There’s just something magical about making festive treats during the holiday season, isn’t there? I can already smell the sweet chocolate and crunchy pretzels! My absolute favorite are these *christmas pretzel treats*. They’re so simple to whip up, and they always bring a smile to everyone’s face. I remember one year, my family and I made a huge batch to share at our holiday gathering. We ended up decorating them with all sorts of sprinkles, and they looked like little holiday gifts! Watching the kids dive into them was priceless. Trust me, these treats are not only a delight to make but also a joy to share. Plus, they disappear faster than you can say, “Merry Christmas!” Let’s dive into how to create this festive masterpiece!
Ingredients for Christmas Pretzel Treats
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful *christmas pretzel treats*:
- 1 bag of pretzel squares
- 12 oz of chocolate melts
- 1 cup of M&Ms (feel free to use any colors to make them extra festive!)
- Sprinkles (optional, but they add such a fun touch)
Make sure to have everything ready before you start, so you can enjoy the process without any interruptions. The best part? These ingredients are super easy to find, even at the last minute! Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Christmas Pretzel Treats
Making these *christmas pretzel treats* is a breeze, and I promise it’s going to be a fun process! Let’s break it down step by step to keep things clear and easy.
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key because it ensures that the chocolate melts evenly and gives that gooey, delightful texture we all love. Don’t skip this step; it sets the stage for your treats!
Prepare the Baking Sheet
Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step is super important because it keeps your treats from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Just lay the parchment flat and press it down gently so it sticks to the sheet. You’re all set to start assembling!
Assemble the Treats
Now for the fun part! Place the pretzel squares on your lined baking sheet, giving them a little space between each one. Then, take a chocolate melt and put it right on top of each pretzel. It’s like a little chocolate hat! They should all look adorable and ready for the oven.
Baking Process
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the chocolate is soft but not completely melted—just a little squishy. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to overbake!
Adding M&Ms and Cooling
Once they’re out of the oven, it’s time for the M&Ms! Press one M&M onto the center of each chocolate melt while everything is still warm. This way, they’ll stick perfectly! Let the treats cool completely on the baking sheet. This is crucial because they need to set, and trust me, the wait will be worth it when you take that first bite!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *christmas pretzel treats* turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that I’ve picked up along the way!
- Chocolate Melts: I love using chocolate melts for their easy melting and smooth finish. However, if you want to get a bit adventurous, feel free to try white chocolate or even colored candy melts for a festive twist!
- M&Ms Variations: Don’t hesitate to mix and match your M&Ms! You can use seasonal colors or even peanut M&Ms for an extra crunch. The options are endless!
- Sprinkles Galore: If you’re feeling extra festive, go wild with sprinkles! Use holiday-themed sprinkles or even crushed candy canes for that peppermint touch. They add such a delightful pop of color and fun!
- Batch Size: These treats are super easy to double or triple if you’re planning a big gathering. Just remember to adjust your baking sheets accordingly!
- Storage Tip: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay deliciously crunchy for several days, but trust me, they won’t last long!
With these tips, you’re all set to create the most scrumptious *christmas pretzel treats*! Enjoy the process and the smiles they’ll bring!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
When it comes to the nutritional information for these delightful *christmas pretzel treats*, it’s important to note that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided some typical values below, keep in mind that they are estimates and may not be precise for your specific batch:
- Calories: Approximately 100 per treat
- Fat: About 4g
- Protein: Around 1g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15g
Always feel free to adjust and substitute ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences! Enjoy every bite without worrying too much about the numbers!
Why You’ll Love Christmas Pretzel Treats
- Quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings.
- Adorably festive appearance that brightens up any dessert table.
- Deliciously sweet and salty flavor that everyone loves.
- Customizable with different M&M colors and fun sprinkles for a personal touch.
- A great treat for kids and adults alike, guaranteed to bring smiles!
FAQ Section
I often get questions about these delightful *christmas pretzel treats*, so let’s tackle a few of the most common ones!
Can I use other types of pretzels?
Absolutely! While I love the square pretzels for their perfect size, you can use pretzel sticks or even pretzel rings. Just keep in mind that the baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them!
How should I store these treats?
Store your *christmas pretzel treats* in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay nice and crunchy for about a week. Just be sure to keep them away from humidity!
Can I make these ahead of time?
For sure! These treats are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just let them cool completely before storing. They’ll be ready to impress when guests arrive!
What if I don’t have chocolate melts?
No worries! You can substitute with chocolate chips, but they may not melt as smoothly. If you’re using chips, just be sure to melt them gently in the microwave or a double boiler to achieve that silky texture.
Are there any fun serving suggestions?
Oh, definitely! You can serve these treats on a festive platter or even in cute holiday-themed bags for a fun gift. Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for the ultimate holiday snack experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *christmas pretzel treats* fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crunchy and tasty for up to a week, but I can’t promise they’ll last that long—everyone loves them! If you ever find yourself with leftovers, you can simply grab one and enjoy it as is; there’s no need to reheat. The chocolate and pretzels are perfect at room temperature! Just be sure to keep them away from any humidity to maintain that delightful crunch. Happy snacking!
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Delightful Christmas Pretzel Treats in 5 Simple Steps
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 treats 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive treat made with pretzels, chocolate, and candy.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of pretzel squares
- 1 bag of chocolate melts (12 oz)
- M&Ms (1 cup)
- Sprinkles (optional)
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 for 5 minutes until chocolate is soft.
- Remove from oven and press an M&M onto each chocolate melt.
- Let cool completely.
- Add sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Use any color M&Ms for a festive look.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: christmas pretzel treats, holiday snacks, festive desserts
