A few weeks ago we received a gorgeous plate of assorted homemade holiday cookies from my nephew’s wife (is she my niece-in-law?). I wish I had taken a photo of the platter before we unwrapped it – so festive, with a nice assortment of both “shaped” and “drop” cookies.
One treat caught my eye immediately – a bite-size nibble with the great combination of sweet and a little salty, lots of chocolate, and holiday colors.
We made these last night; a perfect “recipe” for kids to help with – they can unwrap the Hershey’s Hugs (often using the “three for the bowl, one for my mouth” method), lay the pretzels on the tray, and top them with the Hugs. Pushing the M&Ms into the soft Hugs should be done by an adult (IMHO), the pan is still very hot.
I brought in a tray to the bookshop today, with a little sign labeling them “Bookseller Energy Bites.” I think it did the trick – everyone was walking around with a smile on his face and a spring in his step.
Ingredients
- Bag of Snyder's Snaps (the square grid-like pretzels)
- Bag of Hershey's Hugs
- Bag of Holiday M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 170'
- Spread pretzels in a single layer on baking sheet.
- Center Hershey's Hug on each pretzel.
- Bake in oven 5-6 minutes, until Hugs are soft, but not melted.
- Remove from oven, and immediately top each Hug with an M&M, pushing the M&M to form the Hug into a flat crown.
- All to cool completely before storing (or eating ... hot chocolate burns!)
Easy. Peasy. And tasty, too!
We also made a tray with the traditional milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses. They had to stay in the oven about 8 minutes before they were soft enough to push an M&M into (and, frankly, weren’t as pretty; but, they’ll do in a pinch if you can’t find Hugs).
Here’s a wild variation – try it with the pastel colored M&Ms at Easter!
See what’s cooking in other kitchens of the blogosphere; head over to Beth Fish Reads’ Weekend Cooking. You’ll find recipes, cookbook reviews, feedback on movies and novels with foodie themes, etc. As Beth Fish says, “If it’s vaguely food-related, link it up!”
These look so festive and yummy. Wishing you a wonderful Holiday; hope it means special time with family and friends.
UGH! You are like one cookie/baked product/chocolate covered something or other blog post away from taking responsibility for my holiday weight gain!
Oh my gosh, those are adorable and so easy! I do think they’re prettier with the hugs, but I might prefer them with a kiss.
I adore these. We make them using Rollos instead of the hugs — but same exact thing. The hugs looks more festive. If you use Rollos, it takes only 2-3 minutes in the oven. Aren’t they heavenly??
@Beth F – Great idea – Rollos and pastel M&Ms would be a great combination in the spring! I think the Hugs are a winter holiday item (?)
Your cookies look beautiful. I can’t believe they’re easy to make, so pretty.:)
These are adorable! Hope you all have a very merry Christmas!
I’ve always loved the combo of sweet and salty — and these look so lovely for the holiday!
Hope you have a very Merry Christmas
Cute food! (And may you have a mishap free day today!!)
Wow … they are so beautiful and festive!
oooh I actually saw something similar with rolo candy a few days ago. I still want to try these! They look so cheerful
I love these. I tried to make them one year and the kisses wouldn’t melt right on them. Eat one for me:) Merry Christmas
These look so yummy! I just wanted to stop by and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year Dawn!
This looks easy enough even for me! Hope you have the merriest of Christmases, Dawn!
These are so adorable, and you are right they do sound really easy and fun to make. Might have to add these to the mix the next time I do holiday baking! Thanks, Dawn!
Cute, yummy, easy. Definitely a winner. Thanks for sharing.