Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s ridiculously easy to make but impressively delicious, I’ve got just the treat for you. Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe has been one of my favorite quick-fix snacks ever since I stumbled upon it — and trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why. Sweet, salty, crunchy, and chocolatey all in one bite? Oh yes, it’s everything you want for casual snacking or party platters.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simplicity: Just three ingredients, but a combo that delivers knockout flavor every time.
  • Versatility: You can swap Hershey’s Kisses and M&Ms for seasonal colors and flavors.
  • Quick Prep: From counter to fridge, the whole process takes less than 40 minutes.
  • Fan Favorite: Whenever I bring these bites to gatherings, they disappear fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe is so simple because it relies on ingredients that bring out the best in each other. The salty crunch of waffle pretzels pairs perfectly with the creamy, melty chocolate of Hershey’s Kisses and that pop of color and texture from M&Ms is just the cherry on top. When shopping, look for fresh pretzels that aren’t stale, and pick your favorite Hershey’s Kiss variety — I sometimes mix classic milk chocolate with the hugs if I want a little peanut butter twist.

Flat lay of fresh, small waffle pretzels arranged neatly, a pile of smooth, shiny Hershey’s kisses and hugs chocolates unwrapped, and a scattering of colorful M&Ms, all placed separately in simple white ceramic bowls and directly on the surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Hershey's Kiss Pretzel Bites, easy chocolate pretzel bites, salty sweet snack recipes, quick party appetizers, simple holiday treats
  • Waffle Pretzels: I love these because their lattice shape holds the chocolate so nicely without sinking.
  • Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs: Unwrapped, these melt evenly; you can choose milk, white, or even seasonal flavors.
  • M&Ms: They add a colorful, crunchy topping that helps press the chocolate into place as it cools.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m a big fan of playing around with this Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe to suit different occasions or cravings. Since it’s such a simple base, feel free to mix things up with whatever candies or pretzels speak to you. Here are a few ways I like to change things up:

  • Chocolate Variety: I once used a mix of white and dark chocolate Kisses for a classy black-and-white theme — it was a huge hit at a party.
  • Seasonal M&Ms: Christmas colors are my go-to for the holidays, but I’ve also done pastels for Easter and vibrant reds for Valentine’s Day.
  • Peanut Butter Twist: Using Hershey’s Hugs adds a subtle peanut butter flavor, which my family goes nuts for.
  • Gluten-Free Pretzels: For gluten-sensitive guests, swap in your favorite gluten-free pretzels without losing any of the fun.

How to Make Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First up, preheat your oven to a low 200°F. This slow, gentle heat is the secret to melting the chocolate perfectly without making a puddle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat — trust me, cleanup will be a breeze and your pretzels won’t stick.

Step 2: Arrange the Pretzels and Chocolate

Spread your waffle pretzels out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Aim for space between each so the chocolate doesn’t melt into its neighbor. Then, place one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss or Hug on top of each pretzel. At this point, your kitchen might already be smelling so good — that’s a great sign!

Step 3: Bake Until Glossy and Soft

Bake these for about 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll want to watch closely: the chocolate should get shiny and soft but not fully melted or dripping everywhere. This is when you strike — too little time and the chocolate won’t be soft enough to press the M&M in; too long and you’ll have blobs.

Step 4: Press the M&Ms and Chill

Right out of the oven, gently press an M&M into the center of each warm chocolate kiss. That pop of color and flavor comes courtesy of this little step. Then transfer your baking sheet to the fridge and chill for about 20 minutes until the chocolate has fully hardened. This helps everything hold its shape when you bite in.

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Pro Tips for Making Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe

  • Use the Low Oven Temperature: I learned that melting chocolate gently at 200°F keeps the pretzels crisp — higher heat can make them soggy.
  • Do One Chocolate Type at a Time: Since white and milk chocolate melt differently, handling them separately makes sure each batch looks perfect.
  • Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating after assembly is crucial for clean chocolate sets that won’t melt on your fingers.
  • Space Pretzels Apart: Crowding the tray leads to merging chocolate blobs — give each pretzel some room to shine.

