If you love simple, sweet-and-salty treats that come together in minutes, then you’re going to adore this Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe. It’s one of those snacks that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to make. I remember the first time I tried it—my family went crazy over how perfectly the crunchy pretzels, melty chocolate, and sweet candy corn all married together. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to whip them up for every holiday get-together or a fun afternoon nibble.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick to Make: You only need about 5 minutes of prep and a few minutes in the oven—perfect for last-minute treats.
- Perfect Sweet-Salty Balance: The salty pretzels and sweet chocolate-candy combo hits all the right flavor notes.
- Kid-Friendly and Fun: My kids love helping with this recipe—they get to unwrap the Hugs and place the candy corn, making it a great activity.
- No Baking Skills Needed: Seriously, if you can unwrap a candy, you can make these delicious bites without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe lies in its simplicity—the few ingredients work together beautifully to create that addictive sweet and salty crunch. When shopping, make sure you grab the right type of pretzels and your favorite flavor of Hugs for the best taste.
- Pretzels (circle or square-shaped): I find the smaller shapes work better because they hold the chocolate and candy corn perfectly without overwhelming the bite.
- Hershey’s Kisses Hugs (or any flavor Kiss): The white and milk chocolate blend in these kisses melts just right—if you want a twist, try peppermint or caramel-filled kisses.
- Candy Corn candies: Classic candy corn adds a bright pop of color and sweetness; I always make sure they’re fresh so they stick properly.
Variations
I love customizing this treat depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. The Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe is super versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment a bit—you’ll find your own favorite version before long!
- Chocolate Varieties: I once swapped in dark chocolate kisses for a richer flavor; my family loved the extra depth.
- Seasonal Twists: For Halloween, adding festive sprinkles after placing the candy corn makes them extra festive and fun for parties.
- Dietary Swaps: Using gluten-free pretzels lets you keep this tasty treat accessible for friends with dietary needs.
How to Make Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 250°F (121°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to make cleanup easier. Align your pretzels in a single layer on the sheet—this helps the kisses melt evenly and stay in place.
Step 2: Melt the Kisses on Pretzels
Unwrap each Hershey’s Kiss Hugs and place one on top of every pretzel. Pop the tray into the oven for about 4 minutes until the chocolate starts to soften and melt down. Keep an eye on them—if you leave them in too long, the chocolate can get too runny and messy.
Step 3: Add Candy Corn Quickly
While the kisses melt, get your candy corn ready because timing is key here. As soon as the pretzel hugs come out of the oven, gently press one candy corn into the softened chocolate. The chocolate should flatten out with a little pressure, securing the candy corn on top. If it feels too firm, pop the tray back in for 30 seconds to soften again.
Step 4: Let Them Set and Cool
Once all the candy corn is in place, transfer the sheet to the fridge for about 10 minutes so the chocolate sets fully. This cooling step is essential to keep your Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs intact and easy to handle.
Pro Tips for Making Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe
- Use Silicone Baking Mats: I found using silicone mats makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the pretzels from sliding around during baking.
- Watch Your Oven Time Closely: Ovens vary, so start checking at 3½ minutes to avoid chocolate that’s too runny or burnt.
- Press Candy Corn Gently: Too much pressure can crack the pretzel or squash the chocolate unevenly, so take your time here.
- Reheat Briefly If Needed: If your chocolate hardens before adding candy corn, warming it a few seconds more helps—just don’t let it melt completely again.
How to Serve Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe
Garnishes
While I typically leave these little gems as-is to showcase their candy corn charm, sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top right after pressing the candy corn in. It brings out the flavor even more without overwhelming the balance.
Side Dishes
I love pairing these with a nice cup of hot apple cider in the fall or even a refreshing glass of milk to cut through the sweetness. They also go surprisingly well alongside spiced nuts or a small cheese board for a festive snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For Halloween parties, I arrange Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs on a black platter with some autumn leaves and tiny pumpkins around for a festive vibe. I’ve also wrapped them individually in cellophane bags tied with ribbon to hand out as party favors—they’re always a big hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs keep well in an airtight container stored in the fridge. I usually layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking, and they stay fresh for up to a week—though they rarely last that long in my house!
Freezing
If you want to freeze these, I suggest placing them in a single layer on a tray first to freeze solid, then transferring them to a sealed container or bag. This method keeps their shape and texture intact. When I tried freezing right in a container, they stuck together and got messy.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs, I let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. If the chocolate loses its shine, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens them back up without melting the candy corn, making them almost as perfect as fresh.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pretzels for the Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe?
Absolutely! While circle or square-shaped pretzels work best for holding the kisses and candy corn, you can experiment with mini pretzel twists or rods. Just keep in mind that different shapes might affect how well the chocolate adheres on top.
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What if my chocolate doesn’t melt easily in the oven?
Oven temperatures can vary, so if you notice your Hugs aren’t softening after 4 minutes, try increasing the time in 30-second increments or verify your oven’s calibration. Alternatively, you can microwave the kisses on pretzels in short bursts (10 seconds at a time) until they soften.
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Can I make these without candy corn?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of candy corn, try using a small piece of dried fruit, a mini chocolate chip, or your favorite small candy. The key is to gently press something sweet onto the softened chocolate before it sets.
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How long do Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these treats stay fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to layer them with parchment to prevent sticking, and keep them away from strong odors to preserve their flavor.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe brings together such simple ingredients into a delightful treat that feels special every time. Whether you’re making it for a holiday party, a kids’ snack, or just a quick sweet fix, it never disappoints. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be surprised how quickly these little bites disappear, and trust me, your friends and family will thank you for bringing them into their snack rotation!
Print
Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs are a delightful and easy-to-make Halloween treat featuring the perfect combination of salty pretzels, melty Hershey’s Hugs chocolates, and sweet candy corn. This no-bake festive snack comes together quickly with minimal ingredients and is ideal for parties or seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 24 circle or square-shaped pretzels
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses Hugs (or any flavor Kiss)
- 24 candy corn candies
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C) to prepare for melting the chocolates.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, then arrange the pretzels in a single layer on the sheet.
- Add Hershey’s Hugs: Unwrap each Hershey’s Hug and place one on top of each pretzel, ensuring they sit securely.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 4 minutes or until the Hug starts to melt and soften.
- Prepare Candy Corn: While the chocolates are melting, get your candy corn candies ready so you can work quickly when the pretzels come out of the oven.
- Press Candy Corn: Remove the baking sheet from the oven carefully. Gently press one candy corn candy onto each softened Hug, flattening the chocolate around the candy corn. If the chocolate does not flatten easily, place the pretzels back in the oven for 30 more seconds.
- Cool and Set: Let the pretzels cool completely at room temperature, then place them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set firmly before serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Work quickly when adding the candy corn because the chocolate hardens fast once out of the oven.
- For extra flavor, try different Hershey’s Kisses varieties such as peppermint or caramel.
- Store finished candy corn pretzel hugs in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.
- Adjust baking time slightly based on your oven’s heat and the size of the Hershey’s Hugs used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
