4th of July Pretzel and M&M Treats
These 4th of July pretzel and M&M treats are a quick, sweet holiday snack with just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes in the oven! The pretzel snap gives each bite some salt and crunch, while the candy melts and patriotic M&M’s add sweetness and make them bright enough to stand out on your 4th of July or Memorial Day tray.
Save This Post!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
4th of July pretzel bites are made with pretzel snaps, candy melts and patriotic M&M’s, so there isn’t much to prep or clean up. The colored melts and candy on top give the tray that red, white and blue look that’s both patriotic and party perfect.
These Red White and Blue Desserts are also ideal for your celebrations. Rolo Pretzels are another good pick if you want more sweet-and-salty treats, or you might enjoy Crockpot Boiled Peanuts.
Why You’ll Love It
- Short ingredient list: You only need pretzel snaps, candy melts and patriotic M&M’s to make these patriotic snack bites, so there isn’t much to buy or prep.
- Very fast bake: The candy melts take about 5 minutes in a low oven, so if you want to whip up 4th of July sweet treats in a hurry, this is the perfect recipe.
- Good sweet-salty mix: The pretzels add a contrasting salty flavor and some crunch under the candy.
- Easy to portion: Each of these pretzel and M&M treats is already its own piece, which makes them easy to share, set out on a tray or pack into treat bags.
4th of July Pretzel Snacks Ingredients
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
- Different holiday colors: Swap the candy melts and M&M colors for Christmas, Halloween or Valentine’s Day. Everything else stays the same.
- Plain chocolate candy: Regular milk chocolate or white chocolate candies can work if you don’t want the red, white and blue look.
- Other pretzel shapes: Mini twists or square waffle pretzels can be used. I like using the snaps though because they come out a bit neater.
- Festive sprinkles: Add a few sprinkles to these fourth of July snack bites before the candy sets if you want a bolder holiday look.
4th of July Pretzel and M&M Treats
Equipment
- Baking Sheet 9 x 13-Inch
Ingredients
- 60 pretzel snaps
- 20 red candy melts
- 20 white candy melts
- 20 blue candy melts
- 60 red white and blue M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°F.
- Line a 9 x 13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper and line up the pretzels on there, in a single layer, leaving just a little space between them.
- Top each pretzel with a candy melt.
- Bake for 5 minutes or until the candy melts soften. They won’t change shape, just soften, which is what we want here.
- Put an M&M on top of each candy melt and gently press until the candy sinks slightly into the chocolate. Alternate the colors and don’t use the same color M&M with the same color candy melt.
- Let the pretzel bites rest for 30 minutes or until set.
Notes
- Line the tray first: Arrange all the pretzel snaps on the baking sheet before you start adding candy melts. The prep goes faster when the bases are already in place.
- Don’t wait for puddles: Candy melts can soften in the oven and still keep their shape. Touch one gently or test one with an M&M instead of judging by looks alone.
- Go easy with the candy: Press the M&M in just enough to anchor it. Too much pressure can push the softened melt over the edges of the pretzel.
- Don’t use old melts: If the tops crack when you add the M&M, the melts may be older and less smooth. Or they might just need an extra couple of minutes in the oven.
Nutrition Information
Hungry for more?
Follow me on Pinterest and make sure to comment below!
Kim’s Top Tips
- Use fresh candy melts: If the melts crack when you press in the M&M, they may be old or they may need another minute in the oven.
- Press lightly: Push the M&M down just until it settles into the softened melt. If you press too hard, the candy can spread past the pretzel edges and look untidy.
- Set the pretzels out first: Lining up all 60 pretzels before adding the melts makes the whole tray easier to fill quickly.
- Watch the oven, not the shape: The melts can be soft without looking melted, so don’t wait for them to puddle because they won’t do that.
How to Store
- Storage: Store the finished bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keep them in a cool, dry place out of direct heat so the candy tops don’t soften or smear.
- Refrigerator: Don’t refrigerate pretzel and M&M treats. Moisture can dull the candy coating and change the texture of the pretzels.
- Freezing: I wouldn’t freeze them either. Condensation can make the tops look streaky and the pretzels will lose their crunch.
Patriotic Pretzel and M&M Treats FAQs
Yes, that will be fine if you don’t want the patriotic colors.
Candy melts can soften in the oven without losing their shape. Touch one gently, and it should give a little.
Yes. They keep well for several days as long as they’re stored in an airtight container somewhere cool and dry.