How to Serve Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of many small square pretzels laid out neatly on a white marbled surface. Each pretzel has two layers: the base pretzel square is golden brown with a slightly rough texture. On top of each pretzel is either a smooth white and brown striped candy or a round milk chocolate piece. Each candy or chocolate has a small bright red or green candy M in the center, adding a pop of color. The layers are evenly spaced, creating a tidy and colorful pattern. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Hershey's Kiss Pretzel Bites, easy chocolate pretzel bites, salty sweet snack recipes, quick party appetizers, simple holiday treats

Garnishes

I usually keep these bites simple because the chocolate and candy speak for themselves, but sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after pressing the M&M in — it adds a delicious contrast and boosts the flavor beautifully. Another time, I dusted some with edible glitter for a fun party vibe my kids absolutely adored.

Side Dishes

If I serve these at a bigger spread, I like pairing them with salty popcorn or a fresh fruit tray to balance the chocolate richness. A nice cup of coffee or hot cocoa also makes the perfect companion — especially if you want a treat that’s both snackable and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or birthdays, I arrange these pretzel bites on tiered dessert stands or fill a pretty jar or bowl so guests can help themselves. Wrapping some individually in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes adorable party favors. One year, I even used themed cookie cutters to shape the pretzels first, which added a playful twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store these Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week. I always keep mine in a cool, dry spot because chocolate can sweat if it gets too warm, which ruins the look and texture.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead for a party, freezing works well too. I place the bites on a tray in a single layer until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Just let them thaw at room temperature in the packaging before serving — no microwave needed!

Reheating

Reheating isn’t really necessary here since you want to keep that crisp pretzel crunch and cool-set chocolate. But if you do want them a little softer, popping them in the microwave for 5-7 seconds usually does the trick. Just watch closely so the chocolate doesn’t melt completely.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular pretzels instead of waffle pretzels?

    Absolutely! Regular pretzels can work, but waffle pretzels hold the chocolate better and give a bit more crunch. If you use the regular round or stick pretzels, just be gentle pressing the chocolate and M&M so everything stays intact.

  2. What if I don’t have M&Ms? Can I use another candy?

    Definitely! You can substitute mini chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or even a small nut like a pecan or almond. The key is something small and colorful to press into the softened chocolate for flavor and aesthetics.

  3. Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?

    Yes! Look for dairy-free or vegan chocolate kisses and M&M alternatives, plus gluten-free pretzels if needed. The process remains the same, and the results are just as delicious.

  4. Why did my pretzels get soggy?

    This usually happens if your oven temperature was too high or if you didn’t chill the bites after baking. Low heat melts the chocolate gently without steaming the pretzels, and chilling sets everything firmly to preserve that crunch.

  5. How long do these bites last once refrigerated?

    Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll stay good for about 1 week. Just bring them to room temp before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe enough if you’re craving an effortless sweet-and-salty treat. Every time I pull these out, whether for a last-minute guest or a family movie night, they disappear so fast it’s crazy. The best part is how easy it is to make them your own with different chocolates, candies, and even pretzel types. So go on, give this recipe a try — I promise it’ll become your go-to snack fix, too!

Print
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Hershey's Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe

Hershey’s Kiss Pretzel Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 90 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 80 bites 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Hershey’s Kiss Pretzels are an easy, delicious holiday treat combining salty waffle pretzels with melty Hershey’s Kisses and colorful M&Ms. Perfect for festive parties and quick snacking, these bite-sized snacks offer a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors with a crunchy texture.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 80 waffle pretzels
  • 80 Hershey’s kisses or hugs, unwrapped (about 14 oz)
  • 80 M&Ms

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  2. Arrange Pretzels: Spread the waffle pretzels out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are evenly spaced to allow heat circulation.
  3. Add Chocolate: Place an unwrapped Hershey’s kiss or hug on top of each pretzel piece. If using both white and milk chocolate types, melt them separately as they have different melting rates.
  4. Bake: Bake the pretzels with chocolate in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes, or until the chocolate is glossy and soft but not melted completely through.
  5. Top with M&Ms: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately press one M&M into the center of each softened chocolate piece.
  6. Chill: Transfer the pretzels to the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens to set the M&Ms securely in place.
  7. Store: Once hardened, store the Hershey’s Kiss Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and crunch.

Notes

  • White and milk chocolate melt at different rates; it is easier to melt them separately if using both types of chocolate.
  • You can use regular M&Ms or any holiday-themed M&Ms for a festive touch depending on the occasion.
  • Store the pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bite (1 pretzel with chocolate and M&M)
  • Calories: 70
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 125mg
  • Fat: 3.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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