Martha Washington Candy

Martha Washington Candy is a delightful and easy-to-make old-fashioned sweet treat that will charm your friends and family during the holidays. With its rich blend of coconut, pecans, and cherries, this candy is perfect for gift giving or as a stunning addition to any cookie tray. Its impressive appearance and delicious flavor make it a must-have for Christmas celebrations and other festive occasions.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Candy Filling
• For the Coating
• How to Make Martha Washington Candy
• Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
• Step 2: Combine Ingredients
• Step 3: Chill the Mixture
• Step 4: Form Candy Balls
• Step 5: Prepare for Dipping
• Step 6: Dip the Balls
• Step 7: Repeat Dipping Process
• Step 8: Store Your Candies
• How to Serve Martha Washington Candy
• Gift Giving
• Cookie Tray
• Dessert Table
• Special Occasions
• How to Perfect Martha Washington Candy
• Best Side Dishes for Martha Washington Candy
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Martha Washington Candy
• Reheating Martha Washington Candy
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Martha Washington Candy?
• How can I customize my Martha Washington Candy?
• Can I make Martha Washington Candy ahead of time?
• How do I store leftover Martha Washington Candy?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Martha Washington Candy recipe requires simple steps that anyone can follow, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack these candies in decorative boxes or tins to create thoughtful gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet snack throughout the day. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
• Impressive Presentation: The elegant look of chocolate-covered candies makes them eye-catching on dessert tables or cookie trays.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet coconut, crunchy pecans, and tart cherries come together to create an irresistible flavor that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making Martha Washington Candy, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving that perfect candy texture.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Dipping tools (optional)
• Refrigerator

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl helps you combine all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Baking sheet: This is essential for setting the dipped candies once they are coated in chocolate.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

For the Candy Filling

• 1 cup butter (melted)
• 1 pound powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 14 ounces shredded coconut (sweetened)
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 10 ounces maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
• 3 cups finely chopped pecans

For the Coating

• 16 ounces candy coating

How to Make Martha Washington Candy

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Chop cherries into small pieces and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess liquid. Blot dry with additional paper towels to ensure they do not make the candy mixture too wet.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except for the candy coating. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Refrigerate the mixture for at least two hours. The colder it gets, the quicker the chocolate coating will set later on.

Step 4: Form Candy Balls

Once chilled, form the mixture into balls about the size of a walnut or approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place these balls back in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare for Dipping

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the candy coating according to package directions until smooth.

Step 6: Dip the Balls

Using dipping tools or forks, dip each ball into the melted candy coating. Tap off any excess chocolate before placing them on the lined baking sheet. Ensure you remove enough chocolate so it doesn’t pool at the bottom of each candy.

Step 7: Repeat Dipping Process

Continue dipping until all balls are covered in chocolate. Allow them to set at room temperature until firm.

Step 8: Store Your Candies

Store your delicious Martha Washington Candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy sharing this delightful treat!

How to Serve Martha Washington Candy

Martha Washington Candy is not only delicious but also versatile in how it can be presented. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your candy the star of any gathering.

Gift Giving

• Decorative Boxes: Place the candies in pretty boxes tied with ribbons for a charming gift.
• Holiday Treat Bags: Fill clear bags with candies and attach a festive tag for easy gifting during the holidays.

Cookie Tray

• Layered Presentation: Arrange the candies among other cookies on a tray for a colorful and inviting display.
• Themed Trays: Create a holiday-themed cookie tray, mixing Martha Washington Candy with other seasonal treats.

Dessert Table

• Buffet Style: Set up a dessert table at parties with Martha Washington Candy as one of the main attractions.
• Labeling: Use small signs to label the candy, so guests know what they’re enjoying.

Special Occasions

• Wedding Favors: Package them beautifully as wedding favors for guests to take home.
• Birthday Parties: Serve them at birthday celebrations for a sweet treat that everyone will love.

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How to Perfect Martha Washington Candy

To ensure your Martha Washington Candy turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill Ingredients Well: Make sure all ingredients, especially the filling, are well chilled before dipping in chocolate.
• Use Quality Chocolate Coating: A high-quality candy coating will enhance the flavor and appearance of your candies.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision is key; use measuring cups and spoons for the best results.
• Don’t Rush Setting Time: Allow enough time for the chocolate to set properly; this enhances texture and taste.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices or extracts like almond or coconut for unique flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Martha Washington Candy

Pairing side dishes with Martha Washington Candy can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses balances sweetness with savory flavors. Include crackers for added texture.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: Seasonal fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the candy.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Serve alongside fruits and marshmallows for dipping, creating an interactive dessert experience.
4. Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of Martha Washington Candy beautifully.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful chill next to these rich candies.
6. Nutty Trail Mix: A mix of nuts and dried fruits offers crunch and health benefits alongside your sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Martha Washington Candy can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Boldly skipping the refrigeration: Not chilling the mixture long enough can cause the candy to be too soft and difficult to handle. Refrigerate for at least two hours for better results.
• Boldly ignoring cherry moisture: Failing to blot the cherries can result in excess moisture in your candy. Always dry them thoroughly before mixing.
• Boldly overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many candies on a single sheet may lead to sticking or uneven setting. Space them out generously on the parchment paper.
• Boldly neglecting chocolate melting instructions: Overheating the candy coating can ruin its texture. Follow package directions closely for best melting results.
• Boldly underestimating storage needs: Storing candies improperly can lead to them drying out or becoming sticky. Use an airtight container for optimal freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Martha Washington Candy in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Martha Washington Candy

• You can freeze these candies for longer storage.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container once frozen solid. They can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Martha Washington Candy

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Place candies on a baking sheet just until slightly warm. Do not overheat!
• Microwave: Heat on low power in short intervals, checking frequently until just warm. Avoid overheating as it may alter texture.
• Stovetop: Use a double boiler with low heat. Gently warm the candies while stirring until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common queries about Martha Washington Candy.

What is Martha Washington Candy?

Martha Washington Candy is a delightful mix of coconut, pecans, and cherries covered in chocolate, perfect for gifting and holiday celebrations.

How can I customize my Martha Washington Candy?

You can customize this candy by adding different nuts or replacing cherries with dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for varied flavors!

Can I make Martha Washington Candy ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this candy several days in advance and store it properly for freshness without losing flavor.

How do I store leftover Martha Washington Candy?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for up to two weeks to maintain their deliciousness.

Final Thoughts

Martha Washington Candy is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, making it an ideal treat for various occasions. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients! Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with these delightful chocolates.