Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat: Christmas pretzel treats! Every year, I whip these up with my family while we blast our favorite Christmas tunes and sip on hot cocoa. There’s just something magical about that sweet and salty combination – it’s like a party in your mouth! The crunchy pretzels, gooey chocolate, and colorful M&M’s create a wonderful medley of flavors and textures that make them utterly irresistible. Plus, they’re so simple to make! Whether you’re sharing them at a festive gathering or giving them as gifts, these treats are always a hit. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be dreaming of Christmas pretzel treats long after the holidays are over!
Ingredients for Christmas Pretzel Treats
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to these delightful treats! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups pretzel twists: These are the perfect base, providing that essential crunch and saltiness.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: I love using semi-sweet chocolate for that rich flavor, but you can go with milk chocolate if you prefer something sweeter!
- 1 cup M&M’s: These colorful candies not only add a pop of color but also a fun chewiness. Feel free to mix and match colors to fit any festive occasion!
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: This step is optional, but trust me, a drizzle of melted white chocolate takes these treats to a whole new level of deliciousness!
How to Prepare Christmas Pretzel Treats
Making Christmas pretzel treats is super fun and surprisingly easy! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious batch ready in no time. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when you’re ready to bake!
- Spread the pretzels: Grab a baking sheet and spread your pretzel twists in an even layer. Make sure they’re not too crowded so they can get all toasty and lovely.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until they’re smooth and creamy. Oops! Be careful not to overheat – burnt chocolate is a bummer!
- Drizzle over pretzels: Once your chocolate is melted, drizzle it generously over the pretzels. You want to coat them well, but don’t worry about being perfect; a little mess adds charm!
- Add the M&M’s: Now, sprinkle those colorful M&M’s on top of the drizzled chocolate while it’s still warm. They’ll stick like magic!
- Bake: Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let it bake for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for the chocolate to be just melted but not bubbling. That’s the sweet spot!
- Let cool: After baking, remove the sheet from the oven and let the pretzel treats cool for a few minutes. This part is crucial so they can firm up a bit.
- Drizzle with white chocolate: If you’re using white chocolate, melt it in the same way as before, then drizzle it over your cooled pretzels. It’s the finishing touch that makes them extra special!
- Set and serve: Allow the treats to set completely before serving. You can pop them in the fridge for a quick cool-down if you’re in a hurry. Enjoy your sweet and salty creations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up in about 25 minutes! Perfect for when you need a last-minute holiday snack.
- Festive Vibes: The colorful M&M’s and shiny chocolate make these treats a visual delight, adding that extra sparkle to your holiday gatherings.
- Sweet and Salty Perfection: The combination of crunchy pretzels, rich chocolate, and chewy candies creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible!
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the toppings or use different colored M&M’s to match any occasion, making them fun for any celebration!
- Perfect for Gifting: These treats make fantastic gifts! Just package them up in a cute box or jar, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade present.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy night in, everyone loves these sweet little bites. They’re always a hit with both kids and adults!
Tips for Success
These tips will help you nail your Christmas pretzel treats and make them even more delicious! Trust me, a little preparation goes a long way!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your chocolate and M&M’s are fresh! Old chocolate can clump when melted, and stale candy just isn’t as tasty.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your pretzels while they’re baking! You want the chocolate to melt, not bubble or burn. If you see it starting to lose its sheen, it’s time to take them out!
- Chill for Quick Setting: If you’re short on time, pop the baking sheet in the fridge for a few minutes after drizzling with white chocolate. This will help them set quicker!
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Add nuts, crushed candy canes, or even sprinkles on top of the chocolate for an extra festive flair.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent the treats from sticking!
- Store Properly: If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy. They’ll last for about a week, but I doubt they’ll stick around that long!
Variations on Christmas Pretzel Treats
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your Christmas pretzel treats! Here are some of my favorite variations that will keep things exciting and delicious:
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts on top of the chocolate for some crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness!
- Minty Fresh: Mix in crushed candy canes or peppermint pieces for a refreshing twist. It’s like a winter wonderland in every bite!
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some melted caramel over the chocolate before adding the M&M’s. The gooey caramel adds a decadent sweetness that’s hard to resist!
