Name: Martha Washington Candy Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ sticks unsalted butter (melted); 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups shredded coconut (sweetened); 14 ounces (1 can) sweetened condensed milk; 10 ounces (1 jar) maraschino cherries (drained and chopped); 1½ cups pecans (chopped); 16 ounces chocolate melting wafers

I absolutely adore making and sharing this nostalgic Martha Washington Candy Recipe because it brings back such warm memories while delivering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. This candy is like a little bite of holiday magic, with its creamy coconut, crunchy pecans, sweet cherries, and rich chocolate coating all wrapped up in one delightful treat. I love that it’s homemade yet surprisingly simple to whip up, making it one of my favorite recipes to share with friends and family during festive seasons or whenever I want to indulge in something special.

Why You’ll Love This Martha Washington Candy Recipe

What really makes this Martha Washington Candy Recipe stand out for me is the incredible combination of flavors and textures packed into each bite. The sweetness of the shredded coconut and maraschino cherries perfectly balances with the buttery richness and the slight crunch of chopped pecans. Then, when you dip each piece in smooth, melted chocolate, it creates a luscious outer shell that gives just the right snap before you get to that creamy, chewy center. Every time I make this, it feels like I’m giving everyone a little gift of pure happiness.

Besides tasting amazing, this recipe is wonderfully manageable to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and I appreciate that much of the work involves mixing and chilling rather than complicated cooking techniques. It’s great for those moments when I want something impressive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, these candies are fantastic for any occasion—holiday parties, family gatherings, gift baskets, or just a cozy night at home with a cup of tea. Honestly, I find myself reaching for this Martha Washington Candy Recipe whenever I want to make people smile with a homemade treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven small white bowls and one can arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients. Starting from the top left, there is a white bowl filled with dark brown chocolate melting wafers, smooth and round. To the right, a white bowl with fine, snowy white powdered sugar. Below, a white bowl full of shredded coconut, light and fluffy in texture. To the right of the coconut, a small white bowl filled with bright red maraschino cherries with stems. Below the cherries, a small white bowl with chopped pecans, showing a mix of light brown and darker nut pieces. To the left of the pecans is a small glass bowl containing melted yellow butter with a glossy surface. On the left side of the image sits a red and white can of condensed milk, and above the cherries is a tiny white bowl with amber-colored vanilla extract. All items are neatly spaced and labeled with black text. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses simple, essential ingredients that each bring their own unique contribution—whether it’s texture, flavor, or that beautiful color contrast. Having everything on hand makes preparation smooth, and each element works in harmony for that classic Martha Washington Candy experience.

Unsalted butter (1½ sticks, melted): Adds a rich creaminess that blends the dry ingredients smoothly.
Powdered sugar (4 cups): Provides sweetness with a fine texture that gives the candies their delicate structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the mixture with warm, aromatic notes that tie all flavors together.
Sweetened shredded coconut (3 cups): Contributes chewy texture and tropical sweetness.
Sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces): Acts as a luscious binding agent that brings moistness and depth.
Maraschino cherries (10 ounces, drained and chopped): Offer vibrant pops of color and a subtle fruity tartness.
Pecans (1½ cups, chopped): Provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that balances the sweetness.
Chocolate melting wafers (16 ounces): Make for a smooth, glossy coating that finishes the candies beautifully.

Directions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, I start by combining the melted unsalted butter with powdered sugar, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Then I add the vanilla extract and mix everything together thoroughly, letting that lovely aroma fill the kitchen.

Step 2: Next, I stir in the shredded coconut and the sweetened condensed milk, mixing gently but evenly to ensure every bit of coconut is coated and the mixture becomes thick and sticky.

Step 3: After that, I carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chopped pecans until everything is fully incorporated, giving me a beautiful blend of colors and textures ready for shaping.

Step 4: Then comes the fun part—I roll the mixture into 1-inch balls by hand, placing each one onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Once all the balls are ready, I pop them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up properly.

Step 5: While the balls chill, I melt the chocolate wafers according to the package instructions, using either a microwave or a double boiler. I stir frequently to make sure the chocolate is perfectly smooth and glossy, which is essential for that beautiful finish.

Step 6: Once the balls have firmed up, I carefully dip each one into the melted chocolate with a fork or dipping tool, making sure it’s fully coated. I let the excess chocolate drip off before placing the candy back onto the parchment-lined sheet.

Step 7: After all the candies are dipped, I return the tray to the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes so the chocolate sets firmly, forming a crisp shell.

Step 8: Finally, the candies are ready to be enjoyed! I often serve them chilled or at room temperature, and any leftovers go into an airtight container to keep fresh.

