Description
Martha Washington Candy is a nostalgic, no-bake holiday treat featuring creamy, buttery centers packed with pecans and coconut, coated in rich semisweet chocolate. Perfect for festive gatherings or as a homemade gift, these bite-sized delights offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 pounds powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Coating
- 1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil (for smoother coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine smoothly.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually sift or spoon in the powdered sugar, stirring continuously until a thick, dough-like consistency forms that holds together well.
- Mix in pecans and coconut: Fold in the chopped pecans and shredded sweetened coconut evenly through the mixture to ensure every bite has texture and flavor.
- Form candy balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls using your hands, then place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the balls: Freeze the balls for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they become firm enough to handle easily without losing shape when dipped.
- Melt the chocolate coating: Using a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, melt the semisweet chocolate chips along with the shortening or coconut oil, stirring gently until completely smooth and glossy.
- Dip the candies: Using a fork or candy dipping tool, dip each chilled candy ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
- Set the chocolate: Let the coated candies set at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a festive twist, add a few drops of peppermint or almond extract to the filling mixture before rolling.
- Store candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
- These candies freeze well for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
