Candy Cane Pretzel Buttons
The holiday season always brings back fond memories, and one of my favorites is making Candy Cane Pretzel Buttons with my family. Every year, we gather in the kitchen, laughter filling the air as we dip pretzels into sweetness. It’s an enchanting experience—warm chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and the minty burst of candy canes all come together to create a festive treat. The first bite evokes memories of cozy evenings by the fireplace, surrounded by loved ones, and the aroma of holiday baking wafting through the home. These delightful bites are not just a treat; they are a way to connect and share joy during the most wonderful time of the year. I still remember the excitement on my kids’ faces as they pressed the M&M into the softened chocolate. It’s a simple process, yet the results are magical and utterly delicious!
Recipe Snapshot
25 mins
20 mins
5 mins
Medium
150 kcal
2 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
7 g
Oven
Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Pretzel Buttons
1. Easy to Make
One of the reasons I adore Candy Cane Pretzel Buttons is how simple they are to prepare. You only need a few ingredients, and they come together in no time. Perfect for those busy holiday days when you want something sweet but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
2. Perfect for Sharing
These treats are ideal for gifting or sharing at festive gatherings. Their colorful appearance and delightful flavor make them a hit among friends and family. Everyone loves receiving a batch of these sweet and salty bites!
3. Fun for All Ages
What I love most is how fun they are to make with kids. They can help unwrap the chocolate kisses and press the M&Ms into place. It’s a wonderful family activity that brings everyone together and creates lasting memories.
4. Customizable
While the classic version is exceptional, you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes. Try using different types of chocolate or even adding festive sprinkles on top before they cool. The possibilities are endless!
5. Festive Treat
These treats embody the spirit of the holiday season. The combination of mint and chocolate is a classic flavor pairing that evokes joy and nostalgia. Whether you serve them at a holiday party or enjoy them at home, they’ll surely brighten anyone’s day.
What Goes Into Candy Cane Pretzel Buttons

Creating the perfect Candy Cane Pretzel Buttons relies on a few key ingredients that beautifully blend together. The saltiness of the pretzels balances the sweetness of the chocolate, while the candy canes add a delightful crunch and refreshing minty flavor. This combination is what makes these treats so irresistible!
- Square shaped pretzels: These provide a salty crunch and serve as the base for our delicious treats. Their shape is perfect for holding the melted chocolate and M&M.
- Hershey’s candy cane Kisses: These chocolate kisses add a creamy texture and a festive minty flavor that pairs wonderfully with pretzels. Unwrapping each one adds to the fun!
- Seasonal plain chocolate M&M’s: These add a pop of color and additional sweetness. Once pressed into the melted kisses, they become the perfect finishing touch.
Cooking Instructions for Candy Cane Pretzel Buttons

Making Candy Cane Pretzel Buttons is a delightful process that anyone can master. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started! The steps are straightforward, and the outcome is sure to impress.
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F. This step is crucial! The right temperature ensures the chocolate kisses will soften without completely melting. A warm oven is your best friend here.
- Lay the square shaped pretzels out onto a baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out evenly so that each pretzel has enough room for the kisses. This arrangement will make it easy to top each with a kiss later on.
- Top each pretzel with an unwrapped Hershey’s candy cane Kiss. This is where the magic begins! Just place one kiss on each pretzel, and don’t worry if they don’t look perfect. It’s all about the taste!
- Put the baking sheet into the oven for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. You want to keep an eye on them; you’re looking for the kisses to soften but not lose their shape. The chocolate should be squishy but not melted—this ensures the M&M presses in easily.
- After the time is up, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Be cautious, as it will be hot! You’ll notice the kisses have softened beautifully, ready for the next step.
- Press an M&M into the soft kiss on each pretzel. This step is fun! Gently push the M&M down until it’s nestled in the chocolate. It’s a satisfying moment as you see the colors pop against the white and brown.
- Let the pretzel buttons cool completely. You can let them sit at room temperature or place them in the fridge for a quicker set. Once they’re cool, they’re ready to enjoy!
- Take a moment to appreciate your creation before diving in. These are not only tasty but also a celebration of the holiday spirit!
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooling Time: Allow the treats to cool completely before serving or storing. This ensures they hold their shape and texture.
- Even Baking: Rotate your baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This helps ensure even heating and prevents some kisses from melting faster than others.
- Alternative Shapes: Try using different shaped pretzels, like rounds or sticks, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Chocolate Choices: Although candy cane kisses are delightful, feel free to use regular chocolate kisses if you prefer a more traditional flavor.
Ways to Adapt This Recipe

While Candy Cane Pretzel Buttons are fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on them. Here are some fun adaptations you can try!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. They can last for several days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
- Freezing: You can freeze these treats! Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a container. They’ll keep for about a month.
- Pairing: Serve these buttons with hot cocoa or warm apple cider for a cozy treat experience.
- Variations: Experiment with other types of chocolate, like white chocolate or dark chocolate, to change up the flavor profile.
- Festive Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles on top of the M&Ms before they cool for a colorful touch!
- Flavor Infusion: Consider adding a hint of peppermint extract in the melted chocolate for an extra minty flavor kick.
Serving Ideas for Candy Cane Pretzel Buttons
When it comes to serving Candy Cane Pretzel Buttons, the possibilities are as exciting as their flavor! Here are some fantastic ideas to consider:
- Holiday Parties: These treats are perfect for holiday gatherings. Place them on a decorative platter, and they’ll be the star of the dessert table!
- Gift Giving: Package them in festive bags or jars tied with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift. Friends and family will love this sweet surprise.
- Cozy Nights In: Enjoy them during family movie nights. Their crunchy and sweet combination complements a cozy atmosphere perfectly.
- Seasonal Events: Whether it’s Christmas or winter gatherings, these buttons fit right in with the festive spirit. Their colors and flavors scream holiday cheer!
- Children’s Parties: Kids will love helping to make and eat these treats. Set up a decorating station for additional fun!
FAQ
Conclusion
The Candy Cane Pretzel Buttons are a delightful mix of salty and sweet, perfectly capturing the holiday spirit. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with loved ones. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the joy of creating something special together. Happy baking!

Candy Cane Pretzel Buttons
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F.
- Lay the square shaped pretzels out onto a baking sheet.
- Top each pretzel with an unwrapped Hershey’s candy cane Kiss.
- Put the baking sheet into the oven for approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- After the time is up, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Press an M&M into the soft kiss on each pretzel.
- Let the pretzel buttons cool completely.
- Take a moment to appreciate your creation before diving in.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness.
- Freezing: You can freeze these treats!
- Pairing: Serve these buttons with hot cocoa or warm apple cider for a cozy treat experience.
- Variations: Experiment with other types of chocolate, like white chocolate or dark chocolate.
- Festive Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles on top of the M&Ms for a colorful touch!


