of sea salt for that sweet-salty balance.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them. There’s no need for reheating; enjoy them straight from the container!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use mini pretzels for bite-sized cookies that are perfect for sharing.
- Make sure your chocolate hugs are fresh for better melting results.
- Lastly, don’t skip letting the cookies cool completely before moving them; it helps preserve their shape!
When I first made these Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies, my family devoured them within minutes! Their delighted faces made all the melted chocolate worth it and turned me into the holiday baking hero (at least until next year). Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies.
FAQs:
What are Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies?
Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies are delightful treats made with pretzels, chocolate kisses, and M&M candies. These cookies are easy to prepare and are perfect for holiday gatherings. The combination of salty pretzels and sweet chocolate creates a delicious contrast that everyone loves. nostalgic hot cocoa treats They’re not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them a festive addition to your holiday dessert table.
How do you store Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies?
To keep your Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week if properly stored. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them. However, be aware that refrigeration may affect the texture slightly. If you want to preserve them for even longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Can I customize Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies?
Yes, you can easily customize your Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies! You can use different types of chocolate candies like caramel-filled or peanut butter cups instead of the traditional chocolate kisses. Additionally, change the colors of M&M’s according to your theme or preference for a unique twist. Adding sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top before the chocolate sets can also enhance their festive look.
Are Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies suitable for gift giving?
Absolutely! Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies make wonderful gifts during the holiday season. Their festive appearance and delicious taste will impress anyone who receives them. You can package them in decorative tins or boxes tied with a ribbon for an extra special touch. Just ensure they are stored properly before gifting to maintain freshness and flavor. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Easter Cookies recipe.
Conclusion for Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies:
In summary, Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies combine sweet and salty flavors that delight people of all ages. With easy preparation and playful customization options, these cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering or gifting occasion. Remember to store them properly for optimal freshness and consider personalizing them according to your tastes or themes. Make this festive treat a part of your holiday traditions!
Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Christmas Pretzel Hugs Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the sweet richness of melted chocolate with the satisfying crunch of pretzels. These delightful cookies are not only easy to make but also visually stunning, featuring festive colors that will brighten any dessert table. Perfect for cookie exchanges or as charming gifts, these treats promise to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1 cup Hershey's Kisses (milk chocolate)
- ½ cup M&Ms (festive colors)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the flour and baking soda until well combined.
- Place mini pretzels on the prepared baking sheets. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto each pretzel.
- Bake for about 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and immediately press an unwrapped Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Top with M&Ms while the chocolate is still soft. Allow to cool completely on wire racks before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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