Martha Washington Candy
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Martha Washington Candy is a classic candy made with chocolate, coconut, and pecans. I simplify the recipe without losing any of that classic taste!
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Martha Washington Candy
When I reflect on my favorite childhood Christmas memories, I remember the most, not the toys or gifts I received. Although, I was pretty fond of the toys. By the way, boys have way cooler toys: remote-controlled cars, race tracks, BB guns, and train sets. The funny thing is, I always wanted and asked for a doll. I played with them for about 3 minutes before I threw them to the side and started playing with the cool boy toys my brother received. During those times, I also enjoyed some delicious Martha Washington Candy.
My Childhood Christmas Memories
While the gifts and toys were nice, looking back, however, my fondest memories are of the family being together: cooking, laughing, reminiscing, and eating. We were always in the kitchen. Maybe I should have realized my passion for cooking then. Additionally, the clinking and clanking of utensils, pots, and pans, as well as the talking and laughing, I love the sound of being in the kitchen.
It’s no surprise either that one of my favorite holiday treats is a candy that my mother made every Christmas, but only at Christmas. Therefore, the making of Martha Washington Candy recipe signifies Christmas is near. It is a tradition. As well, it wouldn’t be Christmas without it. As you know, this candy has been around for years. Most notably, it’s simple yet elegant, quick yet gourmet, and outrageously rich!
This candy recipe is a favorite and cherished family tradition!
Why is it called Martha Washington Candy?
It’s unclear how this particular confection got its name. However, most foodies conclude that it originated in the chain of candy stores named Martha Washington Candies. These stores started opening in the 1890s and were quite popular until the Depression hit in the 1920s.
It’s likely that Martha Washington, the person, had little if anything to do with the stores or the candy that bears her name.
Original Martha Washington Candy Recipe
This is the original recipe that my Mother passed along to me. Be sure to scroll past it to the new, revised, and easier recipe!!
2 boxes powdered sugar
1 cup butter, melted
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 pound chopped pecans
14 ounces coconut
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 lb paraffin
Combine sugar, butter, milk, pecans, and coconut.
Roll into small balls and chill.
Melt chocolate and paraffin in a double boiler.
Dip the ball in chocolate and lay it on parchment paper to dry. This traditional Martha Washington Candy recipe has always been a family favorite.
Below is the recipe that I altered. I use Ghirardelli Melting chocolate to dip the truffles in. Simply melt it, dip the candy balls in it, and then allow them to dry.
The recipe below makes half of the original recipe.
How to Melt Chocolate
How to Melt Chocolate on the Stove
To melt chocolate on the stove, use a double boiler setup, which combines a saucepan and a slightly smaller heatproof bowl. Set the bowl on top of the saucepan, which has a small amount of boiling water, creating gentle, indirect heat that melts the chocolate without burning it. Steam from the water is an even heat source, giving you more control as the chocolate melts.
Only a little water is needed for the steam to melt the chocolate effectively, and it’s essential to keep any water from touching the chocolate, as this will make it seize up.
After melting, dry the bottom of the bowl to prevent any water from mixing with the chocolate.
- Fill a saucepan with 1–2 inches of water and boil on the stovetop.
- Place a slightly smaller, heat-safe bowl on top, making sure it sits above the water without touching it.
- Add the chocolate to the bowl and stir frequently to ensure it melts smoothly (about 2–3 minutes). Once fully melted, carefully remove the bowl and dry the bottom to avoid any water contact.
How to Melt Chocolate in the Microwave
Melting chocolate in the microwave for Martha Washington Candy is a quick and convenient method that skips waiting for water to boil, yet works just as well as a double boiler. Be careful, though—overheating can cause the chocolate to seize and turn lumpy.
- Set your microwave to 30% power to let the chocolate melt gradually and evenly. Full power may cause it to burn. Stir every 30 seconds to help it melt smoothly.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Note: If only a few lumps remain in the melted chocolate, microwave for only 15 seconds at 30% power.
More truffle recipes are here and below
Delicious fudge recipes
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I updated this post from an earlier version dated December 3, 2012. I made new photos and simplified the recipe instructions to ensure the best outcome for Martha Washington Candy.
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Martha Washington Candy
Ingredients
- 4 cup powdered sugar (aka confectioners) sifted
- 1/2 cup butter room temp (not melted)
- 6 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes chopped in food processor
- 2 cup chocolate candy melts
Instructions
- Cream sugar and butter together. (This mixture will be thick.)
- Add milk, pecans, and coconut.
- Roll into small balls and chill at least 1 hour.
- Melt chocolate. Dip candy in chocolate and allow to dry on parchment paper.
- Share and Enjoy!
- *If your mixture isn’t thick add more sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time until thick (think cookie dough consistency)
- **I use coconut that is found on the baking isle, usually close to chocolate chips and nuts (not frozen).
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.
I have been making Martha Washington Candy since the 1960’s with my mama. I only make once a year for Christmas. My family gets upset if I don’t bring a candy tray for the family Christmas dinner. I make several different kinds. I use to make 10-15 different kinds, now I only make 5-6 different ones.
Dee:
I wonder why they use paraffin in this recipe. It’s in the ingredient list but not the instructions. Do you use paraffin in your recipe?
Scroll down to the new recipe in the recipe box. There isn’t paraffin in my new version
Brenda,
In the original instructions it says – Melt chocolate and paraffin in a double boiler.
I’m sure this is to help the melting process of the chocolate that was available during that time period. We have much different chocolate and even melting chocolate available today.
But what’s the correlation to Martha Washington? I hope there is one. Is this one of her genuine recipes? I really wanted to know that!
I couldn’t find any hard facts on the name origination. However, I believe that is tied to the Martha Washington Candies chain of candy stores that started in the 1890’s rather than to Martha Washington, the person. The stores were booming until the depression hit when they slowly all closed by early in the 1930’s.
I have all the ingredients for these, am going to try soon! Just wondered, do you use the shredded sweetened coconut sold in bags (Baker’s brand, I think)? Do I still have to chop up the coconut in a food processor If I use the shredded coconut? Thank you!
I do use the shredded coconut in a bag (that’s usually in the baking section) You don’t HAVE to chop it in the food processor. I do. I don’t like big pieces of coconut.
I make this every year. But I use cherries in some,peppermint flavor in some,and orange flavor in some,coconut in some and nuts in some.
I almost cried when I saw this on Pinterest. My mother made these every year for Christmas – right after Thanksgiving. She made these and peanut butter balls too. I’ve never had them with cherries either. As we got older she did freeze them and they were just as good. It’s been many years since she’s made them and am so happy to have come across the recipe as I never got it from her, so THANK YOU!!
You are so very welcome! I immediately think of childhood Christmases when I think of them.
I also have always had these with chopped maraschino cherries. I was told that’s where the name originated… because of the cherry tree story.
Aren’t they supposed to have cherries in them too?
I’ve never had them with cherries in them.
Like the “Vicky” above, I am also “Vickie” and have eaten these for decades until my Mother could no longer make them and I am 60! The paraffin was an integral part of making the chocolate shiny and like “fine” candy in the day. My Mother would form the balls of the coconut mixture and refrigerate them overnight with the toothpick in them and then dip them in the chocolate. And hers also froze beautifully and lasted until the last one was eaten-usually by my Dad who would eat them with butter popcorn that Mom popped on the stove top. He loved the salty/sweet thing! Thanks for keeping this recipe alive.