Martha Washington Candy

By :

Laura

October 26, 2025

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

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Why make this recipe

Martha Washington Candy is a classic treat that has been loved for generations. It combines the delightful flavors of sweetened coconut, creamy butter, and rich chocolate. This candy is perfect for festive occasions, celebrations, or even just as a special indulgence for yourself. Making these candies has several benefits:

Homemade Quality: Homemade candies have a freshness and flavor that store-bought options can’t match. You control the ingredients, which means you can avoid preservatives and artificial flavors.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the nuts to your liking or even switch out the chocolate for something different.
Fun to Make: Making candy can be a fun activity to share with family and friends. Kids love getting involved with rolling balls and dipping them in chocolate!
Gift-Worthy: These candies are perfect to package up as gifts. Their classic appearance and delicious taste make them a delightful treat for anyone receiving them.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple family dessert, Martha Washington Candy tends to be a hit with everyone.

How to make Martha Washington Candy

Making Martha Washington Candy is a straightforward process that requires just a few steps. Let’s dive into the specifics of how to create this sweet treat!

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 (14-ounce) package shredded sweetened coconut flakes
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
8-10 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
24 ounces good quality melting chocolate
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening or coconut oil (if using chocolate chips)

Directions

Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, evaporated milk, and pure vanilla extract. Stir in the entire package of shredded sweetened coconut flakes until well distributed.
Add Sugar & Nuts: Gradually add 8-10 cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar, mixing thoroughly after each addition, until the mixture transforms into a thick, pliable dough that is no longer sticky and holds its shape. If desired, fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts until evenly distributed.
Chill Filling: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling step is crucial for the mixture to firm up and become easier to handle.
Form Candy Balls: Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the chilled mixture and roll each portion into a smooth, compact 1-inch ball (or desired shape). Place the formed candies on the prepared baking sheets.
Second Chill: Return the baking sheets with the formed candies to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to 1 hour. This ensures the candies are firm and cold, which is key for a beautiful chocolate coating.
Melt Chocolate: Melt the 24 ounces of good quality melting chocolate. Use a double boiler for gentle, even heat, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each. If using chocolate chips, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to achieve a smoother, more fluid consistency suitable for dipping.
Dip Candies: Retrieve the thoroughly chilled candy balls from the refrigerator. Carefully drop one ball into the melted chocolate, submerge it completely with a dipping fork, then lift it out, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Transfer the chocolate-coated candy onto the parchment-lined baking sheets.
Set & Store: Once all candies are dipped, allow the chocolate coating to set completely. This can be done at room temperature in a cool place, or in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes. Once fully hardened, transfer the Martha Washington Candies to an airtight container, layering them between sheets of wax paper. Store in a cool, dry place for 1-2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. For best flavor, serve at room temperature.

Nutriments benefits

Martha Washington Candies aren’t just delicious; they also contain several nutritional benefits, mainly from their ingredients:

Coconut: Coconut is a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and minerals, which can be beneficial for heart health and digestion.
Nuts: If you choose to include pecans or walnuts, you add protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, which are good for brain health.
Butter: While butter does add calories, it also contains Vitamin A and is a source of beneficial fatty acids.
Minimal sugar: You control the amount of confectioners’ sugar added, giving you the ability to adjust sweetness to your preference.

What to Serve With Martha Washington Candy

Martha Washington Candy pairs beautifully with a variety of things:

Coffee or Tea: The rich flavors of cocoa and coconut complement the warmth of a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
Milk: A classic choice, milk pairs perfectly with these sweet treats, balancing out the sweetness.
Ice Cream: Serve the candies alongside vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Why You’ll Love This

You’ll love Martha Washington Candy for its versatile nature. It’s perfect for nearly any occasion, whether wrapped as gifts or served at gatherings. The creamy texture coupled with a smooth chocolate coating makes them utterly irresistible. Plus, the combination of coconut and nuts adds a delightful crunch, enhancing each bite. They not only look impressive but also deliver an incredible burst of flavor that keeps people coming back for more.

How to store Martha Washington Candy

To keep your candies fresh, follow these simple steps:

Cool Completely: Ensure the candies have completely cooled and set before storing them.
Use Airtight Containers: Store the cooled candies in airtight containers to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors.
Layer with Wax Paper: When stacking different layers of candies, use wax paper to separate them. This helps avoid sticking together.
Cool, Dry Place: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1-2 weeks. If you want them to last longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.
Serving Temperature: For best flavor, serve at room temperature.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

Sifting Sugar: Make sure to sift the confectioners’ sugar thoroughly to prevent lumps in your mixture.
Chilling Time: Don’t skip the chilling steps! This is critical for handling and dipping the candy.
Thickness of Chocolate: Adjust the consistency of the melted chocolate as needed. If it seems too thick, adding shortening can help.
Don’t Rush: Take your time dipping the candies; rushing can lead to messier outcomes.

Variation

While the classic Martha Washington Candy is delightful, you can try variations as well:

Flavor Swap: Experiment with other extracts like almond or coconut for a different flavor profile.
Chocolate Types: Try using dark chocolate or white chocolate instead of standard melting chocolate for a unique twist.
Other Nuts: Substitute pecans or walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preference.
Dried Fruit Addition: For an extra texture and flavor dimension, consider adding finely chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to the filling.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweetened or unsweetened coconut?
Using sweetened coconut flakes is traditional for making Martha Washington Candy, as they lend the necessary sweetness. Unsweetened flakes could be used, but you may need to adjust the sugar accordingly.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a week in advance and store them in the fridge. They actually improve in flavor as they sit!

3. What’s the best way to melt chocolate?
The best way to melt chocolate is using a double boiler for gentle heating. Alternatively, using a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, also works well.

Martha Washington Candy is not only delicious but also a treat steeped in tradition. With its unique flavor and satisfying texture, it is sure to delight anyone who tries it. Follow the steps in this guide, and you’ll have a wonderful batch of homemade candy to share and enjoy.