What are Martha Washington Candies made of?

Martha Washington Candies are made from a mixture of butter, powdered sugar, coconut, sweetened condensed milk, chopped maraschino cherries, and pecans, all dipped in melted chocolate or almond bark for a smooth finish.

Can Martha Washington Candies be made ahead of time?

Yes, these candies can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months. For the best results, store them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper.

Can I freeze Martha Washington Candies?

Absolutely. Place the candies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Why did my chocolate coating crack?

If your chocolate coating cracked, it’s usually because the filling was too cold or the chocolate was too hot. Let the chilled candy sit at room temperature for a few minutes before dipping.

Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Yes! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute almonds, walnuts, or even crushed pretzels for a different texture and flavor in your Martha Washington Candies.

Can I make Martha Washington Candies without nuts?

Yes. Simply omit the pecans and add extra coconut or crushed graham crackers for texture. The candies will still be delicious and chewy.

Do I need to refrigerate Martha Washington Candies?

Yes, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate firm and prevent the filling from softening. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks when properly stored.

Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Definitely! White chocolate gives Martha Washington Candies a beautiful snowy look and a slightly sweeter flavor. You can also drizzle dark and white chocolate for contrast.

Are Martha Washington Candies gluten-free?

Most ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your candy coating and other packaged ingredients to be sure.

What occasions are Martha Washington Candies best for?

Martha Washington Candies are perfect for Christmas, weddings, potlucks, and homemade gift boxes. Their vintage flavor and elegant appearance make them a holiday favorite.

Easy Martha Washington Candy

Description

Martha Washington Candy are old-fashioned chocolate-dipped sweets filled with coconut, maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans. These nostalgic, chewy candies are perfect for Christmas trays, gifting, or any occasion where you want a rich and festive homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 pound powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
10 ounces maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
3 cups finely chopped pecans
16 ounces candy coating, melting wafers, or almond bark

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Stir in sweetened shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.
Fold in chopped maraschino cherries and pecans until evenly distributed.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape mixture into small bite-sized balls and place on the sheet.
Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until firm.
Melt candy coating according to package directions until smooth.
Dip each chilled candy ball into the melted coating, letting excess drip off, then return to the parchment-lined sheet.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until coating is set.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Always use parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick results.
Chill filling balls thoroughly before dipping for a smoother coating.
Add holiday sprinkles, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes on top before the coating sets for decoration.
Store candies refrigerated; they also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Swap pecans for almonds or walnuts for a variation in flavor.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake / Dipped
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 candy
Calories: 190
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 35mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg