| |

Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and irresistible sweet-and-salty snack that screams Halloween spirit, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe. It’s one of those treats that looks charming, tastes fantastic, and only takes minutes to whip up — perfect for last-minute parties or surprising your family with a festive bite. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find they disappear super fast!

🧡

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Quick to Make: You’ll have these treats ready in about 20 minutes, so they’re great for last-minute snacks.
  • Perfect Sweet and Salty Combo: The crunchy pretzels balance the melty chocolate and sugary candy corn just right.
  • Kid-Friendly and Festive: It’s a guaranteed hit for holiday gatherings and easy enough that kids can help.
  • Minimal Ingredients Required: You only need three pantry staples to pull this off perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe lies in its simplicity, with just three main ingredients that work harmoniously together. When you shop, look for fresh pretzels with a good crunch and Hershey’s Hugs because their texture melts beautifully.

  • Pretzels: Circle or square-shaped work best for that perfect bite-sized base.
  • Hershey’s Kisses Hugs: These vanilla and chocolate swirled kisses melt smoothly and have a great flavor that complements the pretzel.
  • Candy Corn: The seasonal sweet that adds a pop of color and classic fall flavor; handle them quickly after the chocolate melts for best results.
📝
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

One of the things I love about this Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe is how easy it is to make your own spin on it. Feel free to switch up the chocolate or try alternative toppings — it’s a great base recipe that welcomes creativity.

  • Chocolate Variations: I’ve swapped the Hugs for peppermint or almond bark kisses during other seasons — it completely changes the flavor profile and makes delicious treats year-round.
  • Flavor Additions: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt or crushed nuts on top before the chocolate sets for an added crunch and flavor kick.
  • Dietary Alternates: You can use gluten-free pretzels or vegan chocolate kisses to accommodate dietary needs without losing the festive feel.

How to Make Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface and Pretzels

Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (121°C). This low temperature is key — it’ll gently melt the chocolate without making it runny. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Then, neatly arrange your pretzels on the sheet, giving each one a bit of space to breathe.

Step 2: Add the Hershey’s Kisses Hugs

Unwrap each Hershey’s Kiss Hug carefully and place one on top of every pretzel. Try not to let them tangle their foils — I often find it easiest to unwrap all at once and line them up. Pop the tray into the oven and watch closely. It usually takes about 4 minutes for the chocolate to soften and start melting down the sides. Don’t let them melt too much or the chocolate will pool instead of forming a nice layer.

Step 3: Press the Candy Corn on the Melted Chocolate

Once the Hugs are soft and melty, take the tray out of the oven. Quickly but gently press one candy corn down into the center of each melted chocolate circle. You’ll want to press enough so the chocolate flattens out around it and holds it snugly in place. If the chocolate resists or isn’t pliable, pop the tray back in the oven for another 30 seconds.

Step 4: Cool and Set

Patience here is key! Let the pretzel hugs cool completely at room temperature for a few minutes, then transfer them to the fridge for about 10 minutes to set the chocolate fully. This will keep everything together and give you that satisfying snap when you bite in.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Low Oven Temperature: I learned the hard way that a hotter oven melts the chocolate too fast, making a mess instead of cute hugs!
  • Work Quickly with Candy Corn: The melted chocolate starts setting fast, so have candy corn ready and press right after removing from the oven.
  • Use Parchment or Silicone Liners: This simple step makes cleanup a breeze and protects your pretzels from sticking.
  • Store in a Cool Place: To avoid the chocolate melting again, keep your finished pretzel hugs in the fridge, especially on warm days.

How to Serve Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe

Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

While the Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs are beautiful on their own, I sometimes sprinkle a tiny pinch of edible glitter or crushed nuts over the chocolate before it sets for an extra festive look. It’s subtle but makes them stand out on a party tray.

