MARTHA WASHINGTON CANDY – OLD FASHIONED RECIPE
Martha Washington Candy is a combination of coconut, pecans and maraschino cherries, all covered in chocolate. This old fashioned candy is perfect for any occasion, especially Christmas.
If you love this recipe you will want to give our Kentucky Bourbon Balls a try too. They would go great with these as a gift for Christmas.
❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
We love the combination of cherries and chocolate and this delicious candy does not disappoint. The addition of the pecans and coconuts just takes this candy up a level. It is perfect for Christmas and taste just like something from Ruth Hunt Candy.
❓CAN I DOUBLE THIS RECIPE
Yes, you can absolutely double this recipe. We actually double it but for our website we wrote it up as the original amount. This will make about 40-50 pieces of candy depending on the size you make them balls. We make them a little smaller because this candy is very sweet.
🎁PERFEC FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS
This candy will keep for a while so it’s perfect to make for holiday gifts. We love to put these in a cute tin or tupperware with parchment/wax paper. Put a bow around it and you have a fantastic gift for your friends, coworkers and neighbors. Here are some other candy ideas you may want to include:
⭐TIP
Adequate time in the refrigerator is needed for this candy, do not rush the process. You want the filling to be cold and you also want the chocolate to set.
STORING & SERVING SIZE
We store these in an airtight container and they will keep for a few weeks. Also this recipe makes 40-50 pieces depending on the size and you can easily double the recipe.
Martha Washington Candy
Video
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 of a 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 7 ounce package of sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 of a 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries drained and finely chopped
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 3 cups chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening
Instructions
- Beat together butter, vanilla extract and milk until smooth and creamy with a mixer. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until combined. Fold in coconut, cherries and pecans with a spoon. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Line a pan with parchment paper. I used a 10 x 15 baking sheet. Use a tablespoon of mixture and your hands to form balls from chilled mixture. Place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator while melting chocolate chips and shortening in the microwave until smooth. About a minute or two.
- Use a fork to dip and roll the balls in the melted chocolate. Place the dipped balls back on the baking sheet as you dip them. Can place back in refrigerator to harden after dipping. Makes about 40 to 50 candies depending on size you make them.
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Looks delicious, but is there a way to make the candy without the coconut?
I’ve never tried it but it may need to add something in it’s place, or just make smaller balls maybe.
Love everything about these but we can’t do nuts. How do you think leaving out the nuts would work in this recipe? Thank you!
I think it would be fine!
Can I use something else in place of the shortening – I have coconut oil. Thank you.
Most of the time that will not work, the crisco gives the texture you need, but you can give it a try.
The coconut oil worked perfectly! It is like crisco, but harder, and melted well with the chocolate. I made the candy and it was a hit! It is now part of my annual Xmas cookie and candy list of things to make. Thank you!
YAY!! So glad it worked!!! Thank you for letting us know.
I love chocolate with cherries and pecans. Is it possible to make this without the coconut?
I think you could, but I have never tried it!
Would love to have the Martha Washington Candy recipe please.
You are commenting ON the recipe….please read the post. Thanks!
Can I use almonds instead of pecans? Toast them and chop?
Sure!
Is it milk chocolate chips that are used in this recipe?
You can use whichever you like, we use semi sweet.
Good recipe.family loved it!