Martha Washington Candies

The holiday season is often synonymous with baking. However, if you’re like me and want to give your oven a break, these Martha Washington Candies are the perfect no-bake treat to add to your festive repertoire. These chocolate-dipped, sweetened coconut-pecan-cherry delights are sure to win over any coconut lover in your life.

Now, let’s be honest—this recipe isn’t shy about sugar. With ingredients like sweetened condensed milk, sweetened shredded coconut, chopped maraschino cherries, powdered sugar, and chocolate, it’s definitely a sweet indulgence. But, because each candy is a perfect bite-sized piece, you can enjoy them guilt-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These candies are incredibly easy to make and require no baking, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities. The combination of coconut, pecans, and cherries gives them a unique and festive flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, they look beautiful on a holiday dessert table!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Wax paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Small cookie scoop
• Microwave-safe bowl

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 lb powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 (14 oz) package sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 3 cups pecans, finely chopped
• 16 oz chocolate coating

Step-by-step Instructions for Preparing the Recipe

1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, coconut, condensed milk, and pecans. Gently fold in the chopped cherries. Refrigerate the mixture for at least two hours.
3. Using a small cookie scoop, scoop out the mixture and roll it into balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Chill them until firm, about 20 minutes.
4. Once firm, melt the chocolate coating in a microwave-safe bowl according to the package instructions. Dip the balls in the melted chocolate, shaking off any excess, and place them back on the wax paper. Allow them to sit until firm. Then, enjoy!

Tips for Success

For best results, make sure to refrigerate the mixture thoroughly before rolling it into balls—this helps the candies hold their shape. Also, when melting the chocolate, do it in short bursts to avoid burning.

Additional Tips or Variations

If you want to switch things up, try using different nuts like walnuts or almonds. You can also add a hint of sea salt on top of the chocolate for a sweet and salty combination.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While exact values depend on serving size, these candies are a rich source of energy thanks to the nuts and coconut. They do contain sugar, so enjoy them in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use unsweetened coconut? Yes, but it will alter the sweetness of the candies.
• How long do these candies keep? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
• Can I freeze these candies? Absolutely! They freeze well and can be kept for up to three months.

Conclusion

These Martha Washington Candies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Their easy preparation and delicious taste make them a crowd-pleaser. I invite you to give this recipe a try and share your experiences with friends and family. Enjoy, and happy holidays!