- Colorful Sprinkles: After drizzling with white chocolate, sprinkle some festive holiday sprinkles or colored sugars on top for an extra pop of color and fun!
- Seasonal Flavors: Try using flavored chocolate chips, like butterscotch or peanut butter, to change up the flavor profile. These additions can bring a whole new experience to your treats!
- Fruit Infusion: Add small pieces of dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, on top of the melted chocolate for a chewy, fruity contrast that’s delightful!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own signature version of Christmas pretzel treats. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them all!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got a delicious batch of Christmas pretzel treats ready to go, let’s talk about how to elevate your festive snacking experience! These treats are so versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of goodies. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Hot Cocoa: Nothing beats a cozy mug of hot cocoa alongside these sweet and salty bites. The warm, chocolatey drink is the perfect complement to the crunchy pretzels!
- Festive Fruit Platter: Serve your treats alongside a colorful fruit platter filled with seasonal fruits like pomegranates, oranges, and apples. The freshness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the pretzel treats!
- Cheese Board: Create a cheese board with a mix of sharp and creamy cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits. The savory and sweet elements work together wonderfully, making for a delightful snack spread!
- Holiday Cookies: Pair these pretzel treats with a selection of your favorite holiday cookies. The variety will make your dessert table a festive feast everyone will enjoy!
- Sparkling Water or Cider: For a refreshing drink option, serve your treats with sparkling water infused with fresh fruit or some bubbly apple cider. The fizz adds an extra element of celebration!
- Gift Bags: If you’re giving these treats as gifts, consider packaging them with a few other homemade goodies like cookies or fudge in a festive bag or tin. It makes for a wonderful holiday present!
Whatever you choose to serve alongside your Christmas pretzel treats, just know that they’re sure to bring smiles and a touch of holiday magic to your gatherings!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Christmas pretzel treats properly is key to keeping them crunchy and delicious! Here’s how to make sure they stay fresh:
- Store in an Airtight Container: Once your treats have completely cooled and set, place them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in all that yummy flavor and keeps them from getting stale!
- Keep at Room Temperature: These treats are best stored at room temperature. Just keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain that perfect crunch!
- Enjoy Within a Week: They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long once you start sharing them with family and friends!
- Reheating Tips: If you happen to have leftovers and want to enjoy them warm, you can pop them in the oven for just a minute or two at 200°F (93°C) to soften the chocolate. Just be careful not to overheat them! You want that gooey chocolate goodness without turning them into a melted mess!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your Christmas pretzel treats long after they’re made. Enjoy every crunchy, sweet, and salty bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional values of these delightful Christmas pretzel treats! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying with each sweet and salty bite. Here’s the breakdown for one treat:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These treats are a fun indulgence during the holidays, and while they pack a bit of sweetness, they also give you that satisfying crunch! Enjoy them in moderation, and you’ll be spreading joy and deliciousness all season long!
FAQ About Christmas Pretzel Treats
Got questions about making these festive Christmas pretzel treats? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my best answers:
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While I love semi-sweet chocolate, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even flavored chocolate chips like caramel or mint. Each will give your treats a unique twist that’s oh-so-delicious!
How do I keep them crunchy?
To keep your Christmas pretzel treats nice and crunchy, make sure they’re stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid keeping them in the fridge, as that can make them lose their delightful crunch!
Can I make these in advance?
You sure can! These treats are perfect for making ahead of time. Just store them properly in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week. Perfect for holiday get-togethers!
What can I substitute for M&M’s?
If you want to switch things up, you can use any candy you like! Think chocolate-covered pretzels, crushed nuts, or festive sprinkles. Just make sure they’re colorful and fun to keep that holiday vibe!
Can I freeze these treats?
While I recommend enjoying them fresh, you can freeze the pretzel treats! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature for that perfect crunch!
Print
Christmas Pretzel Treats: 7 Irresistible Holiday Twists
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 treats 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas pretzel treats with a sweet and salty flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pretzel twists
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M’s
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread pretzel twists on a baking sheet.
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the pretzels.
- Add M&M’s on top of the chocolate.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes.
- Let cool and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Allow to set before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use any color M&M’s for different occasions.
- Great for gift giving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: christmas pretzel treats, holiday snacks, sweet and salty treats
