Irresistible Martha Washington Candy: A Classic Holiday Treat

Martha Washington Candy is a delightful, easy-to-make, old-fashioned confection, perfect for enriching your holiday celebrations. Combining the rich flavors of coconut, crunchy pecans, and sweet maraschino cherries, all enveloped in a smooth chocolate shell, this simple candy recipe is not only ideal for thoughtful gift-giving but also adds an impressive touch to any cookie or Christmas tray. It’s truly a must-make for the festive season!

For those seeking more festive delights, explore our collection of Christmas treats, including our popular Grinch Cookies, classic Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, and decadent Toffee recipes! These fan favorites promise to bring extra joy to your holiday gatherings.

There’s an undeniable charm to old-fashioned candies, and this Martha Washington Candy recipe epitomizes that timeless appeal. We cherish making these incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple candies for special occasions throughout the year, especially during Christmas and Valentine’s Day. The heart of these treats lies in their unbelievably delightful filling—a harmonious blend of sweet coconut, earthy pecans, and vibrant maraschino cherries, creating a taste sensation that’s truly irresistible.

Among my most treasured Christmas traditions are the memories of indulging in an abundance of sweets at my Grandma’s house every Christmas Eve. Each family member had their signature dish or dessert, and these Martha Washington Candies—or “Martha Washingtons” as we affectionately called them—were my Aunt Rene’s annual contribution. For me, they were always the candy I eagerly anticipated the most, a sweet symbol of family togetherness and holiday cheer.

Inspired by these cherished childhood memories, I’ve proudly incorporated these special candies into my own Christmas traditions. The entire family now looks forward to both gifting and enjoying these easy-to-make, exquisite treats, ensuring the legacy of Aunt Rene’s Martha Washingtons continues to sweeten our holidays.

Discover the Charm of Martha Washington Candy

There’s truly nothing to fault and everything to adore about these delectable candies. Imagine the sweet, chewy texture of coconut, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and the bright, fruity burst of maraschino cherries, all expertly enrobed in a rich chocolate coating. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, a perfect little package designed just for your enjoyment.

This recipe is surprisingly generous, yielding approximately five dozen delightful candies. While I tend to make mine a bit larger, my sister, who prefers smaller, bite-sized portions due to their richness, often makes hers about a quarter of the size. It’s a versatile recipe that allows you to customize the serving size to your preference, ensuring everyone can savor these rich, flavorful treats without feeling overwhelmed.

These Martha Washington Candies are an outstanding addition to any holiday celebration, effortlessly adding elegance and charm to your cookie or Christmas tray. But don’t limit them to just the festive season! They deserve to be enjoyed throughout the year, bringing a touch of homemade luxury to any occasion. They are especially fantastic for Valentine’s Day, making a sweet and thoughtful gesture for loved ones.

More Irresistible Holiday Candy Recipes

The holiday season is truly the best time for spreading joy through delicious homemade treats! Sharing and gifting yummy candies to friends and family creates lasting memories. Here are some more of our absolute favorite festive candy recipes that are sure to be a hit:

1. Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge: A classic, melt-in-your-mouth fudge that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
2. Perfect Peppermint Fudge: Refreshing and festive, this minty fudge is a holiday essential.
3. Southern Buttermilk Pecan Pralines: A buttery, nutty, and subtly sweet treat with a delightful texture.
4. Light and Fluffy Divinity Candy: An airy, nougat-like candy often featuring nuts, a true old-fashioned gem.
5. Vibrant Homemade Gumdrops: Chewy, fruity, and fun, these bring a pop of color to any spread.
6. M&Ms Marshmallow Dream Bars: A fun and colorful no-bake bar that kids and adults adore.

Essential Ingredients for Martha Washington Candy

Crafting this Martha Washington Candy recipe is incredibly straightforward, largely relying on staple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the perfect synergy of its components. Let’s delve into the key ingredients you’ll need to create these nostalgic, flavorful treats:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter, melted to ensure it incorporates smoothly and evenly into the mixture, contributing to the candy’s rich, creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar is crucial for achieving the smooth, velvety consistency of the candy filling. There’s no substitute for its delicate texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A good quality pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth that completes the candy’s profile.
• Shredded Coconut: We highly recommend using sweetened shredded coconut. Its moisture and sweetness are key to the candy’s characteristic chewiness and tropical flavor. Unsweetened coconut can be used but will alter the final sweetness and texture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is a vital binder and sweetener. Be absolutely certain you pick up sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk, as they are very different and not interchangeable in this recipe. The thick, sugary consistency of condensed milk is what makes the filling hold together so perfectly.
• Maraschino Cherries: For best results, the cherries need meticulous preparation. Drain them very thoroughly, then chop them into small pieces. Finally, blot them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent the candy filling from becoming watery.
• Chopped Pecans: Finely chopped pecans provide a wonderful crunch and a nutty depth of flavor. While pecans are traditional, you can certainly experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer, ensuring they are also finely chopped for even distribution.
• Candy Coating: For that perfect chocolate shell, we highly recommend using high-quality melting wafers, such as Ghirardelli melting wafers. They melt smoothly and set beautifully, providing a professional finish. Alternatively, you can use almond bark or your favorite chocolate melting chips, ensuring they are designed for dipping to achieve a smooth, crack-free coating.

