Here’s the big, complete recipe for Martha Washington Candy (with Coconut & Pecans) 🍫🥥🌰 — a truly nostalgic, old-fashioned candy that has been loved for generations.
🍫 Martha Washington Candy (with Coconut & Pecans) 🥥🌰
🌟 Introduction
Martha Washington Candy is a classic old-fashioned confection that combines the richness of coconut, the crunch of pecans, and the creamy sweetness of condensed milk and powdered sugar — all dipped in smooth chocolate. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holidays, weddings, and family gatherings. Named after America’s first First Lady, Martha Washington, these candies carry a sense of heritage, comfort, and tradition in every bite.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor, optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dipping chocolate)
- 2 tbsp shortening (optional, helps thin chocolate for dipping)
👩🍳 Instructions & Methods
Step 1: Make the Candy Mixture
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, mixing gradually until a soft dough forms.
- Stir in shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to shape.
Step 2: Shape the Candies
- Scoop out small portions and roll into 1-inch balls.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for 30 minutes (this helps keep their shape when dipping in chocolate).
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Alternatively, melt chocolate in a double boiler for better control.
Step 4: Dip the Candies
- Using a fork or dipping tool, coat each ball in melted chocolate.
- Place them back on the parchment-lined tray.
- Let the chocolate set completely (you can refrigerate them for faster results).
📜 History & Formation
Martha Washington Candy traces its origins back to early American kitchens, where home cooks often made sweets with pantry staples like coconut, pecans, and condensed milk. Although the exact connection to Martha Washington herself is debated, the candy became widely popular in the early-to-mid 1900s as part of holiday candy assortments.
These candies were particularly common in the Southern United States, where pecans and coconut were abundant. The combination of creamy filling and chocolate coating mirrored older European candy traditions but was given a uniquely American twist — making it a treasured part of holiday celebrations for generations.
💕 Lovers of This Candy
This candy is adored by:
- Holiday candy makers who love filling tins with homemade treats.
- Chocolate lovers who crave a creamy, nutty surprise inside.
- Coconut fans who enjoy chewy texture and tropical sweetness.
- Families passing down recipes from mothers and grandmothers.
- Sweet tooth lovers who can never stop at just one piece.
🏁 Conclusion
Martha Washington Candy is a true heritage recipe — rich, sweet, and packed with flavor. Each piece is a perfect blend of coconut, pecans, and chocolate, offering a comforting taste of tradition. Whether enjoyed during Christmas, Easter, or at weddings, this candy brings people together with nostalgia and sweetness.
Make a batch, share them with loved ones, and you’ll see why these little chocolate-dipped treasures have stood the test of time. ❤️🍬🍫
Would you like me to also write a Christmas gift-box version of this candy (with red/green sprinkles, white chocolate drizzle, or rum flavoring) so it’s holiday-ready? 🎄