Belly Buttons (Pretzel Hugs)

Belly Buttons, also known as Pretzel Hugs, are the perfect little snack that hits all the right notes: sweet, salty, and crunchy all in one bite. Each one starts with a salty pretzel square, topped with a melted Hershey Hug and finished with a colorful M&M, creating a treat that is as fun to make as it is to eat. They come together in just minutes, making them an easy go to when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.

Because they are so simple, Belly Buttons are incredibly versatile. You can swap in different Hershey flavors, use seasonal M&M colors, or even add sprinkles for extra flair. They are ideal for customizing for holidays, birthdays, or themed parties, and they always look as good as they taste. The combination of textures, the crunch of the pretzel, the creamy chocolate, and the candy shell, makes every bite satisfying and addictive.

These little treats are a favorite for sharing with friends, bringing to parties, or keeping on hand for a quick sweet and salty snack. They are small, portable, and perfect for portion control, which means they disappear fast whether you are serving a crowd or just indulging yourself.

Finally, their minimal prep work makes them a year round favorite. Whether you are whipping up a batch for a last minute gathering or simply craving something sweet with a hint of salt, Belly Buttons always deliver big flavor with very little effort. They are a playful, customizable treat that is sure to bring smiles every time!

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Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Equipment
Storage
FAQ
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Ingredients

Hershey's Hugs Candy
Hershey's M&M's
Pretzel Snaps

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and line a small baking sheet with a nonstick liner or parchment paper, then lightly grease it.

Step 2: Arrange the pretzel snaps on the baking sheet and place one unwrapped Hug candy on top of each pretzel.

Step 3: Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until the Hugs start to soften, then carefully press one M and M on top of each melted Hug.

Step 4: Allow the treats to cool completely so the Hugs re-solidify slightly, then serve and enjoy.

Pro Tip: Place the cooled down tray in the fridge to solidify things faster! Be careful that the pan isn't hot when placing it in the fridge.

Variations

Use flavored Hugs or Kisses to add a little twist!
Change up the color of M&Ms to match the holiday or occasion
We also love making these using Rolos instead of Kisses or Hugs for a fun hint of caramel!
Use Buttered Snaps for a buttery pretzel flavor 😋

Equipment

Small baking sheet
Nonstick baking liner or parchment paper
Oven

Storage

Store Belly Buttons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent the chocolate from softening or the pretzels from getting stale.

FAQ

Can I use different chocolates or candies?

Yes! You can swap Hershey Hugs for Kisses, milk chocolate, or even flavored chocolates. Use any candy you like on top instead of M and Ms for a fun twist. We also love making these using Rolos instead of Kisses or Hugs for a fun hint of caramel!

How do I prevent the chocolate from melting too much?

Bake at a low temperature and watch closely. Remove the treats as soon as the chocolate softens enough to press the candy on top.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crunchy and delicious for several days.

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