Christmas
Martha Washington Candy
Martha Washington Candy has a pecan and coconut center covered in chocolate. This old-fashioned favorite is perfect for holiday gift
- Serves 24
- Prep 12 hours
- Cook 0 minutes
- Total 12 hours
My favorite childhood Christmas memories are around food. Especially sweets. (Read more about me here.)
Along with Buckeye Balls, these candies are what I look most forward to making each holiday season and they get gobbled up quickly.
If you haven’t already made candy-making a holiday tradition, now is the time to start and these easy coconut candies are the perfect easy candy recipe to begin with.
Origination of Martha Washington Candy
I don’t know the exact history behind Martha Washington Candy. There was a chain of Martha Washington candy stores started back in the 1890s and I think they are connected. Anyone have any knowledge?
This candy has been a popular addition to southern candy and cookie trays for generations. Also called “Coconut Bonbons”, these homemade candies are divine. The center is so rich, buttery, and full of coconut flavor with crunchy pieces of pecan. If you are a fan of coconut, you will love these little bites of heaven!
Ingredients Needed
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Unsalted Butter
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut
- Powdered Sugar
- Chopped Pecans
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- Vegetable Shortening– Coconut Oil can be used instead.
Plan Ahead
You will need to do the first step of this recipe, mixing together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, coconut, chopped pecans, and powdered sugar, a day in advance.
How To Make Martha Washington Candy
- Mix together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, shredded coconut, powdered sugar, and pecans in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight so that the mixture gets firm enough to shape into balls.
- Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Melt the chocolate and shortening.
- Dip the balls in the chocolate.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.
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Try These Other Easy Candy Recipes
- Buckeye Balls
- Old-Fashioned Potato Candy
- Bourbon Graham Cracker Candy
- Saltine Cracker Candy
- Microwave Pralines
- Cherry Bourbon Balls
- Crock Pot Nut Clusters
Recipe Source: Deep South Dish
Recipe
Martha Washington Candy
Martha Washington Candy has a pecan and coconut center covered in chocolate. This old-fashioned favorite is perfect for holiday gift giving.
- Serves 24
- Prep 12 hours
- Cook 0 minutes
- Total 12 hours
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 (14-ounce) bag sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar (may need more)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, coconut, powdered sugar, and pecans. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- 2
Shape into 1-inch balls and place an a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- 3
Place the chocolate and shortening in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
- 4
Take about 10 balls out of the refrigerator at a time. One at a time dip them into the chocolate, lifting them out with a fork so the excess chocolate can drip down. Place them on wax paper. Let them sit until the chocolate has set.
- 5
Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Chocolate Almond Bark can be used instead of the chocolate chips and shortening. Or you can use coconut oil in place of the shortening.
Equipment
- Wax Paper
Nutrition
- Calories439 kcal
- Carbohydrates41 g
- Protein4 g
- Fat30 g
- Saturated Fat17 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat9 g
- Trans Fat0.5 g
- Cholesterol28 mg
- Sodium68 mg
- Potassium275 mg
- Fiber3 g
- Sugar36 g
- Vitamin A306 IU
- Vitamin C1 mg
- Calcium71 mg
- Iron2 mg
