S'mores Pretzel Bites

This sweet and salty take on classic s'mores transforms the beloved campfire treat into bite-sized delights perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you need a quick chocolate fix. The combination of crunchy pretzels, melty chocolate, and pillowy marshmallows creates that iconic s'mores flavor without needing a bonfire.

I first made these for my niece's birthday party when rain ruined our backyard s'mores plans. These little bites were such a hit that the kids forgot all about the canceled bonfire and now specifically request them for every gathering.

Ingredients

• Round pretzels: Provide the perfect salty base and replace traditional graham crackers. Look for ones with wide, flat surfaces to hold the chocolate properly
• Hershey's Hot Cocoa Kisses or regular chocolate kisses: Deliver that essential chocolate layer. The Hot Cocoa variety adds an extra dimension of flavor but classic kisses work beautifully too
• Mini marshmallows: Create the fluffy topping that makes these treats instantly recognizable as s'mores. Fresh marshmallows work best as older ones can become hard

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to exactly 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This lower temperature is crucial as it gently softens the chocolate without melting it completely or burning the pretzels.

Set Up Your Workspace:

Line a baking sheet completely with parchment paper to prevent any chocolate from sticking. Make sure the parchment extends to all edges of the pan for easy cleanup later.

Arrange Your Pretzels:

Place 48 round pretzels in neat rows on the parchment-lined baking sheet ensuring they don't touch each other. Take time to choose pretzels that aren't broken for the best presentation.

Add The Chocolate:

Unwrap all 48 chocolate kisses before starting to keep the process moving smoothly. Place one kiss in the center of each pretzel ensuring it's positioned where the pretzel has the most surface area for stability.

Melt The Chocolate:

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for exactly 4 minutes. This precise timing ensures the chocolate softens just enough without losing its shape completely. Watch closely during the last minute.

Add The Marshmallows:

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately press a mini marshmallow gently into the center of each chocolate kiss. Press just enough to secure it in the softened chocolate without flattening the chocolate completely or pushing it through the pretzel.

Cool Completely:

Allow the pretzel bites to cool at room temperature until the chocolate has fully hardened again usually around 30 minutes. Resist the temptation to speed this up in the refrigerator as it can affect the texture.

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The first time I made these I accidentally turned the oven too high and ended up with chocolate puddles everywhere. That happy accident taught me that the magic of this recipe is in the gentle warming of the chocolate just enough to secure the marshmallow without creating a mess.

Make-Ahead Magic

These s'mores bites can be prepared up to five days in advance making them perfect for party planning. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature with parchment paper between layers if you need to stack them. The pretzels may lose some crispness after a couple of days but the flavor combination remains delicious.

Kid-Friendly Kitchen Project

This recipe is perfect for getting children involved in the kitchen. Little ones can help arrange pretzels on the baking sheet while older kids can unwrap chocolates and place them. Pressing the marshmallows into warm chocolate is satisfying for all ages and teaches patience as they wait for the treats to cool. I've found this recipe to be a wonderful introduction to baking for my youngest helpers.

Seasonal Variations

Adapt these s'mores bites throughout the year by switching up the chocolate flavors. Try pumpkin spice kisses in fall holiday-colored kisses for Christmas or white chocolate for spring celebrations. You can also use themed sprinkles by lightly pressing them into the marshmallow while still warm for holidays like Halloween or Valentine's Day. My family particularly loves the peppermint version during winter months.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of chocolate for these S'mores Pretzel Bites?

Yes, you can substitute the Hershey's Hot Cocoa or chocolate kisses with other chocolate varieties like milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate kisses, or even white chocolate. Just be mindful that different chocolates have different melting points, so you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

→ How should I store leftover S'mores Pretzel Bites?

Store cooled pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain the best texture, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Avoid refrigeration as it can make the pretzels lose their crispness.

→ Can I make these S'mores Pretzel Bites ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These treats are perfect for making ahead. Prepare them a day or two before your event and store in an airtight container at room temperature. The chocolate will fully set, making them easy to serve and less messy for guests to handle.

→ What can I do if my chocolate isn't melting properly in the oven?

If your chocolate isn't melting evenly after 4 minutes, you can return the tray to the oven for an additional 30-60 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as chocolate can burn easily. Alternatively, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure it's accurate.

→ Are there any variations I can try with these pretzel bites?

Yes! Try using flavored chocolate kisses like caramel or peanut butter. You could also substitute the mini marshmallows with colored marshmallows for holidays, add a small piece of graham cracker under the chocolate for more authentic s'mores flavor, or drizzle with caramel or white chocolate after they've cooled.

→ Why did my marshmallows slide off the chocolate?

This typically happens if the chocolate cooled too much before adding the marshmallows. Make sure to add the marshmallows immediately after removing the pretzels from the oven while the chocolate is still soft. Press them gently but firmly into the chocolate to ensure they stick as the mixture cools.