Martha Washington Candy

Martha Washington Candy is a classic homemade treat that brings together the sweet, tropical flavors of coconut and maraschino cherries, all wrapped in a smooth, velvety layer of semi-sweet chocolate. This irresistible candy is perfect for any occasion and is a must-try for coconut lovers. With its chewy center and rich chocolate coating, it’s bound to be a favorite at parties, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet homemade gift.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These candies are a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The coconut gives each bite a satisfying chewiness, while the maraschino cherries add a sweet burst of flavor. The chopped pecans provide a bit of crunch, and the smooth chocolate coating ties it all together, creating a treat that’s hard to resist. Plus, this recipe is easy to make and produces a large batch of candies, making it great for sharing with family and friends!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut

• 10 ounces maraschino cherries, drained and chopped

• 3 cups pecans, chopped

• 6 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 4 tablespoons shortening

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Mixture:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.

2. Add the powdered sugar and beat until fully combined and smooth.

3. Mix in the shredded coconut, chopped maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans. Once everything is well incorporated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up the mixture.

Form the Candies:

4. Line two large sheet pans with parchment paper.

5. Use a 1½ tablespoon scoop or melon baller to form balls from the chilled mixture. You can also roll them in your hands for more uniform shapes.

6. Place the formed balls onto the parchment paper and refrigerate them again for 30 minutes to set.

Prepare the Chocolate Coating:

7. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening. You can divide the mixture in half and dip in batches if desired.

8. Heat the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until mostly melted. Continue stirring until fully smooth and silky.

Coat the Candies:

9. Use a fork to dip and roll each candy ball in the melted chocolate. Lift the ball from the chocolate, tap to remove excess, and place it back on the parchment paper to set.

10. Repeat the process for all the candy balls. If desired, place the dipped candies back in the refrigerator to set more quickly.

Serve and Enjoy:

11. Let the candies cool and harden completely before serving or storing. Enjoy your homemade Martha Washington candies!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 80 candies

• Prep Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

• Calories per candy: 150 kcal

Variations

• Add different nuts: If you prefer, you can swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different texture and flavor.

• Coconut-free version: For those who aren’t fans of coconut, you can replace the shredded coconut with finely chopped graham crackers for a different take on the candy.

• Fruit variation: Add dried fruit like cranberries or raisins in place of the maraschino cherries for a unique flavor twist.

• Dark chocolate coating: Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store the candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months for long-term storage.

• Reheating: If you need to re-melt the chocolate for any reason, do so in the microwave in short increments of 20-30 seconds to prevent burning.

FAQs

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate will work as a substitute if you prefer a sweeter, creamier coating for your candies.

2. How can I make these candies more festive for holidays?

You can add colorful sprinkles or drizzle the chocolate coating with white chocolate for a festive touch. Red and green sprinkles would be perfect for Christmas!

3. Can I use sweetened or unsweetened coconut?

For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use sweetened shredded coconut as the recipe calls for sweetness. Unsweetened coconut will not provide the same sweetness.

4. Can I skip the pecans?

Yes, you can omit the pecans or replace them with other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or even try a nut-free version if you prefer.

5. How do I prevent the chocolate from getting too thick when melting?

Make sure to stir the chocolate frequently, and if it becomes too thick, you can add a bit more shortening to smooth it out.

6. Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These candies can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer. Just let them set fully before storing them.

7. Can I make the candy mixture without chilling it?

Chilling the mixture makes it easier to form into balls and ensures the candies hold their shape when dipped in chocolate. It’s recommended to chill the mixture for the best results.

8. Can I use a different type of cherry?

While maraschino cherries are traditional, you could substitute with dried cherries or even candied cherries for a different twist.

9. How do I prevent the candy balls from getting too soft?

Ensure the mixture is properly chilled before forming the balls, and refrigerate the candies after forming them to ensure they set before dipping in chocolate.

10. Can I freeze these candies?

Yes! You can freeze the candies for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are fully set before storing them in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Martha Washington Candy is the perfect homemade treat for coconut lovers. With a rich, creamy center made from coconut, maraschino cherries, and pecans, all coated in smooth chocolate, this candy is an irresistible bite of sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, these candies are sure to become a favorite!

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