Description
Martha Washington Candy is a classic, rich, and delightful treat featuring a buttery, coconut and pecan center mixed with sweetened condensed milk and maraschino cherries, all coated in smooth melted chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or sweet indulgences.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1½ sticks unsalted butter melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 3 cups shredded coconut sweetened
- 14 ounce (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
- 10 ounce (1 jar) maraschino cherries drained and chopped
- 1½ cups pecans chopped
Coating
- 16 ounces chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
- Mix base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Add coconut and condensed milk: Stir in the shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk until evenly mixed.
- Fold in cherries and pecans: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and pecans until everything is fully combined, forming a thick and sticky mixture.
- Form balls and chill: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Chill the balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Melt chocolate: While the balls are chilling, melt the chocolate wafers according to the package instructions using a microwave or a double boiler. Stir until smooth.
- Dip balls in chocolate: Remove the chilled balls from the refrigerator. Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each ball into the melted chocolate, fully coating them. Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
- Set chocolate coating: Place the chocolate-coated candies back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate sets, about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve and store: Serve the candies once the chocolate is firm. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 2 weeks in advance and store in the refrigerator; flavors improve after chilling a day or two.
- Storage: Keep candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- Pat cherries completely dry before adding to prevent extra moisture in the mixture.
- Use a small cookie scoop for even-sized candies.
- Keep candies in a cool spot if serving at room temperature to prevent melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
