Description
An irresistible Southern classic with creamy coconut-pecan centers, a whisper of vanilla, and a glossy chocolate shell. Martha Washington Candy is nostalgic, decadent, and delightfully no-bake perfect for Christmas trays, homemade gifts, or sweet little moments any time you crave a bite of holiday magic.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the balls
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, enhances flavor)
- For the coating
- 2 cups melted chocolate (chips, couverture, or real chocolate)
- 1–2 teaspoons vegetable or coconut oil (to soften texture, optional)
Instructions
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Mix in vanilla. Stir in powdered sugar, coconut, pecans, and salt (if using) until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Chill and shape: Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to firm. Scoop and roll into walnut-sized (about 1-inch) balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate 30–45 minutes more.
- Melt chocolate: Gently melt chocolate (microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each, or use a double boiler). For a thinner, softer coating, stir in 1–2 teaspoons oil.
- Dip: Working with a few balls at a time (keep the rest chilled), dip each into chocolate using a fork or dipping tool. Tap off excess and return to the lined sheet.
- Set: Refrigerate 15–20 minutes until the chocolate is firm. Optionally drizzle with extra chocolate or add festive sprinkles before it fully sets.
Notes
- Work in batches: keep uncoated balls refrigerated so they stay firm for dipping.
- If chocolate blooms or looks dull, it wasn’t tempered still delicious, but for shine and snap, temper or use couverture.
- A dipping fork or two forks help excess chocolate drip away; slide candies off with a toothpick for neat bottoms.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy, Christmas Treats
- Method: No-Bake, Refrigerated
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy ball
- Calories: ≈ 160
- Sugar: ≈ 18 g
- Sodium: ≈ 25 mg
- Fat: ≈ 9 g
- Saturated Fat: ≈ 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ≈ 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ≈ 20 g
- Fiber: ≈ 1 g
- Protein: ≈ 2 g
- Cholesterol: ≈ 8 mg
Keywords: Martha Washington Candy, Southern candy, coconut pecan balls, Christmas candy, chocolate-dipped candy