Don’t discard that flavorful juice from your maraschino cherry jar! It’s an excellent base for creating an amazing Cherry Frosting that’s absolutely delicious and perfect for cakes or cupcakes!

Simple Steps to Craft Martha Washington Candy

Making these classic candies is surprisingly simple and requires no fancy equipment—you won’t even need a stand mixer! With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a batch of these delectable treats ready to enjoy. Here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. Prepare Cherries: Begin by thoroughly draining your maraschino cherries. Chop them into small, uniform pieces and then meticulously blot them dry using several layers of paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent the candy filling from becoming too wet, ensuring a perfect texture.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and the prepared chopped pecans and cherries. Stir everything together thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or spatula until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a cohesive, thick mixture.
3. Chill the Mixture: Once the filling is mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least two hours, or even overnight. The colder the filling, the easier it will be to handle and roll into balls, and the quicker your chocolate coating will set later on.
4. Form into Balls: After chilling, scoop portions of the mixture and roll them into uniform balls, approximately the size of a walnut or about 1 inch in diameter. Aim for consistency in size for even dipping. Place these formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and return them to the refrigerator for an additional 20 minutes to firm up further.
5. Melt Chocolate Coating: While the candy balls are chilling, prepare your candy coating. Melt your chosen candy wafers or chocolate according to the package directions. This usually involves melting in a microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, or using a double boiler, ensuring the chocolate remains smooth and workable.
6. Dip the Candies: Using dipping tools (which can make the process much easier, see our recommendation below!) or a fork, carefully dip each candy ball into the melted chocolate. Ensure it’s fully coated, then gently tap off any excess chocolate against the side of the bowl. This helps create a thin, even coating and prevents chocolate “feet” at the base.
7. Set Up: Place each chocolate-dipped candy back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow the chocolate to set and harden completely, either at room temperature in a cool place or by refrigerating the tray for a quicker set.
8. Enjoy and Store: Once the chocolate is firm, your Martha Washington Candies are ready to be enjoyed! Store them properly to maintain their freshness.

To truly elevate your candy-making experience, I highly recommend investing in quality candy dipping tools. I finally caved and bought some, and they have made my life infinitely easier, resulting in much prettier and more professional-looking candies. If you’re a regular candy maker, these are a definite must-buy!

Optimal Storage for Martha Washington Candy

Proper storage ensures your homemade Martha Washington Candies remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Follow these guidelines to keep your treats at their best:

Room Temperature or Refrigerator: Once the chocolate coating has fully set, store Martha Washington Candy in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully at cool room temperature for up to 1 week. For extended freshness, especially in warmer climates, or if you prefer a firmer candy, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent them from absorbing other odors.

To Freeze: Martha Washington Candies freeze exceptionally well. To freeze, first arrange the finished, chocolate-covered candies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about 20 minutes, or until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Once firm, transfer the candies to a freezer-safe ziploc bag or an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if necessary. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator until softened to your desired consistency.

More Festive Christmas Candy Delights

Extend your holiday baking repertoire with these additional beloved Christmas candy recipes. They are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in the festive spirit!

1. Addictive Christmas Crack Recipe: A crunchy, sweet, and salty toffee that disappears fast!
2. “Better Than Anything” Toffee: A truly unforgettable buttery, crunchy toffee with a chocolate topping.
3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies: A classic no-bake favorite with an added delightful crunch.
4. Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Balls: A sweet and salty twist on the traditional peanut butter ball.
5. Elegant Divinity Candy: A light, fluffy, and sophisticated candy perfect for special occasions.
6. Rich Maple Nut Fudge: A wonderfully creamy fudge bursting with maple and nutty flavors.

Originally published December 8, 2014, this classic Martha Washington Candy recipe continues to be a beloved tradition for generations.