Holiday Pretzel Rings / Holiday Pretzel Squares

Rings
* 1 bag of pretzel rings (typically labeled Holiday Rings, hard to find but available in season)
* 1 package Hershey’s Kisses (I use milk chocolate and dark chocolate Kisses, but feel free to experiment with Hershey Hugs and the mint variety as well. Note – Some Kiss varieties warm at different rates than others.)
* 1 package M&M’s (holiday M&M’s—light green, dark green and red—work nicely at Christmastime)
* red and green sugar crystals (optional)


Using a lined cookie sheet or jelly roll pan (sprayed with non-stick cooking spray if necessary), place the pretzel rings flat on each sheet (using as many as you require). Unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses and place 1 Kiss in the center of each pretzel ring. Bake at 275 degrees F, for approximately 3 minutes—just enough to soften chocolate, not melt it (chocolate should stay in Kiss shape, but readily spread when a single M&M is pushed gently into the center). Remove from oven. Place a single M&M in the center of each Kiss, pressing down gently so the softened Kiss spreads and fills the center of the pretzel ring. If desired, sprinkle warm rings with red and green sugars crystals for additional color. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes (or until chocolate is firm), and serve as needed.

While you can leave these Holiday Rings at room temperature you can also store them in the fridge and serve as desired.


Squares
* 1 bag - Bite Sized Waffle-Shaped Pretzels
* 1 bag - Bag of Hersheys Kisses/Hugs
* 1 bag - Bag of M&Ms

1. Heat the oven to 170F. Set a number of bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels (one for each treat) in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then top each pretzel with an unwrapped Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug.
2.Bake for 4 to 6 minutes (the white chocolate will melt more quickly), until the chocolates feel soft when touched with a wooden spoon. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and quickly press an M&M's candy into the center of each Kiss.
3.Allow the treats to cool for a few minutes, then place them in the refrigerator to set, about 10 minutes. Place handfuls of the candies in clear plastic bags and tie on colorful ribbons.