If you’re after a treat that delivers a nostalgic punch of coconutty, cherry-kissed, chocolate-coated bliss, Martha Washington Candy is bound to steal your heart (and satisfy your sweet tooth!). This old-fashioned confection is packed with rich flavors and a medley of textures, combining creamy, nutty, chewy, and chocolatey all in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re making a festive holiday platter, preparing something special for a gathering, or just looking to wow your family, Martha Washington Candy is the kind of homemade delight that never fails to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These classic candies come together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each chosen for their role in creating the perfect bite. Every component adds its signature twist—flavor, crunch, or that unmistakably smooth chocolate coating.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Softened butter gives the filling its rich, creamy texture and smooths out the sweetness beautifully.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Just a splash of vanilla elevates all the flavors, bringing a warm aroma to every bite of Martha Washington Candy.
Sweetened condensed milk (1 14-ounce can): This thick and luscious ingredient sweetens the filling and binds everything together so each candy holds its shape.
Powdered sugar (4 cups): Powdered sugar ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior and the right amount of structure.
Sweetened shredded coconut (14 ounces): Coconut brings chewiness, a little extra sweetness, and gorgeous snowy flecks throughout the candy.
Maraschino cherries (10 oz. jar, drained and chopped): For pops of tart fruitiness and bright color, maraschino cherries are absolutely essential.
Pecans (3 cups, chopped): Pecans add a wonderful, buttery crunch that tastes fantastic and gives that signature Martha Washington Candy bite.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (6 cups): The perfect shell for our candies—these chips melt down beautifully and balance the sweetness inside.
Shortening (4 tablespoons): A little shortening blended into the chocolate creates that glossy, snappy finish you want on every piece.

How to Make Martha Washington Candy

Step 1: Cream the Base

Grab your biggest mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk until everything is velvety-smooth and almost fluffy. This is the heart of Martha Washington Candy, so take your time to make sure it’s truly creamy and well combined.

Step 2: Sweeten and Thicken

Now, gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating it in so there are no lumps left behind. You’ll notice the mixture begin to thicken, getting stiff and glossy—just what we want for candy making!

Step 3: Stir in the Goodies

Fold in the shredded coconut, chopped maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans. The mixture will look like a festive, chunky dough at this point. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours; this chilling time helps the filling firm up so you can shape it into perfect little balls.

Step 4: Shape the Candy Balls

Line two large sheet pans with parchment paper to keep things mess-free. Using a scoop or melon baller (about 1 ½ tablespoons per candy), form balls from the chilled mixture. Roll them gently in your palms for a smooth, polished finish, and place each on the prepared pans.

Step 5: Chill Again

Once all your balls are shaped, slide the sheet pans back into the fridge. Chilling them helps them hold their shape when they meet their decadent chocolate bath later on.

Step 6: Melt the Chocolate

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening. If your bowl isn’t big enough, you can divide the batch in half and work in two rounds. Heat the mixture in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the chocolate chips have mostly melted.

Step 7: Finish Melting and Stir Smooth

Give the chocolate a final stir until it’s completely smooth and glossy. The shortening ensures the coating will set beautifully and have that professional finish.

Step 8: Dip the Candies

Use a fork to gently dip and roll each candy ball through the melted chocolate. Hold it over the bowl to let any excess drip off, then return it to the parchment-lined sheet to set. Keep going until you’ve coated every single ball in chocolate.

Step 9: Set and Enjoy

Let the dipped candies set at room temperature, or pop them back into the fridge to speed things up. Once the chocolate is firm, your Martha Washington Candy is ready to devour (and delight everyone who tries it)!

How to Serve Martha Washington Candy

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans, a dusting of coconut, or even a tiny piece of maraschino cherry on top of each chocolate-dipped candy for an inviting presentation. You can also drizzle a little melted white chocolate for contrast—these small touches make Martha Washington Candy even more eye-catching.

Side Dishes

Martha Washington Candy pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or rich hot cocoa if you’re serving it after dinner. A light, tangy fruit salad also helps balance the sweetness if you’re building a dessert buffet. These candies are lovely alongside other homemade confections or cookies for a gorgeous dessert tray.

Creative Ways to Present

For a gift-worthy display, tuck each Martha Washington Candy into mini paper cups and arrange them in a pretty box or tin. Layer tissue or parchment paper between the candies to keep them from sticking. If you’re entertaining, pile them high on a tiered cake stand or nestle them in a holiday-themed bowl for instant festive charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Martha Washington Candy stores wonderfully in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for up to two weeks when refrigerated, making them ideal for prepping ahead of any special occasion.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these candies! After the chocolate coating has set, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. For longer storage, place parchment between layers. They’ll be just as delicious for up to three months—just thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Since Martha Washington Candy is best served chilled or at room temperature, it really doesn’t need reheating. If your candies have been frozen, simply let them come to room temperature or refrigerate until pleasantly cool before enjoying.

FAQs

What’s the story behind Martha Washington Candy?

This classic treat draws inspiration from old family recipes that circulated throughout the Southern United States, often around the holidays. The candy’s name hearkens back to elegant, “First Lady-worthy” sweets, making Martha Washington Candy a timeless, crowd-pleasing favorite.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts will bring a slightly bolder, earthier flavor and a wonderful crunch. They make a lovely substitute if that’s what you have in the pantry or if you simply prefer their taste in your batch of Martha Washington Candy.

Is the shortening in the chocolate coating necessary?

Shortening is optional, but it really does help create a shiny, professional finish and makes dipping much smoother. If you’d rather skip it, you can try coconut oil as an alternative for a subtle coconut note, or just go with melted chocolate on its own.

What’s the best way to chop maraschino cherries without making a mess?

After draining the cherries, pat them dry on paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Then use a sharp knife on a cutting board lined with more paper towels to easily chop without juice running everywhere—this prevents the candy mixture from getting too wet.

Can kids help with making Martha Washington Candy?

Definitely! Kids love rolling the filling into balls (and sneaking a few tastes, of course). Just keep a watchful eye during the chocolate dipping step, as the melted chocolate will be warm. Making Martha Washington Candy can be a fantastic, hands-on family activity.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a nostalgic, show-stopping treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Martha Washington Candy fits the bill in every way. Whether you share it with family, wrap it up for friends, or keep a secret stash for yourself, these little candies are guaranteed to bring sweet joy with every bite. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!

Martha Washington Candy Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 60 candies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Martha Washington Candy is a classic sweet treat made with a rich mixture of butter, coconut, cherries, pecans, and chocolate. These bite-sized candies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special homemade gift.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Candy:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
4 cups powdered sugar
14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
10 oz. jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
3 cups pecans, chopped

For the Chocolate Coating:

6 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 tablespoons shortening

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, vanilla, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar and beat until combined.
Mix in the coconut, cherries, and pecans. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up the mixture.
Line two large sheet pans with parchment paper.
Use a scoop or melon baller to form balls from the chilled mixture. Roll the balls in the palms of your hands for uniformity.
Place the formed balls onto parchment paper and refrigerate.
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips and shortening in increments until melted.
Dip and roll each candy ball in the melted chocolate. Tap to remove excess and place on paper to set.
Continue dipping and setting all the candy balls. Refrigerate to set quickly.

Notes

Store Martha Washington Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
You can customize this recipe by using different nuts or adding a splash of rum or bourbon to the mixture.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Chilling, Dipping
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 candy
Calories: 180
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 25mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Martha Washington Candy, Candy Recipe, Homemade Candy, Holiday Treat, Chocolate Covered Candy