Martha Washington Candies
If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent treat, these Martha Washington Candies are pure magic in every bite! Sweet coconut, cherries, and pecans all blended together, dipped in smooth chocolate this charming vintage candy is a perfect blend of texture and flavor. Trust me, you’re going to love this it’s a game-changer for holiday treats, gift tins, or just a little indulgence for yourself.
Why You’ll Love Martha Washington Candies
This recipe isn’t just about ingredients it’s about creating a moment of pure happiness. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a special party, or simply to treat yourself, these rich, creamy balls bring a bit of festive magic. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Great for holidays, gift trays, or a sweet treat all year round.
Budget-Friendly: Few ingredients come together to make something rich and indulgent.
Quick and Easy: Takes minutes to mix, chill, and dip in chocolate perfect for busy schedules.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite nuts or add sprinkles for a festive twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Everyone loves rich, creamy sweets dipped in chocolate it’s pure happiness in a bite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these Martha Washington Candies it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is rich, sweet, and indulgent. Let’s break it down:
Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Gives texture and a rich, sweet base.
Chopped Pecans: Adds a nice crunch and depth of flavor.
Maraschino Cherries (drained and chopped): Provide a pop of color and a sweet, tart flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Binds everything together into creamy goodness.
Powdered Sugar: Adds additional softness and sweetness.
Chocolate Coating (chocolate bark or melts): Covers these rich centers in a smooth chocolate layer.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these rich, creamy treats:
Combine Your Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, chopped cherries, sweetened condensed milk, and powdered sugar.
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and form a thick mixture.
Chill:
Cover and refrigerate mixture for 1-2 hours until firm enough to handle.
Once chilled, roll into small balls, about 1 inch in size.
Prepare Chocolate Coating:
Melt the chocolate bark or melts in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, stirring frequently until smooth and creamy.
Dip and Finish:
Using a small spoon or a dipping tool, dip each ball into the melted chocolate until fully covered.
Remove from chocolate and place on wax paper to set.
Repeat with all the balls.
Chill Again:
Once dipped, chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate hardens.
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the fridge and serve these rich treats at your holiday gathering or as a festive treat any time of year.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 150
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
How to Serve Martha Washington Candies
This rich, creamy candy is perfect for:
Your holiday cookie plate alongside other sweets.
Gifting in a festive box to friends and neighbors.
Serving at parties or special events a rich treat everyone will love.
Pairing with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a lovely afternoon indulgence.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Make sure mixture is chilled enough to handle easily.
Using a small cookie scoop can help keep sizes uniform.
Don’t overheat the chocolate; it should be smooth and creamy.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Add sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate for a festive finishing touch.
FAQ’s
1. Could I use a different kind of nut instead of pecans?
Of course almonds or walnuts would be delicious.
2. Are the cherries optional if I don’t like them?
Yes you can omit them or substitute with dried fruit.
3. Could I use dark or white chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Certainly it’s all about your preference.
4. Will these freeze well for later?
Yes freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a container. They keep well for up to 2 months.
5. Could I add a dash of vanilla extract to the mixture?
Of course a little vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor.
6. Do I need to drain the cherries first?
Yes make sure they are well drained and patted dry to avoid adding excess liquid.
7. Could I roll these in sprinkles or coconut instead of dipping in chocolate?
Certainly that’s a wonderful variation.
8. Are these okay to make a few days in advance?
Yes they stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
9. Could I use sweetened or unsweetened coconut?
Sweetened coconut adds additional softness and flavor it’s recommended.
10. Is there a way to make them less sweet?
You can cut back a bit on the powdered sugar or use dark chocolate instead of milk.
Conclusion
These rich and creamy Martha Washington Candies are pure holiday magic in a bite. Sweet coconut, cherries, and pecans all dipped in smooth chocolate it’s a combination that feels indulgent, festive, and a little bit nostalgic. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or simply to treat yourself, this recipe promises pure happiness with every piece. So grab your ingredients, get dipping, and enjoy these charming sweets all year round!
Print
Martha Washington Candies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 candies 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Martha Washington Candies are rich, creamy treats filled with coconut, cherries, and pecans, all dipped in smooth chocolate. They’re a classic holiday candy — perfect for gift boxes or festive platters!
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped cherries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 oz chocolate melts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, coconut, cherries, pecans, and vanilla extract.
- Roll mixture into small balls and chill for 30 minutes.
- Melt chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Using a toothpick or a small skewer, dip each ball into melted chocolate and place on wax paper.
- Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Add sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt on top for a festive touch.
- Substitute cherries with dried cranberries for a tart twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Martha Washington candy, chocolate sweets, holiday treats, no-bake, festive candy