Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to whip up this holiday season, you’ve got to try these Christmas pretzel treats! Seriously, they’re the perfect combination of sweet and salty, and they couldn’t be easier to make. I mean, we’re talking about just a few ingredients and minimal effort here, making them absolutely ideal for beginners. You’ll love how quickly they come together, and the best part? You can customize them with all those vibrant holiday colors from M&M’s! Trust me, once you start making these cute little snacks, you won’t be able to stop! They’re sure to brighten up any holiday gathering.
Ingredients List
- 1 bag of pretzel squares: These are the perfect base for our treats, providing that delightful crunch and salty flavor.
- 1 bag of holiday M&M’s: Choose a mix of festive colors to make your treats pop! The sweetness of these candies will complement the chocolate perfectly.
- 1 bag of chocolate melts: You can use either white or milk chocolate, depending on your preference. These melts will create a smooth, gooey layer on top of the pretzels.
How to Prepare Christmas Pretzel Treats
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your chocolate melts just right, giving you that gooey, delicious texture we all love. Plus, it helps everything bake evenly. So, don’t skip this step!
Prepare the Baking Sheet
Now, let’s get our baking sheet ready! Line it with parchment paper. This is essential because it prevents the pretzels from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to scrape melted chocolate off the pan!
Arrange the Pretzels
Time to get those pretzel squares on the baking sheet! Place them in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each one. This is important because it allows the chocolate to melt evenly without spilling over onto the others. You want them to look nice and neat, plus it makes it easier to add the M&M’s later!
Add Chocolate Melts
Now for the fun part—let’s add the chocolate melts! Place one chocolate melt on top of each pretzel. Make sure they’re centered so that when they melt, they cover the pretzel nicely. It’s like giving each pretzel a warm, chocolatey hug!
Bake the Treats
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake those beauties for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them—this is where you don’t want to wander off! You’re looking for the chocolate to get soft but not completely melted. That’s the sweet spot for pressing the M&M’s on top!
Press the M&Ms
As soon as they come out of the oven, grab your M&M’s! While the chocolate is still warm, gently press one M&M onto each chocolate melt. This is where the magic happens! The heat from the chocolate will help the M&M stick perfectly.
Cool and Serve
Let the pretzel treats cool completely on the baking sheet until the chocolate hardens. This is crucial because you want them to hold their shape when you serve them. Once they’re cool, they’re ready to be enjoyed! How easy was that?
Tips for Success
Now that you’ve got the basics down, here are some pro tips to help you nail these Christmas pretzel treats and impress your friends and family!
- Watch the Chocolate: Keep a close eye on the chocolate melts while they bake. You want them to be soft but not completely melted. If they get too hot, they can lose that perfect shape needed for your M&M’s!
- Mix Up the M&M Colors: For a festive touch, use a variety of M&M colors! You can even sort them by color to create fun patterns or designs. It’s all about making these treats as cheerful as the holidays!
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Let those treats cool completely before you dig in. I know it’s tempting to sneak a bite, but letting the chocolate harden ensures they stay intact and look beautiful when served.
- Use Different Chocolate Melts: Experiment with different flavored chocolate melts like caramel or peanut butter for a unique twist! You can also drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of elegance.
- Perfect for Gifting: If you’re making these for friends or family, consider packaging them in cute holiday tins or bags! They make fantastic homemade gifts and are always a hit during the festive season.
With these tips in mind, you’re all set for success! Enjoy creating your Christmas pretzel treats and don’t forget to have fun with it!
Variations
If you want to mix things up a bit with your Christmas pretzel treats, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! These little tweaks can take your treats from delicious to downright fabulous, and they’re super easy to do!
- Different Chocolate Melts: Why not try using different flavors of chocolate melts? Caramel, peanut butter, or even dark chocolate can add a whole new flavor profile. Just imagine the delicious combinations!
- Sprinkle Some Festivity: Add a sprinkle of festive holiday sprinkles on top of the M&M’s before the chocolate hardens for an extra pop of color and fun. It’s like a confetti party on each treat!
- Nutty Twist: For a little crunch, consider adding crushed nuts like pecans or almonds on top of the melted chocolate before pressing in the M&M’s. It adds a delicious texture and enhances the flavor!
- Minty Fresh: For a holiday twist, use mint-flavored chocolate melts and top with green and red M&M’s. It’s like a chocolate mint surprise that’s perfect for the season!
- Festive Shapes: Instead of sticking to just pretzel squares, try using different pretzel shapes like pretzel sticks or pretzel rings. They’ll look adorable and add a fun twist to your presentation!
With these variations, you can get creative and make these Christmas pretzel treats uniquely yours. Have fun experimenting and happy snacking!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take these figures as a general guide rather than exact measurements. Now, here’s what you can expect for one delicious Christmas pretzel treat:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Keep these numbers in mind as you share and enjoy these treats with family and friends. They’re a sweet addition to your holiday celebrations, and they won’t break the calorie bank!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of pretzels?
Absolutely! While I love using pretzel squares for their perfect shape, you can definitely switch it up with pretzel sticks or even pretzel rings. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the chocolate and M&M’s!
How long do the Christmas pretzel treats last?
These treats are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for about a week. Just make sure they’re completely cool before you store them to keep that chocolate nice and firm!
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These Christmas pretzel treats are perfect for prepping a day or two ahead of your holiday gathering. Just keep them in a cool, dry place or in the fridge for extra freshness!
What’s the best way to package them for gifting?
For a festive touch, consider using clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon or a cute holiday tin. It’s a sweet way to share these treats with friends and family during the holidays!
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No worries! If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease your baking sheet with a little cooking spray or butter. Just be sure to keep an eye on them while they bake to avoid sticking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These Christmas pretzel treats come together in just about 17 minutes! It’s perfect for those busy holiday days when you need a quick snack.
- Minimal Ingredients: With only three simple ingredients, you won’t have to stress about complicated shopping lists or fancy techniques. Just grab what you need and get started!
- Perfect for Beginners: No baking expertise required! This recipe is super friendly for those just starting out in the kitchen, making it a great choice for kids or novice cooks.
- Festive and Fun: The colorful M&M’s and the delightful chocolate layer make these treats a festive addition to any holiday gathering. They’re sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces!
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the chocolate melts or M&M colors to match your holiday theme or personal taste. Get creative and make them uniquely yours!
- Great for Gifting: These treats make perfect homemade gifts for friends, family, or neighbors. Just package them up in a cute tin or bag, and you’ve got a sweet surprise!
Check out these Christmas Rolo pretzels for another festive treat!
Explore more Christmas dessert recipes made easy!
Christmas Pretzel Treats: 5 Easy Steps to Festive Fun!
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 24 pretzel treats 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and fun recipe for Christmas pretzel treats, perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of pretzel squares
- 1 bag of holiday M&M’s
- 1 bag of chocolate melts (white or milk chocolate)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place pretzel squares on the baking sheet.
- Top each pretzel with a chocolate melt.
- Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes until chocolate is soft but not melted.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press an M&M on top of each chocolate melt.
- Let cool until chocolate hardens.
- Serve and enjoy your Christmas pretzel treats!
Notes
- Use a variety of M&M colors for a festive look.
- Watch the chocolate closely to avoid burning.
- Let the treats cool completely before storing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel treat
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: christmas pretzel treats, holiday snacks, easy dessert
