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Crunchy meets gooey in these bite-sized treats that flip the traditional campfire s'mores into party-ready snacks. You'll get that perfect blend of salt, chocolate and fluffy marshmallow without needing to build a fire. They're ideal for gatherings, TV binging, or when you just want a quick chocolate snack.
I came up with these when rain wrecked our s'mores plans at my niece's party. They were such a success that the children completely forgot we'd canceled the bonfire, and now they ask for these little treats at every single get-together.
Ingredients
- Round pretzels: They create a salty foundation instead of graham crackers. Try to find ones with broad, flat middles to hold your chocolate properly
- Hershey's Hot Cocoa Kisses or regular chocolate kisses: They make up the must-have chocolate component. Hot Cocoa ones bring extra flavor depth but standard kisses work just fine too
- Mini marshmallows: They add that puffy top that makes everyone think of s'mores right away. Go for new ones since older marshmallows tend to harden
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Your Oven Ready:
- Warm your oven to exactly 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This cooler temp matters because it softens chocolate gently without turning it into a puddle or burning your pretzels.
- Ready Your Tools:
- Cover a baking sheet fully with parchment paper so nothing sticks. Make sure it covers every edge for easy cleanup afterward.
- Lay Out Pretzels:
- Put 48 round pretzels in tidy lines on your paper-covered sheet without letting them touch. Pick whole, unbroken pretzels for the nicest look.
- Put Down Chocolate:
- Unwrap all 48 kisses first so you can work quickly. Set one kiss in the middle of each pretzel where it has the most flat space for stability.
- Warm The Chocolate:
- Put the sheet in your warmed oven for just 4 minutes. This timing gets the chocolate soft but still shaped. Keep an eye on it during that last minute.
- Top With Marshmallows:
- Take out the baking sheet and right away push a mini marshmallow softly into each softened chocolate kiss. Press just enough to stick it in the chocolate without squishing it through the pretzel.
- Let Them Set:
- Let your pretzel treats cool at room temp until the chocolate firms up again, about 30 minutes. Don't try to rush this in your fridge as it can mess up how they turn out.
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The first batch I tried got ruined when I set the oven too hot and ended up with chocolate melted everywhere. That mistake taught me something valuable though - the trick is warming the chocolate just enough to hold the marshmallow without creating a huge mess.
Make-Ahead Magic
You can fix these treats five days before you need them, which makes party prep so much easier. Keep them flat in a sealed container at room temp, and put parchment between layers if you need to stack them. The pretzels might not stay as crunchy after a day or two, but they'll still taste amazing.
Kid-Friendly Kitchen Project
This snack is great for cooking with kids. Small children can help put pretzels on the tray while bigger ones can unwrap chocolates and place them. Everyone loves pushing marshmallows into warm chocolate, and it teaches them patience waiting for everything to cool. I've found it's a wonderful first baking project for my youngest helpers.
Seasonal Variations
Change these bites throughout the year with different chocolate flavors. Go for pumpkin spice kisses when fall comes, Christmas-colored ones for the holidays, or white chocolate when spring arrives. You can also add themed sprinkles by gently pressing them into the warm marshmallow for Halloween or Valentine's Day. My family really goes crazy for the mint version during winter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to swap out the chocolate for different varieties?
Definitely! You can change the kisses for other options like dark chocolate, white chocolate, or caramel-filled kisses. Just watch the melting time since each chocolate behaves a little differently when heated.
- → What’s the best way to store leftover bites?
Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Separate layers with a parchment sheet if you want them to stay neat. Skip the fridge since it can make the pretzels soft.
- → Can I prep these ahead to serve later?
Yes! Make them a day or two before the event. Just store them in a sealed container at room temperature. This gives the chocolate enough time to fully set, so they're ready to handle without melting.
- → What should I do if the chocolate isn’t melting well?
If the kisses don’t melt evenly after a few minutes, pop the tray back in the oven for another 30-60 seconds. Be cautious—they can overcook easily. If it’s a recurring issue, check your oven with a thermometer to ensure the temperature’s accurate.
- → How can I experiment with different versions?
Try exploring new flavors by using caramel, peanut butter, or other flavored chocolates. Add holiday-colored marshmallows for a festive twist or layer a small graham cracker piece underneath the chocolate. You can even drizzle caramel or white chocolate on top after they cool.
- → Why aren’t the marshmallows staying on top of the chocolate?
This can happen if the chocolate isn’t soft enough when adding the marshmallows. Make sure to press them in while the chocolate is still melty. That way, everything sticks together as it cools down.