Side Dishes

These little bites pair wonderfully with a warm cup of cider or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy vibe. For parties, I like to serve them alongside pumpkin-shaped cookies or caramel apples for a full themed spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One year I arranged them in the shape of a pumpkin on a big platter, placing orange and green candies around for a whimsical effect. You could also package a handful in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon and hand them out as festive favors. They look so adorable and make an impression!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, which preserves their crunch and prevents the chocolate from melting. They stay fresh and tasty for a good 3-4 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long at my place!

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well—just place the pretzel hugs in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw them in the fridge so they don’t get soggy. I’ve done this when prepping for a big party, and it saved so much time.

Reheating

If you want to freshen them up after refrigeration or freezing, pop the pretzel hugs in the oven at 250°F for just a minute or two to soften the chocolate slightly, but don’t overheat or the candy corn might melt.

FAQs

  1. Can I use different types of pretzels for the Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe?

    Absolutely! While circle and square pretzels work best due to their shape and size, you can experiment with mini pretzel twists too. Just keep in mind that very large or thick pretzels might affect the chocolate melting and candy corn placement.

  2. What if my chocolate doesn’t flatten when I press the candy corn?

    If the chocolate is too firm and doesn’t flatten easily, simply pop the pretzel hugs back in the oven for an additional 30 seconds. This softens the chocolate enough to gently press the candy corn in place without cracking it.

  3. Can I make Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe ahead of time?

    Yes! They’re great for making a day in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the chocolate solid and the pretzels crisp.

  4. What if I can’t find Hershey’s Kisses Hugs?

    You can swap in regular Hershey’s Kisses or any flavored chocolate kisses. Just watch the melting time as different chocolates melt at slightly different rates, and adjust accordingly.

  5. Is this recipe kid-friendly for making together?

    Definitely! Kids love unwrapping the kisses and pressing the candy corn onto the melted chocolate. Just remind them to be careful with the oven and hot baking sheet.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe comes together so effortlessly yet tastes like a special treat made with love. It’s a snack my family always asks for during the holidays, and seeing those little pumpkin-shaped candies nestled in silky chocolate brings me joy every time. I hope you’ll give this a try—even if you just need a quick, festive nibble or a creative dessert for a party. It’s easy, fun, and guaranteed to bring smiles around your kitchen table!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 50 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 pieces
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs combine salty pretzels with melty Hershey’s Hugs chocolates topped with festive candy corn for a fun, easy-to-make Halloween treat perfect for parties or snacking.


Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 24 circle or square-shaped pretzels
  • 24 Hershey’s Kisses Hugs (or any flavor Kiss)
  • 24 candy corn candies


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C) to prepare for melting the chocolates.
  2. Arrange Pretzels and Chocolates: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place the pretzels in a single layer on the sheet. Unwrap the Hershey’s Hugs and place one on each pretzel.
  3. Melt the Chocolates: Place the baking sheet in the oven for about 4 minutes, or until the Hershey’s Hugs begin to melt and soften but have not fully melted down.
  4. Prepare Candy Corn: While the chocolates are melting, get the candy corn candies ready so you can quickly press them onto the melted chocolates once removed from the oven.
  5. Press Candy Corn onto Melting Chocolate: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Gently press one candy corn down onto each softened Hershey’s Hug. The chocolate should flatten and adhere around the candy corn. If the chocolate does not flatten easily, return the tray to the oven for an additional 30 seconds to soften further.
  6. Cool and Set: Allow the pretzel hugs to cool completely on the baking sheet, then place them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate fully set and harden.

Notes

  • Use a low oven temperature (250°F) to gently soften the chocolate without melting it completely.
  • Work quickly when pressing candy corn onto the chocolates before they harden.
  • You can use any flavor of Hershey’s Kisses if desired for a variation in flavor.
  • Ensure pretzels are arranged in a single layer without overlapping for even melting.
  • Store finished pretzel hugs in an airtight container in a cool place to keep them crisp.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pretzel hug
  • Calories: 65
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 3.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 2mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star