Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites
As the crisp winter air rolls in, nothing fills the home with warmth quite like the sweet aroma of baking wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: golden-brown pretzels, topped with delightful Sugar Cookie Kisses, their frosted goodness melting gently into the pretzel’s curves. As the crunchy M&M candies nestle into the middle, you’re hit with the perfect balance of sweet and salty, joyously reminding you of family holiday gatherings where treats abound and laughter fills the room. Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites bring a nostalgic touch to those moments, evoking memories of crafting holiday goodies with loved ones in the spirit of giving.
Table of Contents
So as we gear up for the festive season, let’s embrace these delicious bites! They’re effortless to whip up, both playful and visually appealing, sure to bring smiles to everyone who indulges. Join me in making these delightful Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites that are just as fun to create as they are to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect snack when time is tight.
- Irresistible Flavor: Experience the delightful combination of creamy chocolate and crunchy pretzel saltiness.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These treats look adorable on any dessert table or holiday platter.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for snack time, holiday parties, or as a special gift!
- Diet-Friendly Options: While this recipe includes traditional ingredients, there are gluten-free pretzels and dairy-free chocolate options available for customization.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Round Pretzels: These salty snacks serve as the perfect base for your delicious bites and add a delightful crunch.
- Sugar Cookie Kisses, Unwrapped: The sweet, creamy chocolate melts beautifully, creating that decadent topping.
- Crunchy Cookie M&M’s: These give an added crunch and vibrant color, making the treats irresistible.
Alternative Suggestions
If you can’t find Sugar Cookie Kisses, feel free to swap them out with white chocolate or dark chocolate Kisses for a different twist, and you can use any of your favorite colored M&Ms to suit the occasion, creating a unique festive treat every time.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures a nonstick surface, making your cleanup so much easier afterward. Make sure to position the baking sheet so you have easy access for layering your pretzels and Kisses!
Distribute Pretzels: Once your oven is prepped, evenly distribute 48 round pretzels across the parchment-lined baking sheet. Try to leave an inch or two between each pretzel to allow for spreading once they melt. This layout not only helps in presentation but also makes for a fun assembly line.
Wrap in Kisses: Next, unwrap 48 Sugar Cookie Kisses and gently place each one in the center of every pretzel. The chocolate will melt beautifully in the oven, ensuring each pretzel gets a luscious layer of sweet goodness. Don’t worry about being perfect—each treat will be unique!
Bake to Perfection: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the Kisses look slightly soft and glistening but not completely melted—this keeps their shape intact for the next step.
Top with M&Ms: Immediately remove the sheet from the oven. This is the exciting part! As the Kisses melt, gently press a crunchy M&M into the center of each one. The melted chocolate hugs the M&M, creating a delightful bite-sized treat. If you’re feeling extra creative, you could mix and match colors for a festive look!
Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool until the Kisses harden again, which takes about 10-15 minutes at room temperature. You’ll see the M&Ms stick nicely and everything holds together perfectly, ready for you to dig in or take to your next holiday gathering!
Storing & Reheating
These sweet and salty gems can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator, where they will last up to two weeks. For long-term storage, consider freezing for up to three months. Just be sure to layer them carefully with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, let them sit at room temperature for a bit, or pop them in the oven at 200°F for 5 minutes for a refreshing crunch!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid breaking your pretzels by gently placing the Kisses on top instead of pressing them down too firmly.
- For an even tighter hold on the M&Ms, let the Kisses cool for a few minutes before pressing, ensuring the chocolate sets beautifully.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of candies—get creative with seasonal-themed candies or even caramel-filled options for a unique twist!
- If you’re in a time crunch, consider preparing the pretzels and Kisses ahead of time and baking them right before serving.
As you create these Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites, remember to have fun!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute regular round pretzels with gluten-free ones. They’ll hold up just as well and provide the same delightful crunch. Many brands now offer gluten-free options that taste just as good as traditional pretzels.
How do I ensure the M&Ms don’t melt?
M&Ms usually hold up well when pressed onto the melted Kisses. To minimize melting, avoid leaving them in the oven for too long—stick to the 4-minute guideline for perfect results. For an added safety net, press them down gently while the Kisses are still soft but not too hot.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of Sugar Cookie Kisses, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate Kisses for a richer flavor. White chocolate also complements the salty pretzels beautifully and adds a lovely festive flair.
How can I customize these bites for different occasions?
You can easily change the colors and types of M&Ms based on the season or holiday. Use red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or even themed candies for birthdays to create a delightful treat that fits any celebration!
More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Valentine Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- Valentine Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- Christmas Cheesecake Bars (Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars)
- Vanilla Bean Chocolate Cake
- Christmas Snack Mix
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📖 Recipe Card
Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 48 bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these irresistible Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites, combining salty pretzels and sweet chocolate kisses for a fun and easy treat. Perfect for festive gatherings!
Ingredients
- Round Pretzels
- Sugar Cookie Kisses, Unwrapped
- Crunchy Cookie M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Evenly distribute round pretzels on the baking sheet, leaving space in between.
- Unwrap Sugar Cookie Kisses and place one in the center of each pretzel.
- Bake for about 4 minutes until Kisses are soft but not melted.
- Remove from oven and press an M&M into each melted Kiss.
- Allow to cool until set, about 10-15 minutes.
Notes
These bites can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.
For a longer shelf life, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for three months.
Feel free to substitute different types of chocolate for a unique flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