Servings and Timing

This Martha Washington Candy Recipe yields about 36 delightful servings—perfect for sharing at parties or gifting. Prep time takes around 20 minutes to gather and combine ingredients, while active cooking time is minimal since there’s no stovetop cooking involved except melting the chocolate, which takes about 10 minutes. Most of the time is hands-off chilling: 30 minutes for the candy balls and an additional 10-15 minutes for the chocolate to set. Altogether, you should plan for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish to complete this delicious treat.

How to Serve This Martha Washington Candy Recipe

A close-up view of round chocolate balls stacked together on a white plate, each with a smooth dark chocolate outer layer. One chocolate ball is cut open in the center, revealing a creamy white filling with visible shredded coconut and small bright red pieces mixed inside, adding texture and color contrast. The chocolate shell has a slightly shiny surface with small cracks near the opening. The background shows a white marbled surface, and the photo is sharp with a focus on the opened chocolate ball. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these candies at holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers because they’re both visually appealing and satisfyingly sweet. For presentation, placing them on a festive platter lined with doilies or colorful parchment paper really makes them pop. I also like to garnish with a few whole pecans or a sprinkle of shredded coconut to add an extra touch of elegance.

They pair wonderfully with light beverages—think a cup of hot coffee or tea, which balances their sweetness nicely. For something festive, a glass of sparkling wine or a cherry-infused cocktail complements the hints of maraschino cherries within the candy. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with a splash of cherry juice also work beautifully.

These candies are best served chilled or at room temperature, as the chocolate coating stays pleasantly firm but not too hard to bite into. I usually suggest portioning them as bite-sized pieces, perfect for nibbling at a party or adding to dessert tables. The rich, chewy center with that crisp chocolate layer makes every bite feel like a little celebration.

Variations

I’ve experimented with this Martha Washington Candy Recipe in many ways to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, swapping out pecans for walnuts or almonds gives a slightly different nutty flavor that I find equally delightful. If you prefer a more tropical twist, adding a little dried pineapple or swapping maraschino cherries for dried cranberries brings a new dimension of fruity sweetness.

For those looking for dietary modifications, I’ve tried making this vegan by using coconut oil or vegan butter instead of butter and substituting sweetened condensed coconut milk for the traditional version—though the texture becomes a bit softer, it’s still wonderfully satisfying. Gluten-free versions are naturally safe here, as none of the ingredients contain gluten, making this candy accessible for many dietary preferences.

I’ve also tinkered with the chocolate coating by using dark chocolate wafers instead of milk chocolate for a richer, less sweet finish or white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier experience. You can also add a pinch of sea salt on top right after dipping for a sophisticated sweet-salty combo that’s absolutely irresistible.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Martha Washington Candy fresh, I always store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge, depending on climate. I recommend layering the candies with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they typically stay delicious for up to a week when stored properly. This makes it easy to prepare ahead of time or enjoy over several days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these candies successfully by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transferring them to a sealed freezer-safe container or zipper bag. They can keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Reheating

Since Martha Washington Candy is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t typically necessary. If the chocolate coating loses its snap after thawing, I find a brief 5-minute chill in the refrigerator restores the perfect texture. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the chocolate unevenly and affect the candy’s structure.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries are delicious but much less sweet and have more moisture than maraschino cherries, which might affect the candy’s texture and sweetness balance. If you want to use fresh cherries, I recommend drying them thoroughly and possibly adding a bit of extra powdered sugar or coconut to compensate.

What can I substitute for the chocolate melting wafers?

You can use any good-quality chocolate bars melted down in a double boiler or microwave. Just be sure to stir frequently and avoid overheating. Chocolate chips also work well, but melting wafers give a smoother coating that’s easier to work with.

Is it necessary to chill the candy balls before dipping?

Yes, chilling the balls helps them firm up so they hold their shape during dipping. If you skip this step, the mixture can be too soft and sticky, making it difficult to coat evenly with chocolate.

Can I make this candy ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Martha Washington Candy actually tastes better after the flavors meld together for a day or two. You can prepare the candy balls and dip them in chocolate a day before your event, then store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Are there any allergy-friendly options?

If you have nut allergies, simply omit the pecans or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Using dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate wafers can also make this candy suitable for those avoiding dairy.

Conclusion

Trying this Martha Washington Candy Recipe has been one of my most joyful kitchen adventures, and I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It’s a charming, satisfying treat that feels both nostalgic and special, perfect for sharing and celebrating life’s sweet moments. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and surprise your loved ones with these delightful, handmade confections!