Home ChristmasMartha Washington Candy

Martha Washington Candy

Name: Martha Washington Candy
Prep time: 12 h
Total time: 12 h
Yield: 24
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 (14-ounce) bag sweetened shredded coconut; 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar, may need more; 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans; 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening

Martha Washington Candy has a pecan and coconut center covered in chocolate. This old-fashioned favorite is perfect for holiday gift giving.

Prep12 hr
Total12 hr
Serves24
Rating4.8

Martha Washington Candy has a pecan and coconut center covered in chocolate. This old-fashioned favorite is perfect for holiday gift giving.

My favorite childhood Christmas memories are around food. Especially sweets. (Read more about me here.)

Along with Buckeye Balls, these candies are what I look most forward to making each holiday season and they get gobbled up quickly.

If you haven’t already made candy-making a holiday tradition, now is the time to start and these easy coconut candies are the perfect easy candy recipe to begin with.

Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *Email *

I don’t know the exact history behind Martha Washington Candy. There was a chain of Martha Washington candy stores started back in the 1890s and I think they are connected. Anyone have any knowledge?

Martha Washington Candy on a baking sheet. Some haven't been dipped in chocolate yet.

This candy has been a popular addition to southern candy and cookie trays for generations. Also called “Coconut Bonbons”, these homemade candies are divine. The center is so rich, buttery, and full of coconut flavor with crunchy pieces of pecan. If you are a fan of coconut, you will love these little bites of heaven!

Ingredients Needed

Sweetened Condensed Milk
Unsalted Butter
Sweetened Shredded Coconut
Powdered Sugar
Chopped Pecans
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Vegetable Shortening– Coconut Oil can be used instead.

Plan Ahead

You will need to do the first step of this recipe, mixing together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, coconut, chopped pecans, and powdered sugar, a day in advance.

How To Make Martha Washington Candy

Mix together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, shredded coconut, powdered sugar, and pecans in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight so that the mixture gets firm enough to shape into balls.
Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Melt the chocolate and shortening.
Dip the balls in the chocolate.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.

Old-fashioned Martha Washington Candy with coconut and pecans on a plate.

Pin this now to find it later

Try These Other Easy Candy Recipes

Recipe Source: Deep South Dish

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Ingredients

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 (14-ounce) bag sweetened shredded coconut
2 1/3 cups powdered sugar, may need more
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening

Equipment Wax Paper

Steps

1
In a large bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, coconut, powdered sugar, and pecans. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2
Shape into 1-inch balls and place an a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
3
Place the chocolate and shortening in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
4
Take about 10 balls out of the refrigerator at a time. One at a time dip them into the chocolate, lifting them out with a fork so the excess chocolate can drip down. Place them on wax paper. Let them sit until the chocolate has set.
5
Store in the refrigerator.